Abstract
This work studies the injection molding characteristics of polymer micro- and sub-micron structures using demonstration mold inserts with micro- and sub-micron channels with high-aspect ratios. The effects of the injection molding parameters on the achievable aspect ratio of the micro- and sub-micron walls were investigated. Additionally, distinctive mold-filling behaviors and resulting defects were observed for various polymers, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Experimental results reveal that the mold temperature determines the success of the injection molding of micro- and sub-micron walls. The satisfactory mold temperature for micro-injection molding significantly exceeds that for traditional injection molding. Moreover, the main injection pressure and the main injection time substantially affect the achievable aspect ratio of the micro- and sub-micron walls. Furthermore, unusual flow behaviors occur and poor molding results are obtained when PP and HDPE are used for micro-injection molding.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1097-1103 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 11-12 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2006 |
Keywords
- High-aspect ratio
- Injection molding
- Micro-structures
- Molding characteristics
- Sub-micron structures