Investigations on microthermoforming poly-carbonate films and their integration in the injection molding process

The integration of microthermoforming thermoplastic films in the wide-spread, industrial process of injection molding facilitates the fabrication of novel, multifunctional microstructured parts. These are characterized by thin-walled microstructures that have a planar distribution and are connected with three-dimensional, functional elements. Investigations into this new processing technology show that forming 50 μm thin polycarbonate (PC) films in microstructures can be feasibly reproduced and that their attainable draw ratios correlate with the processing temperature and pressure. The highest draw ratios were achieved at film temperatures around the glass transition temperature and at cycle times of less than three minutes. Further, a radius equal to the film thickness was found to be advantageous for more homogenized wall thicknesses.
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The Journal of Plastics Technology is a peer reviewed internet periodical published under the auspices of the Scientific Alliance of Polymer Technology (WAK)
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International Polymer Processing, the journal of the Polymer Processing Society, is a discussion forum for the world-wide community of engineers and scientists in the field of polymer processing.
The journal covers research and industrial application in the very specific areas of designing polymer products, processes, processing machinery and equipment.
International Polymer Processing

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