Wafer glass molding
Precision molding of optical glasses provides a fast yet highly
accurate way of replicating optical structures in large quantities
compared to other methods such as direct polishing. By further
integrating multiple optical structures in a single molded unit and
using free-form surfaces as a replacement for spherical surfaces, it is
possible to increase performance and at the same time reduce
component size. In addition, this monolithic integration will take
complexity out of the manual assembly step in traditional
pick-and-place systems and bring the complexity to the process step
of manufacturing the mold die.
Below please find an overview of features and benefits by Kaleido's wafer-level molding technology as compared to conventional wafer manufacturing technologies:
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Adaptive process feed-back control:
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Kaleido's precision-molding technology makes heavy use of a robust feed-back control system monitoring critical system parameters and using this feed-back to adapt each individual molding cycle to the present conditions. As a consequence, every wafer is molded under ideal conditions and this is a key enabling factor in realizing molding of large wafers. In addition, the mold die lifetime benefits from this technology.
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Vacuum molding with load-lock mechanisms:
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Kaleido's molding technology is a vacuum technology giving the ability to mold complex structures and improve tool life. In contrast to existing vacuum molding technologies relying on vacuum enclosures, Kaleido's technology is designed with speed and efficiency in mind, because of the use of load-lock systems combined with preheat and post cooling stations. In this way the cycle time is reduced to an absolute minimum adding to the cost-efficiency of the technology.
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