Opening of MiKA – New Application Center for Microplastic Technologies at KuZ

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On April 3, 2014, the new Application Center for Microplastic Technologies – MiKA was opened at the Plastics Center in Leipzig (KuZ). Numerous guests from industry and politics were invited to the ceremonial opening. With MiKA in Leipzig, a unique facility for microplastic processing was established in Germany, combining many years of experience in product and technology development with modern, comprehensive equipment at the highest level.

Dr. Peter Blöß, Managing Director of KuZ, welcomed the guests and highlighted the great future potential of microplastic technology in the fields of electronics/microelectronics/sensors, optics, and medical technology. "With MiKA, we have consolidated our expertise in microplastic technology to work even more effectively for our customers and partners from industry and research," he emphasized. Dr. Blöß thanked the federal ministries, the Free State, and the Leipzig Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer for their financial support. Ministerial Councilor Thomas Zuleger from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy praised KuZ's targeted work in this future-oriented field. State Secretary Hartmut Fiedler from the Saxon State Ministry for Economy, Labour, and Transport emphasized the high innovative standards pursued with MiKA and called for cross-industry collaboration. The long-standing successful development of KuZ was honored by Uwe Albrecht, Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Economy and Labour of the City of Leipzig, who noted that this achievement has reached a new peak with the establishment of MiKA.

Microplastic Technology in Theory and Practice

The scientific lecture series was kicked off by Stephan Krause from LPKF Laser & Electronics AG in Garbsen, who gave an interesting introduction to the technological process of laser direct structuring of 3D circuit carriers. In this process, the desired circuit layout is described and activated on a 1K plastic element using a laser beam. Subsequently, a copper, nickel, and gold layer is applied without electrical current. He demonstrated the possibilities of integration and discussed different manufacturing technologies, such as two-component micro-injection molding for very complex circuit structures.

Wolfgang Müller from Jenoptik Polymer Systems GmbH in Jena presented the process and machine technical possibilities and challenges in micro-optics manufacturing. "The MiKA at KuZ Leipzig is an interesting and important contribution to increasing research and development capacities in the field of micro-injection molding and reducing existing technical and technological deficits in the production of precise microplastic components as basic elements for microsystem technology," he said in his appraisal of the opening.

Similar to the production of optical molded parts, appropriate machine technology under cleanroom conditions is also required for medical applications. Dr. Andreas Fuchs from Stryker Leibinger GmbH & Co. KG in Freiburg illustrated this need with implants made from bioresorbable plastics. It became clear that not only the processing method but also the geometry of the implant, the polymer, and the site of application within the human body are crucial factors.

Dr. Gábor Jüttner and Steffen Jacob, scientific staff at KuZ and key competence holders, presented the development of micro-injection molding at KuZ from 1999 to 2014. Starting with prototype development, through the series micro-injection molding machine formicaPlast® developed in collaboration with DesmaTec, to 2K and vertical micro-injection molding technology. After a brief overview of current developments in microplastic technology at KuZ and the possibilities that MiKA can offer to partners, selected technology demonstrations followed for the guests:

– Micro-injection molding of optical molded parts,
– Injection molding of flow channels with microstructures for position-dependent investigation of the tool cavity pressure profile,
– 2K micro-injection molding of MID parts,
– Injection molding of housings for fiber optic connectors under cleanroom conditions, and
– Injection molding of micro-optical molded parts under cleanroom conditions with part removal and blister packaging.

During live technology demonstrations in the new, extensively equipped MiKA technical center, guests could experience firsthand how high-quality micro parts are manufactured on various machines. Many guests brought questions about the feasibility of specific parts. In smaller groups, discussions took place on how new technologies can be introduced into companies. With MiKA specialists, approaches for new research projects were discussed, which are to be further developed in the coming period. An active exchange of experiences with the MiKA team and lively discussions among participants best describe the atmosphere on the opening day.