Polymers are one of the most used types of materials as they exist in different types. The primary type of polymer that is the center of attention for the industry is optical polymer, also known as plastic optics. The molded plastic optics have been used in different sectors, for instance, in defense, aerospace, illumination, and machine versions. The following are some of the benefits and applications of polymer optics and why it is considered the best option for the industry compared to the other types of optics, for instance, glass optics.
Overview of Polymer Optics
Different types of polymers have unique properties and applications. The main type of polymer is optical polymers which are widely used in many industries. The reason why polymer optics have become so popular and used in different kinds of applications is that they are the most preferred compared to glass optics. The preference for plastic optics over glass optics is because it can obtain high light transmittance through a visible spectral region. At the same time, they can transmit light to a limited extent.
Uses of Polymer Optics
Polymer optics can be used in various industries as they are suited for a standard optical component. For instance, lens arrays, Fresnel lenses, and micro-optics are much more challenging to make from glass material.
Applications
Polymer optics are used mainly in LED illumination applications. At the same time, they are also used in laser scanners, telecommunications products, and imaging systems. There are instances that application of polymer optics is widely applied in various industries. For example, in mobile devices like drones and smartphones where small aspheric lenses are used, and in optical storage devices and LEDs. Polymer optics are also used in different high-tech applications such as thermal sensors. The polymer optic lenses can effectively be used in CMOS image sensors, too, since they are easy to make, cheaper, and more flexible.
Advantages of Polymer Optics in the Industry
There are various advantages you can count on over glass optics; for instance, polymer optics have low density. Low density enables the fabrication of lightweight optical components, something that can never be experienced when working with optic glass. Next is the cost of manufacturing polymer optics which is pocket friendly compared to glass optics manufacturing. Apart from the mentioned benefits, polymers can integrate both mechanical and optical features in a molded plastic optic. Lastly, it has a higher impact resistance than glass optics.
Benefits of Polymer Lenses
The following are the benefits the industry can enjoy when using polymer optics compared to glass optics.
- It has a lower weight compared to glass optics.
- The material can integrate mechanical and optical features,
- It has a high impact resistance, and it has a shorter lead time compared to glass optics which helps in saving time when grinding and polishing.
- It is more flexible compared to glass optics in that it gives you a chance to be able to create various designs. For instance. aspheric and free form, among other complex lens designs.
Based on the above review, through analyzing the application, uses, and benefits of polymer optics over glass optics, the most superior choice you can make is choosing polymer optics. The comparison is in terms of design needs, manufacturing lead times, tolerances, and the cost of production. You should take full advantage of the benefits of polymer optics in the industry.
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