Study of a Dot-patterning Process on Flexible Materials using Impact Print-Type Hot Embossing Technology

Impact Print-Type Hot Embossed technology can make dot patterns that can change pattern width and depth in real time, on various types of polymer films, using an impact pattern. Compared to the existing hot embossing technology, the cost of the pressed pattern shape is significantly lower and arbitrary embossing shape can be made in real time. Our technology can be applied to the bio devices field and these devices can help to check the patient condition or disease by reading the biosignals of the user.

If the electricity heat is too low, the impact header can tear the polymer film or the impact head may wear down. Therefore, finding a proper electricity heat from repetitive experiments is important. Begin by making model one and combine it with an X stage.

Combine the X stage and Z stage, and assemble the Z stage and model two. Next, combine model two and the impact header, and place the heat plate below model one. Install two film holders onto the end of the heat plate, and fix the polymer film onto the film holder.

Then, to ensure that the polymer film is flat on the heat plate, pull the polymer film as much as possible using motion one of the film holder. Alternatively, to move the polymer film to the side, move the film holder via motion two. Finally, connect the control device that sends the signals to the impact header to control it, and input minus 3v and plus 10v as control signals into the impact header.

Finally, connect the control device that sends the signals to the impact header to control it, and input minus 3 volts and plus 10 volts as control signals into the impact header. Begin by installing a stage control program on the control PC to control the X stage and Z stage. Install DAQ driver software to detect the control device on the control PC that controls the impact header, and install an operating program to control the control device.

Next, to conduct the patterning experiment, fix the polymer film onto the film holder, and adjust the position of the polymer film using motions one and two, to fix the film flatly. After fixing the polymer film, adjust the temperature of the heat plate to heat the film above the glass transition temperature. Then, adjust the initial position of the impact header by controlling the X and Z stages using the stage control program.

Use the operating program to generate a 5v control signal from the control device. Once the OP amp amplifies the 5v control signal to greater than 10v, turn the impact header on and engrave the patterns on the polymer film. Then, generate a 0v control signal from the control device using the operating program.

Once the OP amp amplifies the 0v control signal to minus 3v, turn the impact header off. Move the X stage into position to engrave the next pattern. Lower the Z stage ten microns from the initial position and engrave patterns three times on the polymer film, counting the number of Z stage moves.

When the number of Z stage movements exceeds three, move the X stage to the initial position, and raise the impact header maximally by moving the Z stage. Finally, detach the polymer film from the film holder and measure the width and depth of each dot pattern using a confocal microscope in laser scanning mode. In this study, a dot pattern was created on the three polymer films, and a confocal microscope was used to observe the pattern.

Nine points were used in the dot pattern, and the size of the pattern increased from sample one to sample three because the height of the Z stage moved down by ten microns. Further, this protocol was able to measure the pattern width and depth of each dot pattern, and the pattern was clearly observable through the 2D image of one dot. The errors in the dot patterns for the three types of films are minor, indicating that the Impact Print-Type Hot Embossing process is suitable for engraving micro-patterns onto polymer films in real time.

This method is the first of proposed methods, so it will be a help for beginners to understand the acumen design, specimen preparation, and process procedure by visualization. In this step, if the film is heated at rest at the glass transition temperature, the pattern will not engrave there, due to the restoration of the film. Documentation of the patterning temperature is 350 degrees celsius and our process can adjust to the line patterning.

These advantages can be used in the semiconductor, using high temperatures and ultra-fine channels. Our technology can make a pattern using contour systems. This protocol helps open the way for research that can make micro-scale patterns at low-cost, without chemical process.

There is no risk of chemical tears, however during the experiment the user has to use protective equipment to avoid burns, since the heat plate is heated to high temperatures.