3-D Molding

Injection Molded NanofeatureInjection molding is a rapid manufacturing method producing three-dimensional structures. Control of geometric features depends on an understanding of the interaction between the polymer material and the tool. Tooling is typically metallic for extrusion and injection molding.  At the nanoscale, the ability of the polymer to flow into deep channels is affected even more significantly by the polymer-tool interaction in the form of chemical surface interactions, control of heat transfer to avoid rapid "freezing" of the polymer melt, and surface roughness. Researchers at the University have been conducting controlled studies with nanoscale features on a variety of tooling to develop an understanding of these effects on the polymer flow at high rates.

Applications: Molded nanofeatures for increased data storage capacity in computers and other electronics is one application area. This process could also be used to create templates for assembly, which can be used in other manufacturing processes, such as accurate placement of nanodevices.

Current Research Projects

Tooling for Micro Injection Molding Investigation of tooling effect on injection molded nano scale features.  Using silicon wafer as injection mold insert can make economocially viable nano scale  replication where conventional matching technologies could not be applied. 

Effect of Processing Parameter  and Materials on Nanoinjection: Effect of processing parameters and materials properties on nanoscaled featured fabricated  by injection process.