The OVD Mastering Process
Spatial Imaging can provide a complete end-to-end OVD mastering solution using the very latest techniques and equipment.
The mastering process consists of four stages:
1. Photoresist blank fabrication
The OVD mastering process begins by either making your own or sourcing photoresist blanks.
Make:
The PicoSDC automates the process of making your own very high-quality photoresist blanks.
Source:
We recommend sourcing photoresist blanks from our partner Telic Company, USA.
2. OVD master exposure / recording
The next stage of the process is to directly write the chosen micron and sub-micron structures onto the surface of the photoresist blank through laser exposure.
Choose from a range of OVD direct-write lithography (DWL), micro-lithography, and interference lithography recording systems.
Each system offers different capabilities, sizes, speeds, resolutions, and features.
Two of the world's leading brands are offered, the Raith Laser Systems range of PicoMaster systems and the Spatial Imaging range of Lightgate systems.
3. OVD master development and drying
The next stage of the process is to develop and dry your OVD master plate.
Automatic Processing:
The PicoSDC automates the process of developing and drying your OVD master plate for perfect consistency and guaranteed results every time.
Hand Processing:
After exposure, you can manually process and dry your OVD master plate. Standard photographic processing equipment is needed, such as developing trays. a tray warmer, mixing cylinders etc.
4. OVD master UV recombination / step and repeat
The final stage of the mastering process is to recombine or step and repeat your OVD over a larger area in order to make a flat or cylindrical polymer or nickel metal master shim that can be mounted to an embossing machine for OVD replication.
Flatbed recombining
The UVSP is a flatbed UV recombiner that automates the process of recombining. your OVD with extreme accuracy over the entire surface of a flat polymer or glass substrate. Please inquire.
Cylindrical recombining
For UV embossing both shallow and deep micro-structures, we recommend the use of cylindrical UV recombining. Please inquire about cylindrical UV recombiners, UV embossing/cast and cure systems, and UV resin materials.