Objective Microinjection molding is the current standard technology for the production of microcomponents. There is an increasing demand for microcomponents with feature sizes down to micrometers due to a general trend towards miniaturization in the medical and automotive industry. The main problem to meet this demand is the considerable fix-cost of the micromolds (microstructured injection tool inserts). Currently, the methods for their fabrication are lithography-based LIGA-techniques, electrical discharge machining (EDM), or precision laser ablation with high capital and maintenance costs. Our goal is the development and commercialization of inorganic composite micromolds, which can be produced at significantly reduced costs, thus making microinjection molding more profitable and variable. We found that inorganic composites are surprisingly versatile material for this purpose. The amazing feature of these composite micromolds is their extremely smooth surface having sub-micron roughness, an exact replication of even micrometer size features, and their excellent stability. Lower fix costs for such micromolds allow microinjection molding also of smaller numbers of microparts for special demands, e.g. for medical applications, thus opening new markets for microinjection molding. The proposed project aims to bring this idea to the proof-of-concept level by demonstrating a inorganic composite micromold that can be used in commercial microinjection molding equipment for the production of microcomponents. In parallel, we will also develop our future technical and intellectual property rights strategy, explore the market potential and secure potential customers. We finally intend to launch a company to develop the product and bring it to the market. Fields of science engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcompositesengineering and technologymechanical engineeringmanufacturing engineeringsubtractive manufacturingengineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringautomotive engineeringnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticslaser physics Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-PoC-2015 - ERC Proof of Concept Grant Call for proposal ERC-2015-PoC See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant Host institution UNIVERSITAT BAYREUTH Net EU contribution € 149 212,50 Address UNIVERSITATSSTRASSE 30 95447 Bayreuth Germany See on map Region Bayern Oberfranken Bayreuth, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 149 212,50 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITAT BAYREUTH Germany Net EU contribution € 149 212,50 Address UNIVERSITATSSTRASSE 30 95447 Bayreuth See on map Region Bayern Oberfranken Bayreuth, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 149 212,50