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Mastermaking technologies inside the EUMINAfab consortium

Steffen G. Scholz 

Manufacturing Engineering Centre, Cardiff University (CU), Cardiff CF243AA, United Kingdom

Abstract

Injection moulding is an established technology for mass production of polymer parts. In recent years this technology has proven to be capable for the replication of micro parts, parts with micro components and parts with micro and nano structured surfaces. In this context, the micro or nano structuring of injection moulds or mould inserts is crucial.

This presentation focuses on the characteristics of micro and nano mould structuring capabilities, so called mastermaking installation. In particular the following mastermaking technologies available within the EUMINAfab consortium will be discussed: Firstly, the Focused Ion Beam (FIB) technology for introducing sub micrometer structures into mould inserts is presented. Secondly, different types of Electro Discharge Machining (EDM) including micro die sinking EDM, micro wire EDM and micro EDM milling are characterised. Lastly different types for Laser ablation for mould structuring will be shown and the strength of individual laser sources and beam lines will be briefly discussed. The presentation will close with a number of case studies to illustrate possible hybrid process chains for mould structuring the EUMINAfab consortium.

 

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Related papers

Presentation: Oral at EUMINAfab European research infrastructure for multimaterial micro and nano manufacture, by Steffen G. Scholz
See On-line Journal of EUMINAfab European research infrastructure for multimaterial micro and nano manufacture

Submitted: 2010-07-19 10:12
Revised:   2010-08-19 12:30