Pin based method of precision diamond turning to make prismatic mold and sheeting

Abstract

A system, and corresponding method for use, for providing a mass-producible retroreflective material, or sheeting, featuring full cube corner pins is presented. The full cube corner shaping may be provided with the use of a diamond turning tool. The diamond turning tool may be used to simultaneously manufacture a number of pins. The pins may be used to form a mold featuring a triangular or full cube corner surface formation.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 082,416, filed Apr. 9, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Retroreflective materials are used in everyday life and may be seen in road surfaces, road signs, vehicles, and clothing. Retroreflective materials are configured to reflect light, or other forms of radiation, back to an originating source regardless of an angle of incidence.[0003]One common type of retroreflector is provided by a surface of cube corners, or microprisms. Two types or cube corners are typically utilized, a full cube corner and a triangular cube corner. A typical full cube corner has three square facets and a hexagonal aperture.[0004]FIG. 1A illustrates the reflective properties of a full cube corner 101. A typical full cube corner has three square facets 103, 105, and 107. The full cube corner 101 has a hexagonal aperture 109 that is also the effective area of the full c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an apparatus and method for making a mold for making a retroreflective sheeting. The apparatus includes a mechanical fixture for stacking pins, which can be costly and time-consuming. The pins can have individual diameters that need to be machined, which makes them expensive. The apparatus also includes a second mechanical fixture for making a sub-set of the pins, which can be costly and time-consuming. The pins can have different shapes, such as hexagonal, circular, or elliptical. The apparatus can also include an electroforming unit for making the mold. The method involves using diamond cutting to create v-shaped grooves on the pins, which can be difficult and time-consuming. The pins can have different shapes, such as hexagonal or rectangular. The apparatus and method can make the mold more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Problems solved by technology

However, the pins must be individually manufactured, which is costly and time consuming.

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