Single thermoplastic pellet molding by means of diode laser for micromolding application |
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| Authors: | Isabella Citrea Fabrizio Quadrini |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy |
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| Abstract: | 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 |
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