Method and device for programming polymer molded parts made of shape memory polymers

Abstract

Method for transferring polymer molded parts (1), which contain or consist entirely of at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties, from a permanent mold to a temporary mold, by programming the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties under the influence of force, wherein it is programmed by means of fluid pressure acting at least partially on the polymer molded part (1) as a result of a fluid flow (5) acting on the polymer molded part (1), characterized in that, thereby eliminating the need for molding or pressing tools usually used for programming the polymer molded part (1), the fluid flow (5) acting at least partially on the polymer molded part (1) is generated by means of at least one nozzle (4), wherein at least one parameter from the group is used for the at least partial deformation of the polymer molded part (1). - Angle of impact of the fluid flow generated by the nozzle (4) onto the polymer molded part (1); - Impact velocity of the fluid flow generated by means of the nozzle (4) onto the polymer molded part (1); - Distance of the nozzle (4) from the polymer molded part (1); - Cross-sectional shape of the nozzle (4), such as a solid jet, flat jet, cone jet nozzle or the like; - Geometry of at least one recess (3) of a holding device (1) supporting the polymer molded part (1); and - The geometry of at least one recess of a template arranged between the polymer mold part (1) and the nozzle (4) is set according to the temporary shape of the polymer mold part (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for converting polymer moldings which contain or consist entirely of at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties, from a permanent shape into a temporary shape by programming the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties under the action of force, wherein it is programmed by means of fluid pressure acting at least partially on the polymer molding as a result of a fluid flow acting on the polymer molding.The invention further relates to a device, particularly suitable for carrying out such a method, for transferring polymer molded parts which contain or consist entirely of at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties from a permanent mold into a temporary mold, with at least one programming station which is designed to program the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties under the action of force and has at least one device for applying fluid pressure to the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties as a result of a fluid flow.

[0002] Shape memory polymers are polymers that typically consist of at least two polymer components or, in particular, of a single polymer component with different segments. These include "hard" segments, which also function as network points. On the other hand, they include "soft" segments that connect the network points and are also referred to as switching segments. They are elastic at elevated temperatures (in this case, they are in amorphous form) while rigid at lower temperatures (in this case, they are in semi-crystalline or vitrified form).

[0003] Such polymers can be programmed with regard to their shape by heating them in their permanent form to a temperature that corresponds at least to the so-called switching temperature, at which the phase transition (glass transition or melting transition) of the soft or switching segments occurs. At such a temperature, the polymer is then deformed into a temporary shape, after which it is cooled to its so-called shape-fixing temperature, which corresponds to the crystallization temperature or glass transition temperature of the soft or switching segments and can be in the range of the switching temperature, but is usually at least somewhat lower. The soft or switching segments then reappear in a semi-crystalline or vitrified form, so that the shape is retained.This shaping, however, is only temporary insofar as when a shape memory polymer that has been mechanically deformed in this way is heated to a specific temperature, namely its switching temperature, the soft segments (switching segments) are converted back to their amorphous form, so that they can no longer counteract the restoring force induced by the hard component (network points), and the shape memory polymer returns to its original, permanent shape, thus "reversing" the mechanical deformation. Furthermore, programming by cold forming is often also possible, in which the polymers are deformed from their permanent shape into a temporary one at a temperature below their switching temperature, e.g., at ambient temperature, and optionally, if the shape-setting temperature is lower, are cooled to their shape-setting temperature.In this case, too, only temporary deformation takes place, as a re-deformation takes place when the material is heated again, at least to the switching temperature, in order to convert soft segments (switching segments) into the amorphous phase and thereby relax the mechanical stresses induced during cold working.

[0004] In addition to such shape memory, thermoresponsive polymers can also exhibit temperature memory. This means that when the shape memory effect is triggered, the shape recovery begins at approximately the temperature at which the mechanical deformation was previously introduced into the polymer material. Polymers with semicrystalline network structures, such as thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, exhibit this type of material behavior (N. Fritzsche, T. Pretsch in Macromolecules 47, 2014, 5952-5959; N. Mirtschin, T. Pretsch in RSC Advances 5, 2015, 46307-46315).

[0005] Furthermore, polymers with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties are known which exhibit two-way shape memory properties and can therefore be thermoreversibly switched. The switching segments of such shape memory polymers with a two-way shape memory effect undergo a change in shape during the transition between their predominantly crystalline state and their predominantly amorphous state in such a way that they can be reversibly switched back and forth between their permanent shape and their temporary form by cooling the polymer to the crystallization temperature on the one hand, and by heating the polymer to the switching temperature range on the other. This means that the correspondingly programmed polymer deforms automatically back and forth under appropriate temperature control. Such polymers are known, for example, from T. Pretsch, M. Bothe: "Bidirectional actuation of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer", Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 20 (2013), 14.491-14,497 known.

