Meaning
Optical metrology methods utilizing the wave interference of broadband light measure the surface topography of precision molded components without physical surface interaction. Non contact white light interferometry provides three dimensional surface maps of microstructured plastics with sub nanometer vertical resolution. This analytical technique is utilized to verify mold quality and part replication accuracy.
Measurement Mechanism
Light splitting and recombination generate interference patterns that reveal the height variations of a test surface. By scanning the sensor vertically, non contact white light interferometry identifies the location of maximum fringe contrast for each pixel on the surface. This data is translated into a highly accurate height map that reveals surface roughness and micro cavity features.
Molding Inspection
Quality control in optical molding requires non destructive testing to prevent damage to delicate plastic surfaces. Utilizing non contact white light interferometry allows quality inspectors to measure surface finishes without scratching or deforming the soft polymer substrate. This speed and accuracy make the method ideal for checking lens batches during production.
Surface Characterization
Modern polymer parts often feature intricate textures that cannot be assessed with traditional stylus profilometers. Accurate analysis of these textures with non contact white light interferometry prevents errors caused by stylus tip radius limitations. The optical method captures both high frequency surface roughness and low frequency form deviations in a single scan, allowing molders to adjust injection molding process parameters like packing pressure and cooling rate in real time to resolve molding defects before scrap rates escalate.
