Direct Imprinting Using Magnetic Nickel Mold and Electromagnetism Assisted Pressure for Replication of Microstructures

Abstract

Abstract This study proposes a simple technology using electromagnetism to control the direct hot imprint resist of a nickel mold. Combining the present gas-assisted hot imprint molding technology, electroforming technology, and self-designed heatable electromagnetic plate for even control and progressive pressuring technology, this study used electromagnetic nickel mold direct hot imprint to replicate microstructures, in order to make the molding technology and application of micro/nanoimprint more mature. This study first used gas-assisted hot embossing method to replicate structures on polycarbonate (PC), this PC film with microstructures is cast into nickel molds by electroforming. This nickel mold was used as the mold for magnetic embossing to imprint hot plastic polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The result showed that through gas-assisted hot embossing molding and electroforming, molds with high costs and complicated production processes can be massively replicated, and the replication precision is good. Through electroforming, the casting duration of magnetic nickel molds can be shortened and costs can be effectively lowered. Moreover, an electromagnetic plate was used to evenly control the direct hot pressure imprint resist, which is an advantage of the production process for micro structures.