[0006] Application areas for such polymers with shape memory properties and / or thermoresponsive properties exist, for example, in various medical applications including bandages, compresses, insoles, artificial muscles and the like, but also in technical applications including micromechanical systems, actuators, such as in the form of switches for switching safety-relevant mechanical, electrical or electronic systems on and off, holders, spindles, locking devices, drive systems, active surfaces or in heat engines for converting thermal energy into kinetic energy and for temporarily storing thermal energy. Further application areas for such polymers are in consumer goods, such as tableware, toys, pacifiers, textiles, especially in functional textiles, e.g.for medical or sports purposes, mattresses, hoses and the like. Another interesting area of ​​application for polymers with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties is in the field of information carriers for the forgery-proof labelling of goods in order to verify their authenticity. This takes advantage of the fact that a code applied to the goods, for example a machine-readable and / or otherwise optically clearly identifiable code, only becomes visible or readable when the information carrier made from such polymers is heated to its switching temperature, so that the polymer returns from its temporary shape to its permanent shape after it has been (temporarily) deformed using the programming described above. After processing, such polymer molded parts, such as information carriers or any other molded parts, such asof the type mentioned above, namely via a shape and / or temperature memory, whereby in addition to thermoresponsiveness, thermochromic properties can also be provided, for example, provided the polymer molded part has been printed or mixed with corresponding thermochromic dyes or pigments. In the case of information carriers, authenticity can then additionally be proven by means of a color change at the corresponding color change temperature; in the case of any other molded parts, this creates a special effect. Likewise, properties can be created using luminous pigments, for example, which may be aesthetically desirable and, in particular, are difficult to reproduce, so that in the case of polymer molded parts in the form of information carriers, they ensure even greater security against counterfeiting.In addition, such polymer moldings can also be mixed with magnetoresponsive or electroactive additives, in particular in fine particulate form, or can have such additives applied to them, whereby a further security feature can be ensured in particular by an information carrier designed in such a way, for example, showing a change in shape triggered by inductive heating, after its polymer matrix made of the polymers with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties has been mixed and / or coated with such additives and subsequently programmed.

[0007] However, the main problem of such functional or multifunctional material systems, which contain at least one polymer with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties or are formed entirely from them, is currently that both their production and, in particular, their programming are complex and expensive, which is why they have so far found little use in practice. In the state of the art (cf. e.g. T. Pretsch, M. Ecker, M. Schildhauer, M. Maskos in J. Mater Chem. 22, 2012, 7757-7766; N. Fritzsche, T. Pretsch in Macromolecules 47, 2014, 5952-5959; M. Ecker, T. Pretsch in RSC Advances 4, 2014, 286-292; M. Ecker, T. Pretsch in RSC Advances 4, 2014, 46680-46688) various processes for the production of prototypes of molded parts from polymers with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties are described, which comprise various, often very time-consuming process steps.For example, approximately 2 mm thick platelets made of shape memory polymers serve as the starting point for the production of information carriers designed like labels, which are provided with a graphic code using various dyeing processes. These dyeing processes are based on diffusion processes in which a dye solution diffuses into the polymer matrix and the solvent is subsequently evaporated, or the platelets made of the shape memory polymer are coated with solutions or pastes of the same shape memory polymer. To obtain a multifunctional material system, thermochromic dyes can be used (see also DE 10 2011 054 925 A1).After coloring, an engraving is applied to the colored surface of the shape memory polymer platelets, in particular using a carbon dioxide laser. Afterward, the thermomechanical treatment is carried out using a tensile testing machine in a thermal chamber to deform the shape memory polymer above its switching temperature and then cool it below its shape-fixing temperature in order to program its (temporary) shape. In addition to the forgery-proof labeling of goods, the monitoring of cold chains is also proposed as a potential application for such information carriers (N. Fritzsche, T. Pretsch in Macromolecules 47, 2014, 5952-5959; see also DE 10 2014 104 901 A1), whereby the switching temperature of the shape memory polymer in this case lies within a range that must not be exceeded to ensure an uninterrupted cold chain.

[0008] In addition to the individual, relatively complex process steps, it has also proven problematic that the morphological properties of the polymers used with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties depend significantly on how much time elapses until the respective further processing, such as in particular the programming, of the platelets made of shape memory polymers used in a subsequent process step takes place.

[0009] On a laboratory scale, the programming of polymer molded parts with or from polymers with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties is currently usually carried out by individually deforming the molded part in its permanent shape into a temporary shape during programming in a temperature-controlled environment, such as in a temperature chamber with a clamping device used to hold the polymer molded part.If the temperature chamber is equipped with a universal testing system, a large chamber volume relative to the dimensions of the polymer molded part must be temperature-controlled, which entails comparatively high programming time and costs. If, instead, a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is subsequently performed, the chamber volume required for temperature control of the polymer molded part during programming can be kept smaller, but such programming is primarily only accessible for thin, film-like molded parts. Such programming methods are therefore only of limited suitability for series production of relatively large quantities and are used almost exclusively in research and development to ensure quantification of shape memory properties, such as shape fixability, shape recovery, switching temperature, etc.

[0010] In addition, applications of polymer molded parts with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties are known, in which the polymer is programmed directly by the user, such as in the so-called splints commercially available under the trade name myTAP™ for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. The transfer of the splint from its permanent shape to its temporary, user-adapted shape takes place individually in the user's mouth after the user has previously heated the splint in hot water above the switching temperature of the polymer. In the user's mouth, the splint is then cooled again below the shape-setting temperature of the polymer, thus holding the splint in the desired individual - temporary - shape.Similarly, commercially available pacifiers for infants made of shape memory polymers, for example under the trade name Luckydent™, can be programmed by first heating them in hot water above the switching temperature of the polymer, then modeling them and then fixing them in cold water in their new individual - temporary - shape.

[0011] Furthermore, polymer molded parts with shape memory properties and / or thermoresponsive properties with very high viscoelasticity are used for so-called "one size fits all" applications, in which the polymer molded part is also shaped by the user, but without programming. Examples of such molded parts include bicycle saddles, shoe insoles, and the like, in which the polymer molded part adapts to the desired shape solely due to its good viscoelastic properties.

