ZnSe Optical Component Press-Molding to Eliminate Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for manufacturing ZnSe optical components using CVD-synthesized polycrystal bodies with large crystal grain sizes face challenges in shaping without machining, leading to impurity incorporation and reduced transmittivity, and are prone to cracks due to low creep deformation rates.

Innovation Solution

A press-molding method is employed using a ZnSe polycrystal body with an average grain size of 50 µm to 1 mm and relative density of 99% or higher, under conditions of 920°C to 1030°C and 20 MPa to 60 MPa in an inert gas atmosphere, eliminating the need for machining like grinding and polishing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If machining is applied to ZnSe polycrystal body, then component shape accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and material is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent shape accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary shaping to the green compact before sintering, so that the component shape is predetermined in the mold. This eliminates the need for subsequent machining operations while maintaining shape accuracy, as the green compact is formed to match the final component geometry before the sintering process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and properties of ZnSe during the sintering process by controlling temperature (900-1000°C) and pressure parameters. These parameter changes enable the material to deform and take the mold shape without requiring external machining, while maintaining the required geometric accuracy through controlled thermal and pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If raw material powder is shaped and sintered, then machining is eliminated, but impurity incorporation occurs and transmittivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelimination of machiningVSAvoidimpurity incorporation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a disposable mold that comes into contact with the green compact during shaping. This mold is designed to be single-use or easily replaceable, eliminating the need for complex, expensive machining equipment while maintaining the ability to produce clean, impurity-free components through controlled molding and sintering processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If creep deformation is used to shape polycrystal body, then machining is eliminated, but cracks and breaks occur in large grain size materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelimination of machiningVSAvoidcrack and break resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature and pressure parameters during the shaping process to optimize creep deformation. By controlling temperature (900-1000°C) and pressure conditions, the material exhibits sufficient creep deformation to take the mold shape while maintaining structural integrity and preventing cracks and breaks, even in materials with larger crystal grain sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method allows for the cost-effective production of ZnSe optical components with improved transmittivity and strength, reducing material waste and manufacturing costs while maintaining shape accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

the method of PTD 2 cannot be applied... utilizes creep deformation of a polycrystal body... to deform into the final shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCreep deformation: Creep

Implementation Method 2

synthesizing the material through a CVD method... synthesized through the CVD method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical vapor deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentEP2674792B1MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR OPTICAL COMPONENT OF ZnSe
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

An optical component of the present invention is composed of a ZnSe polycrystal body, and the ZnSe polycrystal body is constituted by crystal grains with an average grain size larger than or equal to 50 µm and smaller than or equal to 1 mm and has a relative density higher than or equal to 99%.