Glass Molding Process (GMP) is an effective method for producing precise optical elements such as lenses. This simulation study aimed to predict the distribution of temperature and stress within a lens during a multi-stage cooling process of GMP. To develop an accurate simulation model including molds and lens, thermal contact conductance and boundary conditions were determined by analyzing experimental and simulation results. The developed model was used to investigate changes in temperature and maximum principal stress within the lens, considering variations in cooling time, speed, and method at each cooling stage. Simulation results indicated that trends of maximum temperature difference and maximum principal stress within the lens were consistent over time. Results also showed that the maximum principal stress inside the lens increased significantly with additional cooling after uneven temperature distribution caused by a relatively short cooling time. Compared to simulation results of the cooling process involving contact only with bottom surface of the mold, contact cooling with both top and bottom surfaces showed decreased residual stress at the end of cooling and maximum temperature difference within the lens. However, the maximum principal stress could be higher during the cooling process involving both surfaces.
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Optimization of heating and molding temperatures in multi‐station glass molding for a meniscus aspheric lens Jian Zhou, Baocheng Huang, Shihu Xiao, Lihua Li International Journal of Applied Glass Science.2026;[Epub] CrossRef