[0012] DE 10 2015 014 291 A1 describes a process for producing polymer moldings from polymers with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties, which is suitable for the large-scale production of moldings from such polymers, in particular in the form of forgery-proof information carriers of the type mentioned above. The known process comprises the initial step of extruding a polymer with shape memory and / or with thermoresponsive properties and the immediately subsequent calibration of the extrudate to form a continuous strand, in particular a substantially film-shaped strand. In a subsequent step, the strand is at least partially deformed at a temperature which corresponds at least to the switching temperature of the polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties used, e.g.with the application of a code, whereupon the at least partially deformed continuous strand is cooled to the shape-setting temperature of the polymer used. Finally, the at least partially deformed continuous strand is cut to length to obtain the polymer molded parts, such as film-shaped labels. This known process has proven advantageous for the more or less continuous production of such molded parts, which can be extruded in their basic shape, but there are limitations to the selection of molded part geometries.

[0013] DE 602 06 739 T2 describes contact lenses made of shape memory polymers and various methods for programming them using molding tools, wherein, among other things, a programming method is provided by means of air pressure acting on the contact lens, which comprises the following steps: (a) placing a layer of shape memory polymers on a molding device which serves to define a predetermined shape and has the desired shape; (b) increasing the temperature of the shape memory polymer layer to at least its glass transition temperature but below its decomposition temperature; (c) delivering a gas stream to the shape memory polymer layer at a pressure sufficient to mold the shape memory polymer layer against the molding device; (d) lowering the temperature of the thus formed layer of shape memory polymers to below the glass transition temperature; and (e) removing the formed layer of shape memory polymers from the mold wall of the molding device.

[0014] The molding or programming device is designed to program the layer of shape memory polymers by means of gas pressure or by means of a vacuum, by exerting an overpressure or underpressure on the surface of the layer in order to press it against the mold wall of the molding device, so that the contact lens programmed accordingly from the layer is given the shape of this mold wall and gentle programming is ensured without damaging the optical surface of the sensitive contact lenses.

[0015] The invention is based on the object of proposing a method and a device for programming polymer molded parts of the type mentioned at the outset, containing at least one polymer with shape memory and / or with thermoresponsive properties, with a molded part geometry that is variable within wide limits for practically any application, including those of the type mentioned above, which method ensures economical series production of such polymer molded parts while at least largely avoiding the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0016] In terms of process engineering, this object is achieved in a method of the type mentioned at the outset in that, while eliminating the need for molding or pressing tools usually used for programming the polymer molding, the fluid flow acting at least partially on the polymer molding is generated by means of at least one nozzle, wherein at least one parameter from the group - Angle of impact of the fluid flow generated by the nozzle onto the polymer molded part; - Impact speed of the fluid flow generated by the nozzle onto the polymer molded part; - Distance of the nozzle from the polymer molded part; - cross-sectional shape of the nozzle, such as a solid jet, flat jet, conical jet or the like; - geometry of at least one recess of a holding device carrying the polymer molded part; and - the geometry of at least one recess of a template arranged between the polymer molded part and the nozzle is adjusted according to the temporary shape of the polymer molded part.

[0017] In terms of device technology, the invention further provides for the solution of this problem in a device of the type mentioned at the outset that, while making it unnecessary to use molding or pressing tools usually used for programming the polymer molding, the device for applying fluid pressure to the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties as a result of a fluid flow comprises at least one nozzle for at least partially applying the fluid flow to the polymer molding, wherein at least one parameter from the group - Angle of impact of the fluid flow generated by the nozzle onto the polymer molded part; - Impact speed of the fluid flow generated by the nozzle onto the polymer molded part; - Distance of the nozzle from the polymer molded part; - cross-sectional shape of the nozzle, such as a solid jet, flat jet, conical jet or the like; - geometry of at least one recess of a holding device carrying the polymer molded part; and - the geometry of at least one recess of a template arranged between the polymer molded part and the nozzle is adjustable.

[0018] The embodiment according to the invention, which is based on the generation of the deformation forces required for programming the at least one polymer with shape memory and / or with thermoresponsive properties of the polymer molded part by means of fluidic pressure, such as in particular gas or liquid pressure resulting from the fluid flow generated by means of the at least one nozzle, proves to be extremely advantageous both in terms of the equipment required and in terms of energy efficiency, since otherwise molding or pressing tools usually used for programming become unnecessary.Furthermore, the invention is characterized by its versatility for virtually any polymer materials, including polymer blends of one or more polymers with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties, optionally with corresponding or other polymers (see below) and molded part geometries, such as for relatively thin polymer molded parts with material thicknesses of less than about 100 nm up to material thicknesses of several millimeters, which may optionally have any surface structures, such as in the form of elevations, depressions, recesses, cavities and the like. In addition to polymer molded parts produced by means of conventional plastics processing methods, such as injection molding, hot pressing, extrusion, calendering, casting, wet spinning, chemical or physical foaming, etc., it is also possible, for example, to useLay-ups produced by electrospinning, 3D printed products, or filler-containing composites made of polymers with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties, polymer networks in hybrid form that have both switching segments and inorganic network points, multilayer molded parts with at least one layer of polymers with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties, and information carriers of the above-mentioned type that are provided with a preferably machine-readable code in the permanent form, can be programmed in the manner according to the invention. The same applies to both open-cell and closed-cell foams that contain at least one polymer with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties or are formed entirely from them.

