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Fabrication of micro moulds and dies using precision laser micromachining and micromilling technologies

From National Research Council Canada

DOIResolve DOI: https://doi.org/10.2961/jlmn.2008.03.0009
AuthorSearch for: 1; Search for: 1
Affiliation
  1. National Research Council of Canada. NRC Industrial Materials Institute
FormatText, Article
Conference9th International Symposium on Laser Precision Microfabrication, June 16-20 2008, Québec City, Canada
Subjectmicro moulds and dies; laser micromachining; micromilling; methodology; optimization
Abstract
This paper presents results obtained from our studies on the 3D laser micromachining and micromilling technologies. Specific examples of micro moulds and dies, fabricated using these techniques, are presented. The layer-by-layer material removal for 3D precision laser micromachining was proposed and the required process parameters were identified. Specifically, the process parameters, such as overlap between grooves and number of passes per layer, were investigated. The results were then applied to fabricate a “Cross Sign” die with overall dimensions of 2.5x2.5 mm and a wall width of 50 μm in mild steel A20 material. The finished micro die had a surface roughness of <0.35 μm and contour geometric errors within +/-2 μm. For comparison purpose, the same “Cross Sign” microdie was fabricated using the micromilling process from brass and replicated on PMMA through the hot embossing process. Geometric errors within +/-1 μm and a surface roughness inside the rectangular channels of 9.9 nm were achieved. The paper discusses challenges met during fabrication of the dies along with a comparative analysis of the geometric quality.
Publication date
In
  • Proceedings of LMP2008 (2008).
Series
  • Journal of Laser Micro/Nanoengineering.
LanguageEnglish
Peer reviewedYes
NPARC number21274320
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Record identifier6029d118-ccba-440c-bbe0-7500d535df91
Record created2015-03-10
Record modified2020-04-15
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