Abstract

A micro-structured nickel insert was investigated for polyether ether ketone (PEEK) injection moulding. The micro-features were circular holes 4 μm in diameter and 2 μm deep, with a 2-μm edge-to-edge distance. Six thousand moulding cycles were operated. Half of the insert was coated by approximately 200 nm CrN. PEEK parts produced by the coated side and uncoated side were compared. Coating thickness was measured at intervals of production and employed to characterize the coating wear. Pillar geometry at fixed locations on PEEK parts was studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was conducted on the PEEK parts in order to study the possible nickel and silver contamination. The results show that the studied coating had a very low wear, and no nickel or silver contamination on PEEK was detected for both parts produced by coated and uncoated sides. Coating improved demoulding by reducing small indentations on pillars.

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