[0019] The method according to the invention provides that the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties is programmed by means of a fluid flow, in particular a gas flow, which acts at least partially on the polymer molded part and is generated by means of at least one or more nozzles. The force required to convert the polymer molded part from its permanent shape into the desired temporary shape during programming is therefore applied according to the invention by means of a fluid flow acting locally on the polymer molded part, such as preferably a gas flow, e.g. consisting of air, inert gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, etc., other gases or gas mixtures, or even liquids, which, upon impact with the polymer molded part, lead to a defined local deformation of the same.At least one parameter from the group is used to deform the polymer molded part at least in part. - angle of impact of the fluid flow generated by the nozzle on the polymer molded part (either by relative displacement of the polymer molded part with respect to the nozzle(s) and / or by relative displacement of the nozzle(s) with respect to the polymer molded part); - Impact speed of the fluid flow generated by the nozzle onto the polymer molded part; - Distance of the nozzle from the polymer molded part; - cross-sectional shape of the nozzle, such as a solid jet, flat jet, conical jet or the like; - geometry of at least one recess of a holding device carrying the polymer molded part; and - The geometry of at least one recess of a template arranged between the polymer molded part and the nozzle is adjusted according to the temporary shape of the polymer molded part. In this way, the shape or cross-section of the fluid flow or jet, including its speed, intensity, and direction, can be precisely adjusted to the temporary shape of the polymer molded part to be created. It is also possible to arrange a template, e.g., in the manner of preforms, between the polymer molded part and the nozzle, through whose recesses the polymer molded part is exposed to the fluid flow or jet, while otherwise being protected by the template against the effects of the fluid flow. In a corresponding manner, it is also conceivable to provide a corresponding holding device, which supports the polymer molded part during programming (see also below), with template-like recesses that serve the same purpose.

[0020] Furthermore, it can preferably be provided that the type of fluid used is also set as a parameter for at least partially deforming the polymer molded part.

[0021] Furthermore, it may be expedient if the fluid flow acting on the polymer molded part is loaded with particles, in particular with solid particles, but also, for example, with liquid particles, in order to increase the intensity of the deformation forces exerted by the fluid flow or steel, as required.

[0022] In terms of device technology, the invention accordingly provides that the device for applying fluid pressure to the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties as a result of a fluid flow comprises at least one nozzle, e.g. connectable to a fluid pressure reservoir, a compressor or the like, for at least partially applying the fluid flow to the polymer molding, wherein at least one parameter from the group - Angle of impact of the fluid flow generated by the nozzle onto the polymer molded part; - Impact speed of the fluid flow generated by the nozzle onto the polymer molded part; - Distance of the nozzle from the polymer molded part; - cross-sectional shape of the nozzle, such as a solid jet, flat jet, conical jet or the like; - geometry of at least one recess of a holding device carrying the polymer molded part; and - The geometry of at least one recess of a template arranged between the polymer molded part and the nozzle is adjustable.

[0023] As already mentioned above with regard to the method according to the invention, it can preferably be provided in terms of device technology that the at least one device for applying fluid pressure to the at least one polymer having shape memory properties and / or having thermoresponsive properties as a result of a fluid flow is designed for at least partially applying a gas flow to the polymer molded part.

[0024] Furthermore, it may also prove advantageous from a device-technical point of view if the type of fluid used can be set as a parameter.

[0025] During the dynamic pressurisation of the polymer moulding according to the invention by means of the fluid flow from at least one nozzle, the fluid flow acting on the polymer moulding during the programming of its at least one polymer with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties by means of the aforementioned measures can be controlled or regulated in such a way that the polymer moulding is completely deformed at least in some areas, i.e. the geometry of the polymer moulding is changed, or that, for example, only the surface of the polymer moulding is deformed at least in some areas, i.e. the surface structure is changed. The deformation can therefore be primarily two-dimensional or, in particular, three-dimensional, with precise adjustment of the degree of deformation.Furthermore, it should be pointed out as a precaution that the generation according to the invention of a dynamic fluid flow or jet acting on the polymer molded part during programming by means of at least one nozzle can of course also be carried out in several stages one after the other for step-by-step or stage-by-stage programming, in particular of relatively complex molded part geometries, in order to ensure a step-by-step deformation during programming.

[0026] According to an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the polymer molded part is gripped by means of a handling device, in particular an automated one, at least during the programming of the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties.

[0027] In particular, it may be provided that - the polymer molded part is kept in its permanent shape in a storage station and transferred by means of the handling device to a programming station, where the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties is programmed by means of the fluid flow acting at least partially on the polymer molded part; and / or - the polymer molded part is transferred after programming in its temporary form from a programming station, where the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties has been programmed by means of the fluid flow acting at least partially on the polymer molded part, to a storage station in order to temporarily store the programmed polymer molded part in the storage station.

[0028] In this way, in particular, efficient serial programming of a plurality of polymer molded parts with at least one polymer with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties is achieved, in that the molded parts can be gripped and fed to or removed from the programming station by means of the preferably automated handling devices, e.g. in the form of a multi-axis industrial robot, an autosampler, or the like. While a plurality of not yet programmable polymer molded parts can be kept in stock in the supply station in order to be fed to the programming station one after the other by means of the handling device, a plurality of already programmed polymer molded parts can be temporarily stored in the storage station after they have been transferred from the programming station to the storage station by means of the handling device.Both the supply station and the storage station can be designed in a manner known as such in the manner of warehouses, e.g. in the form of shelf storage, in which a plurality of - not yet programmed or already programmed - polymer molded parts can be collected at least temporarily in an ordered or unordered manner, e.g. according to the type and geometry of different polymer molded parts, and can be transported to or from the programming station by means of the handling device.

