Molded optical component with gate stubs removed from peripheral rim

Abstract

A molded optical component which is comprised of a lens portion, an annular outer rim integrally formed around the circumference of the lens portion, an annular reference surface formed on the circumference of the outer rim in a predetermined width along one end thereof, and an obliquely cut surface formed across the circumference of the outer rim by stripping a gate stub therefrom. The obliquely cut surface is extended from the other end of the outer rim up to a position falling short of near boundaries of the reference surface. A gate stub is removed from the molded optical component by bringing cutting edges of a rotary cutting tool into engagement with a circumferential portion of the outer rim at a predetermined angle of inclination with center axis of the latter thereby to remove circumferential portions of the outer rim including the gate sub and to form an obliquely cut surface crosswise of the circumference of the outer rim from the other end thereof up to a position falling short of the reference surface.