Design, Simulation, and Injection Moulding of a Microreactor Baseplate

Abstract

A suitable tooling strategy is identified to enable mass production of a microreactor baseplate via injection moulding. A bottom grooved micromixer design suitable for micromilling of a tool insert is developed. To identify suitable polymer and process parameters, injection moulding simulations are performed. Mesh generation is described; two approaches of gate description as well as mould temperature control in simulation software are discussed. Three materials are examined from the injection moulding point of view, polystyrene (PS), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), and polyether ether ketone (PEEK). A microreactor baseplate is produced by injection moulding of PS.