Replication of microchannel structures in WC–Co feedstock using elastomeric replica moulds by hot embossing process
Résumé
Hot embossing is a net shaping process that is able to produce the micro-components of polymers with intrinsic and complex shapes at lower cost compared with machining and injection moulding. However, the emboss of hard metals, such asWC–Co, ismore challenging due to their high thermal conductivity and ease of agglomeration. Thus, aWC–Co alloy mixed with a wax-based binder feedstock was selected. The formed feedstock exhibited pseudo-plastic flow andwas successfully embossed (green part). Here, we developed a novel process that is used to replicate polymer microfluidic chipswhile simultaneously reducing the channel surface roughness of the mould insert, yielding optical-grade (less than 100 nm surface roughness) channels and reservoirs. This paper concerns the replication of metallic microfluidic mould inserts inWC–Co and the parameters associated with feedstock formation via a hot embossing process. A suitable formulation for micro-powder hot embossing has been established and characterised by thermogravimetric analyses andmeasurements ofmixing torques to verify and quantify the homogeneity of the proposed feedstocks. The relative density of the samples increased with processing temperature, and almost fully dense materialswere obtained. In this work, the effects of the sintering temperature on the physical properties were systematically analysed. The evolution of the metal surface morphology during the hot embossing process was also investigated. The results indicate that the feedstock can be used to manufacturemicro-fluidic die mould cavities with a low roughness, proper dimensions and
good shape retention. The shrinkage of the sintered part was approximately 19–24% compared with that of the brown part.
Domaines
Mécanique [physics]Origine | Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s) |
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