Heriot-Watt: 3D-electroforming technology for licensing

Licensing, Collaboration Opportunity

Heriot-Watt University researchers have developed an electroforming technology capable of high resolution patterning of planar and 3-Dimensional surfaces, specifically internal and external curves. This versatile technology is applicable to the manufacture of microfluidics devices, micro-optics and functional surfaces. Protected by a GB patent application partners are now welcome for cooperation on the further development and commercialization of the technology.

Advantage

Current microstructure manufacturing techniques such as photolithography are typically suited to flat, smooth surfaces; they require a dedicated, often capital intensive manufacturing facility in a clean room environment.

Micro & 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/ photomask 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.

Benefits

• Applicable to planar & 3D surfaces including internal & external radii
• Applicable to UV curable or thermoplastic materials
• High aspect ratio possible
• Uses low cost, high resolution stencil technology
• Ability to manufacture micro-via’s in certain materials

Stage of Development

“Proof of Principle” has been demonstrated in Laboratory trials showing:

• High aspect ratio micro-channel fabrication on planar surfaces
• Micro-channel production on internal or external radii (concave or convex surfaces)

Applications

• Microfluidics & micro-medical device manufacture
• Micromoulding applications – Refractive / diffractive Optics, waveguides, cooling etc.
• Drug delivery, micro-array plates
• Functional & smart surfaces – non-stick/ anti-reflection / RF noise suppression etc.
• Manufacture of complex micro-moulds for plastics processing

IP Status

• The technology is protected by a GB patent application #0724718.2

Commercial Opportunity

Heriot-Watt University is seeking parties interested in purchasing a license to this technology, collaboration or forming a joint venture partnership for development of the technology in specific user defined areas.