[0029] The storage station can, for example, also be located at the end of a manufacturing process for the molded parts that have not yet been programmed, such as at the end of an extrusion, injection molding, pressing process or the like, whereby it is also possible by means of the storage station to group together several individually produced, not yet programmed polymer molded parts in order to program them one after the other in a corresponding or different manner.Such groups of polymer molded parts that have not yet been programmed can be positioned at defined locations in the storage station to enable targeted transfer to the programming station by means of the handling device, or they can also be arranged in the storage station more or less statistically or in the sequence intended for programming, provided that the handling device has a correspondingly programmable control device by means of which the removal of the desired type of polymer molded parts held in stock can be predetermined in the desired sequence.

[0030] According to the invention, the programming station itself, which - as mentioned above - comprises at least one nozzle, does not necessarily have to have an enclosure or any other type of physical demarcation from the environment, although this can of course also be provided for the protection of the operating personnel and the environment.

[0031] In terms of device technology, it can preferably be provided in this context that the device further comprises a, in particular automated, handling device, such as in the form of a multi-axis industrial robot, an autosampler or the like, for gripping the polymer molded part.

[0032] In this context, it can preferably be provided that the device further - a storage station for storing polymer molded parts in their permanent form, from which the polymer molded parts can be transferred to the programming station by means of the handling device; and / or - a storage station for the intermediate storage of polymer molded parts transferred into their temporary shape, into which the polymer molded parts can be transferred from the programming station by means of the handling device.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the polymer molded part can also be gripped by the handling device at least during the programming of the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties. As already mentioned, the handling device serves, on the one hand, to at least temporarily grip polymer molded parts - not yet programmed and / or already programmed - in order to transfer them from the supply station to the programming station and / or from there to the storage station. On the other hand, the handling device can, of course, also be used to temporarily grip the polymer molded parts during their programming, for example, by holding them by the handling device during the action of the fluid flow or jet. For this purpose, the handling device can be equipped with suitable suction or gripping devices, e.g.The system can be equipped with clamping devices suitable for releasably securing polymer molded parts to the handling device. In the latter case, a defined, preset torque for tightening clamping screws or nuts and / or a controlled, presettable hydraulic or pneumatic system can be used to releasably secure the polymer molded parts to the handling device, for example, by means of which the required holding force of the polymer molded part can be adjusted.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the polymer molded part - as described above - can be gripped by means of the handling device at least during the programming of the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties, wherein it is preferably transferred into at least one holding device in which the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties is programmed by means of the fluid pressure acting at least partially on the polymer molded part, wherein in particular a plurality of holding devices is provided by means of which a plurality of polymer molded parts are programmed one after the other.During the programming of a respective polymer molded part in a respective holding device, the handling device is in this case available again to grip another polymer molded part, be it for transferring it into another holding device for the purpose of programming or for removing a fully programmed polymer molded part from another holding device, so that the efficiency of the method according to the invention can be further increased.

[0035] According to one embodiment variant, it can be provided in this context, for example, that several, for example at least three or more, holding devices are provided, each of which is equipped with a not yet programmed polymer molded part by means of the handling device (and from which the respective processed polymer molded part is preferably also removed again by means of the handling device), after which the holding devices equipped with a respective polymer molded part are successively fed to the programming station in order to program the polymer molded parts.While a polymer molded part located in a holding device is being programmed, another, not yet programmed polymer molded part can be removed from the storage station, for example, by means of the handling device and placed in a further holding device, and / or another, already programmed polymer molded part can be removed from a further holding device by means of the handling device and placed in the storage station, for example. The holding devices can, for example, be connected to one another in a substantially chain-like manner and / or be arranged on a movable body, such as a conveyor device, a turntable, or the like. This opens up the possibility of more or less continuous, automated programming of a plurality of polymer molded parts one after the other.

[0036] Instead, it is also conceivable, for example, for two or more holding devices of the aforementioned type to be arranged next to one another and mounted in such a way that they can be moved back and forth together in one and the opposite direction. In this way, too, the polymer molded parts held in one of the holding devices can be transferred essentially continuously to the programming station and - after programming - away from it. By means of the handling device, at least one of the holding devices can be equipped with a polymer molded part that has not yet been programmed and / or a fully programmed polymer molded part can be removed from one of the holding devices, while at least one polymer molded part located in another holding device can be programmed in the programming station, which likewise results in high time efficiency with only minimal space requirements.

[0037] As already explained, the holding devices can in particular be equipped with one or more recesses adapted to the desired temporary shape of the programmed polymer molding, by means of which the polymer molding is exposed to the fluid flow or jet used to apply the deformation forces during programming. In terms of construction, the holding devices can essentially be designed in the manner of frame-like racks, into which a respective polymer molding is pushed, inserted, clamped, or the like, in particular by means of the handling device. It can prove advantageous if the polymer molding is at least locally, for example in the peripheral area thereof, e.g.force-fitting, such as clamping or the like, and / or form-fitting, in the holding device, so that it maintains its fixed relative position in relation to the holding device under the influence of the fluid pressure during programming and is not displaced relative thereto. For the releasable fixation of a respective polymer molded part in a respective holding device, it is also conceivable, for example, for the holding device to comprise two interconnected frame parts, between which a respective polymer molded part can be clamped, wherein the frame parts of the holding device can of course also in this case have corresponding recesses adapted to the desired temporary shape of the polymer molded part, so that the fluid pressure required for deformation can act on the polymer molded part in certain areas during programming. Furthermore, the holding device can, for example,comprise only clamps, as they are known as such, for example, in conventional clamping devices of machine tools, whereby during the programming of a polymer molded part, the latter can be covered, for example, with templates of the type mentioned above, which in turn are provided with corresponding recesses in order to expose the polymer molded part in certain areas to the fluid flow required for deformation during the programming.

