Micro and nano structuring of sapphire for micro injection process investigation,

Abstract

The work presented in this paper contributes to a wider research objective aiming at gaining a better understanding of the injection moulding process at microscales. More specifically, it contributes to the development of a new modelling approach combining experimental observation and mathematical modelling to characterise thermal contact resistance that results from the imperfections present on the surfaces when two surfaces are brought in contact. Thus, this paper describes micro and nano structuring technologies (Focus Ion beam and Laser Ablation) used to structure sapphire inserts that are used as ”windows” in the injection moulding process, allowing thermal measurements with a high speed thermal camera whilst sapphire structures are filled with polymer melt.