Hot Embossing Process

This chapter provides the background information about the steps involved in hot embossing process and the related molding parameters. The components needed for hot embossing are defined first. Based on the components, the process of one-sided molding is outlined in principle. Each process step is explained in detail, and all necessary definitions are given. The hot embossing process is divided into four major steps: heating of the semifinished product to molding temperature, isothermal molding by embossing, cooling of the molded part to demolding, and demolding of the component by opening the tool. Demolding only works in connection with an increased adhesion of the molded part to the substrate plate. Apart from the one-sided molding, the process is also used for double-sided positioned embossing. Furthermore, the molding parameters like process parameters, material parameters, and influencing factors are presented. Their relevance to the quality of the process and the molded parts is discussed. Finally, the manifold of the hot embossing process is described by the presentation of different process variations.

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