HIGH-TEMPERATURE DE-MOLDING FOR CYCLE TIME REDUCTION

摘要

Hot micro-embossing is a promising manufacturing technique for replicating millimeter- to nanometer-scale features in thermoplastic parts. However, the thermal cycle time limits production rate, and thermal contraction mismatch between the part and the tool can lead to damage during cooling. It is thus desirable to reduce or eliminate the thermal cycle. One approach is to de-mold at higher temperature, but elastic recovery can degrade accuracy. The degree of recovery depends on processing conditions. Proper selection of these conditions permits de-molding near or above the glass transition with little or no degradation of quality.