Replication of Micro pillars by PEEK injection moulding with CrN coated Ni tool

A micro-structured nickel insert was investigatedfor polyether ether ketone (PEEK) injection moulding. Themicro-features were circular holes 4 μm in diameter and2 μm deep, with a 2-μm edge-to-edge distance. Six thousand moulding cycles were operated. Half of the insert was coatedby approximately 200 nm CrN. PEEK parts produced by the coated side and uncoated side were compared. Coating thickness was measured at intervals of production and employed tocharacterize the coating wear. Pillar geometry at fixed locationson PEEK parts was studied by scanning electron microscope(SEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)was conducted on the PEEK parts in order to study the possiblenickel and silver contamination. The results show that the studied coating had a very low wear, and no nickel or silvercontamination on PEEK was detected for both parts producedby coated and uncoated sides. Coating improved demoulding by reducing small indentations on pillars.