Plastic components with microstructured surfaces
Scientists at SINTEF Materials and Chemistry are developing methods for mass-producing plastic components with micro- and nanostructured surfaces, such as CDs and DVDs. SINTEF’s projects aim to produce components for optical sensors and analytical chips for medical diagnoses (known as “labs-on-a-chip”). With surface details that may be less than one thousandth of a millimetre in width, strict demands are made of material properties and manufacturing processes.
Among other aspects, the scientists are studying how these demands can be met by injection moulding, which is the most usual method for the mass production of plastic components. The project has already developed prototypes for two Norwegian companies. You can read more at www.sintef.no/mpc.