Development of Microreplication Process - Micromolding
A microreplication process, micromolding, was developed to replicate three-dimensional microcomponents. It included modifying a conventional molding machine, developing a thermal control unit to control the mold temperature, and developing a vacuum unit to evacuate the microcavity before filling it...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor and Francis Inc.
2003
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/27109/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/27109/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/27109/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/27109/1/021_MaMP_18%285%29_731-751.pdf |
| Summary: | A microreplication process, micromolding, was developed to replicate three-dimensional microcomponents. It included modifying a conventional molding machine, developing a thermal control unit to control the mold temperature, and developing a vacuum unit to evacuate the microcavity before filling it with plastic melt. Focused ion beam sputtering, a maskless patterning of material, was used to fabricate a microcavity that was then used as a mold insert. Feasibility of the micromolding process was investigated by simulation, and results were verified with the replication of polymer microcomponents (e.g., microgear, gear-train). Commercial simulation software was used to reveal possible issues in micromolding by integrating the microcomponent with a larger base. The simulations predict the filling time, pressure distribution, volumetric shrinkage, stress distribution, etc., of the microcomponent. |
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