Machine and tool development for forming of polymeric tubular micro-components

This paper reports the work associated with the development of a desktop hot-embossing machine system and tools which would enable volume production of polymeric tubular micro-components for various applications. The development was undertaken by considering factors such as machine dynamic performance, precision guides to tools, tool heating and cooling, raw material feeding and end-part collection, control strategy. It was assisted with FE analysis and a series of forming experiment. An integrated machine system has now been constructed and tested with the forming of several demonstration-components. A good result was obtained from these tests.