The present study addresses a direct patterning process on a plastic film using ultrasonic vibration energy. In this process, a tool horn containing micro-patterns is attached to an ultrasonic power supply, and is used with ultrasonic vibration to replicate micro-patterns on the surface of a plastic film. To improve the replication characteristics of the micro-patterns, the effect of the die shape of the ultrasonic patterning process was investigated with respect to the flow direction control. Finite element analyses were performed to predict the flow characteristics of the polymer with variations in die design parameters. Experiments were conducted using the optimally-designed die, from which it was possible to attain much improved pattern replication.

The present study examines the micro-pattern replication on a plastic film using ultrasonic imprinting. Ultrasonic imprinting uses ultrasonic waves to generate repetitive microscale deformation in the polymer film. The resulting deformation heat on the surface of the film causes the surface region to soften sufficiently so that a replication of the micro-pattern can be obtained. To successfully replicate the micro-pattern on a large area of polymer film, a high replication ratio is needed as well as good uniformity over the entire region. In this study, a horn design is investigated by finite element analysis and is optimized through a response surface analysis. In the ultrasonic imprinting experiments, the response surface method was also used to determine the optimal processing conditions for better replication characteristics.