3D-Electroforming of Polymer Microstructures

Licensing opportunity

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland have developed a new technique that they claim overcomes shortcomings of existing microstructure manufacturing methods.

Current techniques such as photolithography are typically suited to flat, smooth surfaces and require dedicated, often capital intensive manufacturing facility in a clean room environment. Micro and nano-manufacture on 3D surfaces using UV casting, embossing or micro-molding are established technologies, but the use of high resolution photolithography on internal surfaces is difficult or impossible due to surface curvature related distortion or misalignment effects in the exposed areas.

The Heriot-Watt technology counteracts the above problems by using a novel microstencil based technique and applied electrostatic forces to shape the surface. This high resolution technology is essentially non-contact and is suited to both planar and non-planar surfaces. The university is looking for partners interested in licensing this technology, or forming a joint venture partnership for development of the technology in specific applications.

The technique is applicable to planar and 3D surfaces, including internal and external radii, and can be used with UV curable or thermoplastic materials. It has a number of possible applications, including microfluidics and micro-medical device manufacture; micromoulding applications, including refractive and/or diffractive optics and waveguides; drug delivery, micro-array plates; functional and smart surfaces with properties such as non-stick and anti-reflection; and the manufacture of complex micro-moulds for plastics processing.