Review of molding machine technology for precision glass molding of chalcogenide glass

摘要

Precision glass molding (PGM) of chalcogenide lenses has become an enabling technology for high volume thermal imaging applications. The molding machines that facilitate this technology vary widely in design, functionality, and cost. The machines range from single-axis compact machines and large-scale fixed die machines to progressive transfer molding machines and highly customized systems for specialized applications such as wafer level molding. These technologies are compared and contrasted with specific attention paid to the intricacies of precision molding of chalcogenide glass.