Polymer Micro Injection Molding

Abstract

Polymeric micro structures and micro components, as typically found on miniature medical devices and microfluidic chips, are mainly produced by the micro injection molding process, is a prevalent technology for mass production of polymer micro components and products with complex geometry and high precision surface micro structures. Because of high surface to volume ratios, filling small cavities and tiny features requires high temperature and high speed in order to prevent short shots from premature solidification. The polymer melts are consequently subject to high shear rates and thermal gradients, which can influence the morphology and mechanical properties of micro parts. After an overview of polymer micro injection molding, Injection molding of surface micro structures is discussed in terms of tooling, replication, related issues and solutions. Then, Injection molding of micro components is introduced regarding morphology and properties. Development regarding relevant process simulation is subsequently summarized, and concluding remarks are given in the last.