Various ways of fabricating a three-dimensional (3D) component in a single-layer exposure using spatial variation of exposure dose have been presented in the literature. While some of them are based on dynamic mask process, more recently, a process based on varying intensity of a scanning Gaussian laser beam termed as “bulk lithography” has been proposed. In bulk lithography, the entire varying depth 3D microstructure gets fabricated because of spatial variation of intensity of laser imposed at every point in single layer scan. For the bulk lithography process, this paper first presents experimental characterization of unconstrained depth photopolymerization of resin upon exposure to Gaussian laser beam. Experimental characterization carried out for two resins systems: namely 1,6 hexane diol-diacrylate (HDDA) and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), over relatively wider range of Ar+ laser exposure dose and time, show behavior well beyond Beer–Lambert law. A unified empirical model is proposed to represent the nondimensional depth variation with respect to the time and energy of exposure for both resins. Finally, using these models, successful fabrication of several microstructures including micro-Fresnel lens, textured curved surface, otherwise difficult or impossible to fabricate, is demonstrated. Several advantages of the bulk lithography as compared to other similar processes in the literature are highlighted.

Surface texturing is a process of fabricating specific patterns on a surface to enhance surface properties such as friction, contact area, air aspiration, wear, hydrophobicity, etc. Fabricating surfaces with planned micro features is an effective method to improve tribological performance of the interacting surfaces. Laser surface texturing process is one of the best suitable processes for producing micro-patterns. Micro textures are imparted on HSS discs using CO₂ laser, varying the shape and dimensions of the resulting dimples affecting the frictional coefficient and wear. Experiments have been accomplished to determine effects of textural variations such as areal density of dimples, dimple shape, area of dimples and depth of dimples on the Coefficient of Friction (COF) and Wear. Effects of lubrication conditions (Dry and Wet), pin material (MS, SS, EN31), applied load (25N, 50N, 75N) and Sliding velocity (400 rpm, 800 rpm and 1200 rpm) are evaluated on COF and Wear. Tests have been performed on pin-on-disk apparatus along guidelines of Taguchi L18 Orthogonal Array, keeping constant sliding distance of 940 m (about 10,000 cycles). Experimentally, it is found that wet lubricated, circular shaped dimples, with areal density 7.5%, dimple area 0.09 mm² with MS material pin provides best results. This experimental analysis has been performed to test the applicability, efficiency and reliability of the textured surfaces.