| abstract |
The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing lenses including the use of a wafer in conjunction with liquid monomer to provide a molded plastic lens. In the molding process, a first mold form is sealingly secured to a gasket to form a part of a mold for receiving liquid monomer. The liquid monomer is poured into the first mold form and the wafer material which can be tinted or have a different index of refraction is then placed in contiguous relationship with the liquid monomer. A second mold form is then secured into the gasket in sealing relationship therewith and spaced from the wafer to form a cavity therebetween. Liquid monomer is then introduced into the cavity to fill all the voids. The mold with the material to be molded is then placed in the oven and cured. After the curing process is completed, the mold is removed and the formed lens extracted. An alternative includes the use of a mold form which is of the same material as the monomer such that it ultimately forms part of the lens. In this instance, the mold form is consumed during the molding process as it becomes bonded by intermolecular action with the liquid monomer. |