[0038] From a device-technical perspective, it can therefore preferably be provided that the device further comprises at least one holding device, which is designed to hold the polymer molded part and into which or from which the polymer molded part can be transferred by means of the handling device. In particular, a plurality of holding devices is provided, which can be transferred one after the other to the programming station. With regard to advantageous structural embodiments of the holding devices, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0039] According to the method according to the invention, it can be provided, on the one hand, that the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties of the polymer molding is at least partially cold-formed for programming the polymer molding by means of the fluid flow acting at least partially on the polymer molding at a temperature which is lower than the switching temperature of the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties, for example at ambient temperature.

[0040] Alternatively, the method according to the invention is particularly suitable for at least partially deforming the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties of the polymer molding for programming the polymer molding by means of the fluid flow acting at least in regions on the polymer molding at a temperature which corresponds at least to the switching temperature of the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties, after which the polymer molding is cooled at least to the shape-fixing temperature of the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties, wherein the heating of the polymer molding at least to the switching temperature of the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties is carried out in particular by means of - heating of the fluid used to generate the fluid flow acting at least partially on the polymer molded part, - Irradiation of the polymer molded part with electromagnetic radiation, for example in the ultraviolet spectrum (UV), in the infrared spectrum (IR) or - if the polymer with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties is itself microwave-absorbing or contains microwave-absorbing fillers and / or reinforcing materials - in the microwave spectrum (MW), - inductive heating of the polymer molded part, such as by means of a high-frequency alternating magnetic field, provided that the at least one polymer with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties is mixed with electrically conductive fillers and / or reinforcing materials, - heating a holding device carrying the polymer molded part, for example by means of a resistance heating element or in particular by means of a Peltier element, which also enables cooling of the polymer molded part carried by the holding device after deformation, and / or - Preheating of the polymer molded part prior to programming, e.g., in the storage station. The method according to the invention enables highly energy-efficient and low-loss heating, particularly when the fluid used to generate a fluid flow acting on the polymer molded part is heated during programming, and the heat is used to heat the polymer molded part at least to the switching temperature of the at least one polymer with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties, or when infrared radiation is used to heat such a polymer to its switching temperature.In addition to the other heating methods mentioned above, such as indirect heating by microwave irradiation or induction heating by means of microwave-absorbing and / or electrically conductive filler and / or reinforcement particles or fibers dispersed in the shape memory polymer, any other heating methods can of course also be considered, such as (for example convective) heating of the holding device carrying a respective polymer molding at least during programming or heating of the polymer molding by heat-conducting contact with heated films, textiles or similar, preferably flexible materials, which can be brought into heat-conducting contact with the polymer molding essentially over its entire surface or in certain regions.To increase time efficiency, alternatively or additionally, at least part of the storage station can be heated in order to preheat those polymer molded parts whose shape memory polymers are to be programmed next.

[0041] In order to cool the polymer moldings already deformed into the temporary shape to a temperature below the shape-setting temperature of the at least one polymer with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties, the heat source used for the prior heating can, of course, be switched off in a manner known per se, or the deformed polymer molding can be moved out of reach of this heat source, in particular by means of the handling device. However, the invention also opens up the time- and energy-efficient option of cooling the polymer molding already deformed into the temporary shape, likewise using the fluid used to apply the deformation forces, by cooling the fluid to a corresponding temperature below the shape-setting temperature in order to cool the deformed polymer molding, in particular under the continuous action of the fluid force in the form of a fluid stream or jet.The fluid can be cooled very quickly, for example by loading it with fluid or particulate coolants, for example in the form of dry ice or liquid nitrogen or the like, whereby any known cooling methods can of course be used for cooling at least to the mold setting temperature, including bringing the polymer molded part into contact with cooling surfaces in some areas or essentially over the entire surface.

[0042] From a device-technical point of view, it can therefore preferably be provided that the programming station of the device is further assigned at least one temperature control device, which in particular at least one - Tempering device for the fluid used to generate the fluid flow acting at least partially on the polymer molded part; - electromagnetic radiation device for irradiating the polymer molded part with electromagnetic radiation; - induction heating device; and / or - A temperature control device comprises a holding device supporting the polymer molded part. Regarding advantageous structural designs of the temperature control device, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0043] The inventive design also enables the use of suitable analytics to quantify and monitor at least the temporary shape fixation of the at least one polymer with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties of the polymer molded part converted into the temporary shape and / or its recovery behavior upon triggering the shape memory effect. Appropriate temperature, pressure, force measuring devices, and the like can be used. In addition to the parameters already mentioned, such as pressure or pressure difference, temperature of the fluid or fluid stream, nozzle geometry or shape of the impinging fluid stream or jet, ambient temperature, clamping force of the holding device, and supplied and dissipated heat, process variables can also be measured and monitored extensively.Some exemplary examples are the optical observation of the programming process by means of cameras or similar devices, the monitoring of the surface temperature, in particular on the front and / or back of the polymer molded part, via infrared radiation and associated imaging methods (thermography) to verify the temperature distribution on the surface, the measurement of the deformation force generated as a result of the fluid flow acting on the polymer molded part or the measurement of the force when triggering the shape memory effect, the measurement of the shape change both during programming and during the reset process, etc. The measured process parameters can also be used via electronic feedback for automatic control of the method according to the invention.

