5. Conclusion and Outlook

In addition to silicon, polymers play a very important role in microsystems. Their low cost and versatility promise a wide range of applications and significant markets. Micro-hot-stamping technology offers manufacturing options for shaping parts ranging from small-batch production to industrial-scale manufacturing. A wide variety of process modifications makes it possible to solve a diverse range of problems. The ability to combine multiple materials or use pretreated sheets expands the scope of application for thermoplastic polymers. Positioned stamping on pre-structured substrates and double-sided forming create interfaces where different systems come into contact with one another.

Plant technology is geared toward larger surfaces and shorter cycle times. As the trend continues toward greater precision and the expansion into the third dimension—to increase functional...