Micro Injection Moulding Challenges Connected to the Realisation of Process Chains for Micro Injection Moulding

The incorporation of micro and nano technology into the products of the future is an area of increasing interest. The ideas for new products based on this technology often take their starting point in specific scientific fields whereas the subsequent design and product development not necessarily is based on a systematic approach including manufacturing processes and production system capabilities. The process chain associated with micro and nano injection moulding usually comprises silicon or photoresist mastering, electroforming and polymer processing. However, other tooling technologies such as micro milling can be used for certain geometries. The paper describes the challenges connected with realisation of two different process chains for micro injection moulding based on two specific cases.