Apparatus and method for making microreplicated article

• Main Authors: WETZELS SERGE, STRAND JOHN T
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 04.11.2008
• Subjects: DECORATIVE ARTS; LINING MACHINES; MACHINES, APPARATUS OR TOOLS FOR ARTISTIC WORK, e.g. FORSCULPTURING, GUILLOCHING, CARVING, BRANDING, INLAYING; MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNERANALOGOUS TO PAPER; MECHANICAL WORKING OR DEFORMATION OF PAPER, CARDBOARD ORMATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PRINTING; PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES; SHAPING CLAY OR OTHER CERAMIC COMPOSITIONS, SLAG, OR MIXTURESCONTAINING CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER; STAMPS; TRANSPORTING; TYPEWRITERS; WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUSTO PAPER

A roll to roll microreplication apparatus is described. This apparatus forms a microreplicated article including a web having first and second opposed surfaces. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, first nip roll and first coating die; the first coating die is disposed adjacent the web substrate first side and the web substrate is disposed between the first patterned roll and first nip roll. The first nip roll touches the web substrate second side and the first patterned roll touches the web substrate first side. The apparatus includes, a second patterned roll, second nip roll and second coating die, the second coating die is disposed adjacent the web substrate second side and the web substrate is disposed between the second patterned roll and second nip roll. The second nip roll touches the web substrate first side and the second patterned roll touches the web substrate second side. A drive assembly is configured to rotate the first patterned roll and the second patterned roll such that the first and second rolls maintain a continuous registration within 100 micrometers. Methods of making a microreplicated article are also disclosed.