Methods for fabricating retroreflector tooling and retroreflective microstructures and devices thereof

摘要

Methods for producing retroreflector tooling and retroreflective sheeting using laser writing techniques, and corresponding products thereof, are presented. In one embodiment, a seamless retroreflective sheet having a plurality of retroreflectors formed in a continuous retroreflective microstructured pattern is provided. In the methods described herein, a substrate having a photosensitive coating on a surface thereof is provided. A surface-relief microstructured pattern is produced in the photosensitive coating by selectively exposing the photosensitive coating to a beam of electromagnetic radiation. The exposed portions of the photosensitive coating are developed to form a retroreflective microstructured pattern on the surface of the substrate. The retroreflective microstructured pattern is then transferred into retroreflector tooling comprising the retroreflective microstructured pattern on a surface thereof. A retroreflective sheet containing the retroreflective microstructured pattern on a surface thereof is then formed from the retroreflector tooling.

主权项

1. A method for fabricating retroreflector tooling comprising:
providing a substrate having a photosensitive coating on at least one surface thereof; producing a surface-relief microstructured pattern in the photosensitive coating by selectively exposing the photosensitive coating to a beam of electromagnetic radiation; developing the exposed portions of the photosensitive coating to form a retroreflective microstructured pattern on the surface of the substrate, wherein the retroreflective microstructured pattern comprises individual prisms with variations in tilt, rotation, height, or size; and transferring the retroreflective microstructured pattern into retroreflector tooling comprising the retroreflective microstructured pattern on a surface thereof.