| 摘要 |
The present invention pertains to an apparatus for forming glass. The apparatus comprises a mold for holding molten glass. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a mechanism for applying pressure to the molten glass in the mold. The apparatus comprises a controller for controlling the applying mechanism such that pressure is applied to the glass at predetermined times. The present invention pertains to a method for forming glass. The method comprises the steps of placing molten glass in a mold. Preferably, the placing step includes the step of placing the molten glass at a temperature greater than 800 DEG C. into the mold. Next there is the step of applying pressure greater than ambient pressure to the molten glass in the mold. Before the applying step, there is preferably the step of cooling the molten glass to a predetermined temperature. The applying step preferably includes the step of applying the pressure until the pressure reaches a peak when the molten glass is cooled to a quench temperature Tq. Preferably, the applying step includes pressing a solid cooled quencher, such as a plate having piping with coolant flowing through it, against the molten glass. Preferably, the applying step includes the step of applying a peak pressure of 50-100 atmospheres when the temperature of the molten glass at its surface is greater than or equal to Tq. Then there is the step of cooling molten glass while applying the pressure. The cooling step preferably includes the step of cooling the glass at the peak pressure until the glass at its center has reached a temperature of Tb. After the cooling step, there is preferably the step of reducing the pressure to ambient pressure. Next there is the step of solidifying the molten glass.
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