Vertical Injection Molding Process

What distinguishes a micro injection process from a “normal” Vertical Injection Molding
process? Except for parts or structure sizes, the process is almost identical. Oen,
even the same procedures are applied, both in the actual injection molding process as
well as in the manufacture of the molds. Several studies (NEXUS Task Force Market
Analysis) also point out the current potential as well as future developments. The
entire process is very important in microinjection molding. Therefore, the process
is also oen referred to microsystems technology (MST).

The coordination of the process includes:

• Molded part,
• Injection mold,
• Injection molding machine,
• Peripherals (e.g., clean room, handling facilities), and
• Quality assurance and further steps

should be an integral element of the MST.
This presents a new challenge for designers, project engineers, as well as development
engineers.
Molded Part Design
In micro injection molding, two major groups of components can be differentiated:
Injection molded parts (macro-injection molded parts) with microstructures or
areas with microstructures . This mostly affects the surfaces.
Micro injection molding parts, in other words, small parts with low weight (mass
in mg) and the smallest dimensions and structures .
In either case, different tolerance, surface features, and accuracy may be required.
For the micro injection molded parts themselves, the same rules apply (e.g., avoidance
of sink points, etc.) as for “normal” plastic parts. Experience in micro-mold
making and preliminary testing is mostly necessary. Here, the collaboration with
the customer is a priority, much more so than in the area of standard shapes.