Sembach Produces Micro Parts Using The Micro Injection Molding Process

2023 Author: Hannah Pearcy | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39

Sembach Technical Ceramics has also recently started using the micro injection molding process. This process is not yet very widespread in the ceramics industry, since manufacturers of medical technology devices and components often still lack knowledge about the materials from the field of technical ceramics.

In fact, technical ceramics are said to have a number of positive properties that are suitable for miniatures, especially in the medical technology sector.

Measure and monitor micro parts in micro injection molding

Micro injection molding is used for components whose weight is between 0.01 g and 0.5 g. Some parts are so small that they can only be seen with a magnifying glass.

Micro injection molding differs from classic injection molding in that it has a very small injection unit that is integrated in the injection molding machine instead of the normal size unit. This injection unit is based on a different technique. It is not a worm shaft as usual, but is actually a piston press. This piston is so small that it can transport very small amounts of material.

Seminar tip

The systematic material selection seminar teaches the relationship between material production, material structure and the resulting material properties. The aim is to present a holistic representation of the material selection process, starting from the creation of a requirement profile, the pre-selection up to the fine selection and risk assessment.

It is important to monitor the process, which would not be possible with micro injection molding on a normal injection molding machine. The resolution is too coarse to measure injection pressures, injection volumes, etc. However, monitored processes are a major requirement for suppliers in many industries. According to the company, the small injection unit makes it possible to scale the minimum piston movements again and thus measure and monitor these small quantities. In this way, the company wants to ensure process reliability for the micro parts.

Technical ceramics are suitable for medical device technology

Parts that are manufactured using the micro-injection molding process are in demand, for example in medical device technology. The production of medical components in particular is subject to sensitive requirements, especially when it comes to components on medical devices that are in direct contact with body tissue.

Here the special suitability of the ceramic material (usually oxide and non-oxide ceramic) can be emphasized, which should be biocompatible, corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant. Typical small parts made of micro injection molding are e.g. B. Miniature bushings for pacemakers, tips for endoscopes for minimally invasive procedures or tools for miniature components.

High quality standards

With the strict certification according to IATF 16949, which Sembach has, the company is also well positioned for medical devices and tools. For example, it manufactured the miniature bushings for pacemakers mentioned. The volume of this part is 13.9 mm ³; it has a weight of 0.055 g.

The quality control following the manufacturing process of the micro parts can, depending on the quantity, be carried out automatically using a visual microscope inspection or, for high volumes, as an optical 100 percent inspection using camera systems.