Defined local influence on properties by injection moulding of thermoplastic micro-parts with dynamic temperature process control, Knowledge Transfer Project

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Dietmar Drummer
• Subject Area: Plastics Engineering
• Term: from 2014 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 258700519

Within the research project " Verarbeitungsbelastung und werkstoffliche Gebrauchstauglichkeit von spritzgegossenen Mikroelementen" of the DFG Research Group 702 "Maschinen-, Werkzeug- und Prozessentwicklung für neue Verfahren zur Herstellung von Mikrobauteilen über flüssige Phasen" the basic influence of the process conditions on the resulting properties of thermoplastic micro parts could be identified. In particular, different cooling conditions using thermal low conductive mould materials favour the morphology and thus the resulting properties in use. Due to the high wear and the limited controllability of the cooling conditions the application of these materials is limited.The aim of the project is to use the fundamental knowledge about influences on the material be-haviour to investigate the defined local morphology development in injection moulded parts. By means of novel in the mould integrated segmented tempering elements (high performance heating ceramics) the cooling of the material is locally influenced so that either a maximum gradation of part properties or a homogenization of process or geometry-related influences is achieved. Furthermore, interdependencies with regard to the achievable aspect ratio and fill-dependent replication of defined structures are researched in the project.From the knowledge gained in the project to local influence of part properties an algorithmic model should be developed to enable an abstraction of locally expected part properties, using material and process-related input parameters. The knowledge on influencing values, interdependencies and local effects on part properties are transferred into demonstrator part. Furthermore, based on the research results guidelines for mould and process design for manufacturing of micro-components under dynamic mould tempering will be derived.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants (Transfer Project)
• Participating Institution: Gesellschaft Wärme Kältetechnik mbH; Ypsomed AG