The manufacturing of micro molds by conventional and energy-assisted processes

The miniaturization of parts and components plays an important role in today’s economy, enabling the design and production of new and highly sophisticated technology in various industrial fields, such as medical, bio-chemistry, automotive, and telecommunications. Nowadays, production technology faces the challenge to manufacture small components within tight tolerances, yet, which still remain economical in large lots. In order to successfully harness this task, separating processes have been fitted to suit the needs for micro mold manufacturing and were combined with a subsequent injection-molding process to satisfy the need for large-scale production with a vast variety of possible materials. Hereafter, the scope lies on the production technology for micro mold manufacturing, namely, micro milling, micro electro discharge machining (micro EDM), and micro laser ablation. The characteristics of each process are introduced and compared to each other, concerning surface properties, achievable tolerances, potential for miniaturization, machinable scope of materials, and manufacturing productivity.

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