When molding macroscale polymer parts with a high density of microfeatures (>1 × 106/cm2), a concern that presents itself is the ability to achieve uniform replication across the entire domain. In the given study, micro-injection molding was used to manufacture microfeatured polymer substrates containing over 10 × 106 microfeatures per cm2. Polystyrene (PS) plates containing microtopography were molded using different processing parameters to study the effect of flow rate and mold temperature on replication quality and uniformity. Flow rate was found to significantly affect replication at mold temperatures above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PS while having no significant effect on filling at mold temperatures below Tg. Moreover, replication was dependent on distance from the main cavity entrance, with increased flow rate facilitating higher replication differentials and higher replication near the gate. Simulation of the molding process was used to corroborate experimental trials. A deeper understanding of polymer fluid behavior associated with micro-injection molding is vital to reliably manufacture parts containing consistent microtopography (Note: Values are expressed in average ± standard error).
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Lehigh University,
e-mail: johnwilliamrodgers@gmail.com
Lehigh University,
Bioengineering,
Lehigh University,
Lehigh University,
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March 2014
Research-Article
Effect of Micro-Injection Molding Processing Conditions on the Replication and Consistency of a Dense Network of High Aspect Ratio Microstructures
John W. Rodgers,
Lehigh University,
e-mail: johnwilliamrodgers@gmail.com
John W. Rodgers
1
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
,Lehigh University,
Bethlehem, PA 18015
e-mail: johnwilliamrodgers@gmail.com
1Corresponding author.
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Meghan E. Casey,
Lehigh University,
Meghan E. Casey
Bioengineering
,Lehigh University,
Bethlehem, PA 18015
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Sabrina S. Jedlicka,
Bioengineering,
Lehigh University,
Sabrina S. Jedlicka
Materials Science and Engineering
,Bioengineering,
Lehigh University,
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Search for other works by this author on:
John P. Coulter
Lehigh University,
John P. Coulter
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
,Lehigh University,
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Search for other works by this author on:
John W. Rodgers
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
,Lehigh University,
Bethlehem, PA 18015
e-mail: johnwilliamrodgers@gmail.com
Meghan E. Casey
Bioengineering
,Lehigh University,
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Sabrina S. Jedlicka
Materials Science and Engineering
,Bioengineering,
Lehigh University,
Bethlehem, PA 18015
John P. Coulter
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
,Lehigh University,
Bethlehem, PA 18015
1Corresponding author.
Contributed by the Manufacturing Engineering of ASME for publication in the JOURNAL OF MICRO- AND NANO-MANUFACTURING. Manuscript received April 29, 2013; final manuscript received January 15, 2014; published online February 20, 2014. Assoc. Editor: Ashutosh Sharma.
J. Micro Nano-Manuf. Mar 2014, 2(1): 011006 (8 pages)
Published Online: February 20, 2014
Article history
Received:
April 29, 2013
Revision Received:
January 15, 2014
Citation
Rodgers, J. W., Casey, M. E., Jedlicka, S. S., and Coulter, J. P. (February 20, 2014). "Effect of Micro-Injection Molding Processing Conditions on the Replication and Consistency of a Dense Network of High Aspect Ratio Microstructures." ASME. J. Micro Nano-Manuf. March 2014; 2(1): 011006. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4026606
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