[0044] A corresponding device therefore preferably further comprises an analysis station, which is designed at least for the, in particular quantitative, analysis of the temporary shape fixation of the at least one polymer with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties of the polymer molded part transferred into the temporary shape and / or its recovery behavior upon triggering the shape memory effect. The analysis station is arranged downstream of the programming station and, if a storage station is provided for the intermediate storage of already temporarily deformed polymer molded parts, can be arranged either upstream of such a storage station or downstream of it, in order to be able to take samples for quality control, for example, in the latter case.

[0045] In principle, any known - preferably, although not exclusively - thermoplastic polymers with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties can be used for the process according to the invention, such as, for example, linear block polymers, such as polyurethanes including polyurethanes with ionic or mesogenic components, block copolymers of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide, block copolymers of polystyrene and poly(1,4-butadiene), ABA triblock copolymers of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (A block) and polytetrahydrofuran (B block), multiblock copolymers of polyurethanes with poly(ε-caprolactone) switching segments, block copolymers of polystyrene and poly(1,4-butadiene) and the like.

[0046] Advantageous representatives of suitable polymers with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties include in particular - although not exclusively - polyurethanes, preferably from the group of thermoplastic polyetherurethanes and thermoplastic polyesterurethanes. Examples of thermoplastic polyurethanes with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties that have been found to be suitable include, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers whose phase forming the hard segment or the network points is composed of a diisocyanate, such as methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI), toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI) or 1,5-pentane diisocyanate (PDI), and a diol, such as ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,7-heptanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 2-methyl-1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol or 1,10-decanediol.Both the diisocyanates mentioned and the polyols can be used individually or in any desired mixture. The switching or soft segment in such thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers can be, for example, an oligoether, in particular polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), or a combination of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane and propylene oxide. Likewise, the switching or soft segment can be, for example, an oligoester, in particular polyethylene adipate, polypropylene adipate, polybutylene adipate, polypentylene adipate, or polyhexalene adipate, although other oligoesters have also proven useful. The oligoesters can be prepared, for example, by reacting ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,7-heptanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 2-methyl-1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol or 1,10-decanediol with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, such asSuccinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, and sebacic acid, or with aromatic dicarboxylic acids, such as phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and terephthalic acid. The dicarboxylic acids can be used individually or as mixtures, e.g., in the form of a succinic, glutaric, and adipic acid mixture. For the production of polyester polyols, it may be advantageous to use the corresponding dicarboxylic acid derivatives, such as carboxylic acid diesters with 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alcohol moiety, carboxylic acid anhydrides, or carboxylic acid chlorides, instead of dicarboxylic acids. Examples of polyhydric alcohols include glycols having 2 to 10, preferably 2 to 6, carbon atoms, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,10-decanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, and dipropylene glycol. The polyhydric alcohols can be used alone or, if desired, in admixture with one another.The polyester polyols further advantageously have molecular weights between about 400 and about 10,000 g / mol, preferably between about 600 and about 5,000 g / mol.

[0047] In addition, for example, polycarbonate-based polyurethane elastomers, i.e. thermoplastic polyester urethanes based on carbonic acid polyesters, can be considered as thermoplastic polyurethanes with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties. In this case, the diol in a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer is preferably substantially completely or partially substituted by a polycarbonate having hydroxyl end groups, i.e. by a polycarbonatediol, which is obtained from the reaction of a diol, in particular from the group ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,7-heptanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 2-methyl-1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol and 1,10-decanediol, with diaryl carbonates, such as diphenyl, ditolyl, dixylyl, dinaphthyl carbonate, dialkyl carbonates, such as diethyl, dipropyl, dibutyl, diamyl, dicyclohexyl carbonate, dioxolanones, such asEthylene and propylene carbonate, hexanediol-1,6-bischlorocarbonic acid ester, phosgene or urea.

[0048] Furthermore, in thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers found to be suitable, with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties, the chain extender diol, for example, can be partially substituted by a diamine. Examples of this include isophoronediamine, ethylenediamine, 1,2-propylenediamine, 1,3-propylenediamine, N-methyl-1,3-propylenediamine, N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine, and aromatic diamines, such as 2,4-tolylenediamine and 2,6-tolylenediamine, 3,5-diethyl-2,4-tolylenediamine and / or 2,6-tolylenediamine, as well as primary ortho-di-, tri-, and / or tetraalkyl-substituted 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethanes. The diamines mentioned can also be used individually or in any desired mixture with one another. Diamines are generally not suitable as sole chain extenders because the resulting polyureas cannot be processed thermoplastically or have insufficient shape memory properties.

