Injection molding process analysis: knowledge of microthermoforming process
July 04, 2022
The manufacture of micro-components has always been an application of injection molding technology, however, a "magic" thermoforming process produces high-quality micro-components. At the 16th SPE Thermoforming Technology Annual Conference, the micro thermoforming process was discussed and the potential application potential of the process in the MEMS market was proposed. Technologies discussed at the same time include: "chrome-like" TPO parts, "four-movement pistons" for shorter molding cycle times, and PD500 Mega cylinders for quick die change.
Micro thermoforming technology
The German Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe Institute for Microstructure Technology is a large government-funded research institution. Researchers at the facility have developed a laboratory-scale thermoforming process that is said to be capable of forming microcomponents between 0.1 and 1000 nm (1000 nm = 1 μm), meeting industry-standard microforming requirements for the first time. The process was developed to meet the needs of microcomponents in life sciences, such as single-use LOC microfluidic devices for biochemical reagent synthesis and analysis for drug research.
As a micro-improved technology, this new thermoforming system consists of three parts: a flat-plate mold with micro-cavities, a perforated platen for vacuum and air pressure, and a seal between the mold and the platen. facility. The process is to mount the mold on a laboratory press and insert a piece of plastic film (20-50 μm) into the mold. After the press is closed, a certain degree of vacuum is obtained although the film between the die and the platen is not compressed. When the mold is fully closed, the film is compressed and heated. When the film reaches the heat distortion temperature, it flows into the mold cavity under a pressure of about 50 bar. At this time, the mold has been cooled to 20 ℃, low temperature. The heat distortion temperature of the material. As the air pressure drops, the mold opens and microparts are formed.
