Optical is a term referring to the relationship between light and vision. Five optical properties that can be measured are clarity, color, refraction, haze and luminous transmittance.
- Clarity can be defined as either being transparent, opaque, or translucent.
- Color is a basic requirement for plastic parts for which plastic resin lends itself well.
- Refraction refers to bending of light waves as it passes obliquely from one medium to another medium of different density. The refractive index is used as a purity measurement and for optical design.
- Haze and Luminous Transmittance are tests to measure the light transmitting properties of clear plastic.
Molding Solutions:
- To mold an optical part, the cavity/core surface must be of optical quality! Course 6 covers this topic.
- Avoid anything that may cause stress. The temperature differential across the entire mold surface must be as small as possible to prevent stress.
- To avoid splay, there can be no moisture in the molding resin.
Page 19 of 21