Electroforming of Tool Inserts for Injection Molding of Optical or Microfluidic Components

With a rapidly increasing international interest in “Lab-on-a-chip”-systems as well as affordable polymer optics, the combination of electroforming and injection molding offers an attractive fabrication solution. Miniaturized analysis systems can be used for medical, security (anti terror monitoring) and environmental (waste water monitoring) applications.

Optical components in polymer materials can be used for consumer electronics and for sensor systems. The presentation will include the complete fabrication scheme for tool inserts based on machining and electroforming. Electroforming processes for nickel and copper will be disclosed. Processing parameters for the different types of tools as well as quality control measures will be presented.