The laboratory focuses mainly on the micro injection moulding process. This technology, although derived from traditional injection moulding, has over time highlighted its specific differences, such as a different rheological behaviour of the polymer inside the micro-cavities, a high cooling rate of the polymer, as well as a greater geometric complexity of the mould for micro-components.
In the field of micro injection moulding, the main research activities concern the study and development of conventional and non-conventional materials (filled, recycled and foamed polymers) and their processability, the study of process performance in micro cavities or with high shape ratio, the study of micro components in different application sectors and the development of resin and metal moulds made with additive manufacturing techniques.
The laboratory works in synergy with the ‘Polymer Matrix Composites‘, ‘Physical Characterisation‘ and ‘Advanced Manufacturing Technologies and Systems‘ laboratories at the Milan branch and the ‘Micro EDM and Characterisation‘ and ‘Mechatronics and Prototype Development‘ laboratories at the Bari branch.
