Optimization of a continuous hot embossing process for fabrication of micropyramid structures in thermoplastic sheets

Haponow, L., Kettle, J. and Allsop, J. (2021) Optimization of a continuous hot embossing process for fabrication of micropyramid structures in thermoplastic sheets. Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B, 39(1), 012203. (doi: 10.1116/6.0000551)

Abstract

Reported is the manufacture and optimization of inverted micropyramid cavity structures into thermoplastic sheets using roll-to-roll (R2R) embossing. To manufacture the master, an ultraprecision diamond machining method was applied to create seamless surface structures into a copper-coated hot embossing roller. Using the hot embossing process, the roller features were successfully transferred to 2 mm thick polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sheets. Optimization of the R2R control process variables was conducted using Taguchi's numerical methods, which showed the importance of the roller temperature for a successful pattern transfer. The work presents a novel fabrication technique that allows microstructures to be manufactured into thick PMMA sheets in a continuous process.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS 2, Ref: BUK2121).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Kettle, Professor Jeff
• Authors: Haponow, L., Kettle, J., and Allsop, J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• Journal Name: Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics
• ISSN: 2166-2746
• ISSN (Online): 2166-2754
• Published Online: 15 December 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B 39(1):012203
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher