New production methods push the development in microsystem technology even further. Today’s microsystems no longer only consist of semiconductors. The integration of different systems and the growing applicability of different materials such as polymers allow the production of complex and combined microsystems opening up entirely new markets for this technology.
Within the scope of the paper, three different process technologies for the manufacturing of polymer micro components and structures are presented. First the optical functionalisation of larger surfaces using microstructured films made by extrusion embossing is discussed. For the direct comparability the possibilities to achieve similar functions on complex shaped parts by injection moulding are presented. For both processes the different influences of the manufacturing parameters on the microstructures are discussed in detail. The paper is concluded with the presentation of a novel method for the economical production of micro moulded parts with very low part weights.