Patent ID: 8226880
Filing Date: 2012-07-24
Classification: B29C,B29L,B32B,B81C,C08J

Abstract:
1. A method of continuously producing a polymeric object having a complex pattern formed on a surface thereof, the complex pattern comprising elements of predetermined microstructured or nano-structured dimensions, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a mold that moves along a continuous path, at least a portion of which path is substantially planar, said mold having a complex pattern including recesses of microstructures or nanostructures formed on at least a portion of a surface thereof; b) depositing a polymeric powder comprising either a thermosetting or thermoplastic resin on said moving mold surface, the particle size of said polymer powder being sufficiently small so that said polymer powder particles fill the recesses of said complex pattern in said mold surface from the bottom up so as substantially to avoid any air entrapment; c) melting the powder on said moving mold surface; d) cooling said melted polymer at the substantially planar portion of the continuous path to create a polymeric object having a complex pattern on a surface thereof, said complex pattern on said polymeric object being complementary to the complex pattern on said mold surface; and e) continuously removing said polymer object having said complex pattern from said moving mold, wherein the mold surface provides a throughhole in the polymeric object.