A Framework of a Continuous Injection Direct Rolling Process for Precision Manufacturing Plastic Plates with Patterned Microstructures

Abstract

This paper presents an integrated roller embossing process named Continuous Injection Direct Rolling (CIDR) process. The CIDR process is similar to Continue Casting Direct Rolling (CCDR) process for metal material. The process consists of Plastic Injection Module, Injection Nozzle, Precision Rolling Module, and Automatic Coiling Module. In the proposed CIDR process, the plastic plate with microstructured pattern is produced by the integrated injection and rolling process, which is different from the current rolling or plastic injection process. Some key technologies including injection nozzle design, roller design, roller coupling, and ultra-precision machining of rollers, are presented. An on-machine measurement method is also proposed and presented to avoid the incontinence and errors caused by disassembling the roller workpiece for off-line measurement. The results of the pilot study are also discussed. The research work provides an enabling solution for precision manufacturing plastic plate and film with microstructured patterns.