Surface Microstructuring on the Hard Materials Through Hot Embossing

Fabrication of surface microstructures on the hard materials, such as metals and glass, has important applications in enhancing heat transfer, antifouling and drag reduction, etc. Hot embossing has the advantages of simple process, cost-effectiveness, high precision, and good mechanical properties of the formed structures, which has become a key microstructuring method for hard materials. This chapter first introduces the development of hot embossing on hard materials, and then introduces the processes, including micro hot embossing and roll forming. Furthermore, the hot-embossing filling theory and microformability, as well as the design and manufacturing tools, are discussed. Finally, the application in glass instrument, thermal management structures, and functional microstructures is summarized, and the future development direction of hot embossing is proposed.