Micro assembly injection moulding for the generation of hybrid microstructures

Abstract

Based on the micro injection moulding process, which has been investigated at the IKV for several years, a process called micro assembly injection moulding is developed and investigated. It combines the joining of hybrid elements with the generation of functional structures. Micro assembly injection moulding is a quite diverse process with many influencing parameters. For basic studies of this process, a special mould technology with maximum flexibility and precision is used. The mould concept includes a special system for the positioning of inlay parts and complex sensor equipment (pressure, temperature endoscopic devices) for controlling and analysing the process. The processing aspects which have been investigated are the production of movable microstructures by using incompatible polymers, the generation of fluidic hollow structures by lost core technology and the overmoulding of wires and optical fibres. In all cases, the choice of the different materials, the temperature layout of the process and the mechanical strain of inlay parts play a significant role. Furthermore, the precision in positioning of inlay parts and the demoulding of hybrid structures are of great importance.