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Single thermoplastic pellet molding by means of diode laser for micromolding application
Author(s) -
Citrea Isabella,
Quadrini Fabrizio
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.20693
Subject(s) - materials science , thermoplastic , pellet , composite material , molding (decorative) , formability , mold , laser , compression molding , optics , physics
An innovative system for thermoplastic micromolding is presented. A completely transparent mold is used, and a diode laser is used as heating source. Laser heating is performed on a single thermoplastic pellet positioned inside the mold between two glass plates. A very low force is necessary for shaping. Molding tests were performed on commercial ABS and several process parameters were investigated such as laser power, interaction time, focalization condition, and support material properties. High pellet formability was observed in all the cases. Using nontransparent pellet supports it is possible to increase molding efficiency even if the risk of polymer degradation increases. A master curve can be fabricated for molding test results providing a correct comparison among the different process conditions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:168–173, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers