Small Parts - Big Challenges

Microplastics Technology

The miniaturization of many molded parts and assemblies is progressing unceasingly. The demands on the production processes for micro-molded plastic parts are increasing at the same rate, because small dimensions mean maximum precision and also special handling of the small amounts of material in the process. In microplastics technology, the focus is on mastering the preparation of the smallest quantities of material, reducing the dwell times under temperature load for sensitive materials, keeping the process parameters in multi-cavities constant, resource efficiency and cost savings in the processing of high-performance plastics, and adequate handling of the smallest components in downstream processes.

Our Application Center for Microplastic Technologies (MiKA) covers the entire process chain for the production of microapplications. First and foremost, we see ourselves as your partner for all industries in which microplastic technology solutions are required - from feasibility studies in micro injection molding and micro structuring to series production. Extensive and modern equipment as well as our highly qualified team of specialists are at your disposal to meet your requirements.

Precision with every milligram

Micro Injection Molding

With molded part weights from 1 to 10,000 milligrams, we serve a wide range of different part requirements in micro injection molding. Our extensive experience in one and two component injection technologies, vertical micro injection molding and with a wide variety of materials enables application-oriented solutions of the highest quality from the feasibility study to series production.

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Darstellung der Formteilspannungen einer optischen Linse unter polarisiertem Licht - Verbesserung der Eigenschaften durch Spritzprägen - KUZ

Bringing perfect optical properties to micro applications

Micro injection-compression molding

Optical functions in particular are becoming increasingly miniaturized. A well-known example from everyday life is the integrated camera in every modern smartphone. This miniaturization is only made possible by high-precision micro-optics made of plastic. For micro-optics with high image quality, such as for demanding applications in measurement and medical technology, component stresses are often difficult to control. Internal stresses and molecular orientations in injection molded plastic optics cause birefringence effects that lead to unwantes polarization and thus transmission effects. Here, micro injection compression molding can achieve qualitative improvements.

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mikrofluidische Bio-Chips (Lab-on-a-Chip) gefertigt im Spritzguss - KUZ

fine details in injection molding

Microstructuring

One of the Challanges in injection molding is the precise reproduction of fine structures and contour details, such as those found in microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems. Take advantage of KUZ's expertise in molding small contour details in plastic. We support you in adapting your microfluidic design to the requirements of injection molding and in mold design.

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Mikroextruder für kleine Austragsmengen mit extrudierten Lumen Schlauch - KUZ

Compact extruders for microtechnology and much more

Mikroextrusion

The principle of disc plastification is applied in miniaturized form in microextrusion. It guarantees the necessary forward capacity with high melt quality for continuous and discontinuous extrusion at low throughput rates. At the Kunststoff-Zentrum in Leipzig (KUZ), a plastification concept with disc plastificationg elements and very small L/D ratios was developed and implemented in an exceptionally compact extruder. This technology can currently be used as a small-volume extruder for microprofile extrusion, for multicomponent extrusion or as a high-performance 3D printing head.

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Mikroprüfkörper zum Test von kleinen Kunststoffchargen - KUZ

Test specimen made of smallest amounts of material

Micro test specimen

Are you developing a new material and need to test it quickly and efficiently? Injection molded micro test specimens can be used to test plastics under very precise process specifications. The "formicaPlast" micro injection molding machine developed at the Kunststoff-Zentrum in Leipzig (KUZ) allows the processing of the smallest shot weights, even for materials that are sensitive to residence time. In addition to the production of test specimens the KUZ offers all the necessary testing methods for your investigations.

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Matching further training

Detailaufnahme eines Spritzgießrheometers an einer Spritzgießmaschine.

Seminar

29.11. - 30.11.2023

Rheology and thermal analysis

The description of the material properties of plastics is essential for the design of processing procedures and for quality assurance. Rheometric investigations can be used to characterize the flow and deformation behavior of thermoplastic polymers and to better understand their structure-viscosity behavior during processing. The test methods of thermal analysis open up the possibility of identifying relationships between processing conditions, microstructure and material properties of plastics. In this way, polymers can be identified and processing-related material damage can be detected. In this seminar, the theoretical fundamentals of rheology and thermal analysis are combined with practical demonstrations of the equipment in the laboratory and pilot plant. Concrete application examples from the practice of the accredited testing laboratory at the KUZ will be used to show what information can be obtained from the recorded measurement curves. For more information on the agenda, how to get there, parking facilities and an insight into the script, please see our download box at the top right.

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