Skip to main content
Article
Rapid Prototyping of Micropatterned Substrates Using Conventional Laser Printers
Journal of Materials Research (2002)
  • Michael L. Branham, University of Florida
  • Roger Tran-Son-Tay, University of Florida
  • Christopher Schoonover, Florida State University
  • Patrick S. Davis, Florida State University
  • Susan D. Allen, Florida State University
  • Wei Shyy, University of Florida
Abstract
We demonstrated rapid prototyping of templates for replica molding using a conventional laser printer. A polymer, polydimethylsiloxane, was cast directly on the transparency templates to make the replicas. The templates and replicas were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, profilometry, and optical microscopy. Four patterns, including an Electronic Industries Association resolution test pattern, were printed on transparencies at 600 dots per inch on a HP LaserJet 4M printer (Hewlett-Packard, Palo Alto, CA). Optimal precision and clarity occurred between intensity settings of 50–100. Mean pattern height/depth ranged from 8–13 μm, and width was as small as a few tenths of a millimeter. Mean surface roughness of the template patterns ranged from 1 to 4 μm on the top surface and from 5 to 10 nm on the bare transparency surface. This method provides access to microfabricated patterns for the broader research community without the need for sophisticated micromachining facilities.
Keywords
  • rapid prototyping,
  • laser printers,
  • scanning electron microscopy
Publication Date
July, 2002
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1557/JMR.2002.0231
Citation Information
Michael L. Branham, Roger Tran-Son-Tay, Christopher Schoonover, Patrick S. Davis, et al.. "Rapid Prototyping of Micropatterned Substrates Using Conventional Laser Printers" Journal of Materials Research Vol. 17 Iss. 7 (2002) p. 1559 - 1562 ISSN: 0884-2914
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/susan_davis_allen/60/