Microinjection molding of microsystem components: new aspects in improving performance

Abstract

Microinjection molding (μIM) is considered to be one of the most flexible, reliable and cost effective manufacturing routes to form plastic micro-components for microsystems. The molding machine, mold tool fabrication, material selection and process controlling in this specific field have been greatly developed over the past decades. This review aims to present the new trends towards improving micro-component performance by reviewing the latest developments in this area and by considering potential directions. The key concerns in product and mold designing, essential factors in simulation, and micro-morphology and resultant properties are evaluated and discussed. In addition, the applications, variant processes and outlook for μIM are presented. Throughout this review, decisive considerations in seeking improved performance for microsystem components are highlighted.

Three-dimensional numerical modeling of an induction heated injection molding tool with flow visualization

“…Several other studies [25][26][27][28][29][30][31] included applications such as induction heating with nanoscale molding, using low thermal inertia tools, weldlines at microscale, using infrared heating equipment, and in general on the improvement of microscale features/products. In common for all research is that a high mold temperature does improve the overall product quality and helps remedy the above-mentioned problems.…”

Vacuum Venting Enhances the Replication of Nano/Microfeatures in Micro-Injection Molding Process

“…MIM has become more popular due to the growing market for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and microsystems (MST) [1,2]. Compared to conventional injection molding, MIM is capable of more precise microfeature replication due to its having a more precise electrical control system compared to the hydraulic system of conventional injection molding.…”

Hydrogen silsesquioxane mold coatings for improved replication of nanopatterns by injection molding

“…Injection molding has been the preferred industrial process for polymer shaping for decades due to low cycle times and the multitude of technologies established for full process automation [1,2].…”