Fabrication of functional polymeric prototypes for micro-fluidical and micro-optical applications

Different process technologies for the rapid fabrication of micro-fluidical and micro-optical components made of polymers will be presented. Single prototypes are generated by the direct patterning or modification of plastics with UV-laser radiation. For the fabrication of small and large series laser-assisted micromachining using neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) and excimer laser allows for a rapid manufacturing of microstructured polymeric and metallic mould inserts. Plastic replication like hot embossing, injection moulding or reaction injection moulding of the generated microstructured mould inserts gives access to mouldings carrying structural details in the micrometer range and/or high aspect ratio microstructures.