[0049] In thermoplastic polyester urethanes with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties, switching segment blocks can also be constructed, for example, from poly(ε-caprolactone)diols with number-average molecular weights between approximately 1,000 and approximately 10,000. The switching temperature for the shape memory effect can vary, for example, between approximately 40°C and approximately 60°C, in particular between approximately 44°C and approximately 55°C, depending on the weight fraction of the switching segment (variation, for example, between approximately 50% by mass and approximately 90% by mass) and the molecular weight of the poly(ε-caprolactone)diols. The crystallization temperatures are, for example, in the order of magnitude between approximately 20°C and approximately 40°C, in particular between approximately 25°C and approximately 30°C.Block copolymers composed of trans-polyisoprene and urethanes also exhibit the shape memory effect, with the recovery temperature in this case being on the order of approximately 65°C, while the crystallization temperature depends on the chemical composition and can be adjusted, for example, between approximately 0°C and approximately 30°C. Furthermore, the shape memory properties (including the recovery rate and the recovery temperature) of trans-polyisoprene can be modified, for example, by using carbon black as a filler additive. Furthermore, polyadipate-based polyester urethanes, for example, are suitable for the process according to the invention, with the switching temperature of their switching or soft segments being approximately 37°C and the crystallization temperature being well below approximately 23°C, in particular below approximately 10°C. In addition, such a material has very good shape memory properties (shape fixability, shape recovery).For the described polyester urethane, on the one hand, easy processability under the influence of fluid pressures could be demonstrated, and on the other hand, it was found that more than 75% of the tension applied for stretching is made available again during shape recovery, i.e. during the triggering of the shape memory effect after programming.

[0050] Further examples of suitable polymers with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties include elastomeric polymers, in particular from the group polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, covalently crosslinked copolymer systems of stearyl acrylate and esters of methacrylic acid and the like.

[0051] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 a schematic view of the programming of a polymer molded part made of polymers with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties by means of fluid pressure acting on it in the form of a fluid flow; Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the serial programming of a plurality of polymer molded parts made of polymers with shape memory and / or thermoresponsive properties, one after the other, by means of several holding devices; and Fig. 3 a schematic view of the automated transfer of the polymer molded parts into or out of the holding devices according to Fig. 2 by means of an automated handling device.

[0052] In the Fig. Figure 1 schematically depicts a process situation in which a polymer molded part 1 made of shape memory polymers is transferred from a permanent—here: essentially planar or plate-shaped—form into a temporary shape indicated by dotted lines by programming the shape memory polymer under the application of force. For this purpose, the polymer molded part 1 has been transferred into a holding device 2, designed, for example, in the manner of a holding frame, by which it is supported in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting, but detachably. The holding device 2 has one or more—here: a central—recesses 3, which serve to allow the forming forces required for programming the polymer molded part 1 to act in the form of a fluid pressure, e.g., in the form of a gas pressure, on certain areas of the polymer molded part 1, so that it can be exposed to the fluid pressure in the intended forming areas.

[0053] For this purpose, a device is provided for applying fluid pressure to the shape memory polymer of the polymer molded part 1, wherein the fluid pressure acting on the polymer molded part 1 during programming is a fluid flow indicated by arrows 5, e.g. a gas flow possibly laden with particles, which is applied by means of a corresponding nozzle 4 to the polymer molded part 1 in the region of the recess 3 of the holding device 2. The fluid flow 5 can in particular be temperature-controlled in order to heat the polymer molded part 1 during programming to a temperature which corresponds at least to the switching temperature of the shape memory polymer used, which can be done for example by means of a heating device not shown in the drawing.Furthermore, after the polymer molded part 1 has been brought into its temporary shape indicated by dotted lines, the fluid stream 5 can be used to cool the polymer molded part 1 at least to the shape-fixing temperature of the shape memory polymer used, for example by adding a coolant such as dry ice or the like.

[0054] The Fig. 2 shows the situation of a quasi-continuous programming of a plurality of polymer molded parts 1 made of shape memory polymers one after the other, by means of a plurality of - in the present case the Fig. 1 approximately corresponding - holding devices 2 of a programming station 10 schematically represented by a dotted frame and programmed there. The programming station 10 comprises one or more of the Fig. 1 corresponding nozzle(s) 4 for applying a fluid stream 5 to the polymer molded parts 1.

[0055] The holding devices 2 can in particular be connected to each other and / or to a suitable drive mechanism (also not shown) in order to be able to circulate them, for example. In this context, Fig. 2A a still empty holding device 2 can be seen, which can be found, for example, at a Fig. 2 not shown supply station for storing a plurality of not yet programmed, i.e. still in the permanent form, polymer molded parts 1 is equipped with a polymer molded part 1 (see the Fig. 2B). The holding device 2 provided with the polymer molded part 1 is then transferred to the programming station 10 and in the manner described above with reference to Fig. 1 described in the manner described above (see the Fig. 2C), whereupon the holding device 2 transports the fully programmed polymer molded part 1 transferred into the temporary mold (cf. the Fig. 2D) and transferred to a storage station 11, in which the programmed polymer molded part 1 can be removed from the holding device 2 and temporarily stored.

[0056] In the Fig. 3 is a schematic detailed view of the automated transfer of the polymer molded parts 1 into or out of the holding devices 2 according to Fig. 2 by means of an automated handling device 12, which in the present case comprises a multi-axis industrial robot. The handling device 12 is positioned such that, by means of a suitable gripping device 13, it can transfer the not yet programmed polymer molded parts 1 one after the other from the storage station (not shown in the drawing) into one of the interconnected holding devices 2 (cf. Fig. 3 left), on the other hand, to remove the fully programmed polymer molded parts 1 from a respective holding device 2 and in particular to place them in the storage station (see the Fig. 2, in the Fig. 3 also not shown again) (see in the Fig. 3 right). The programming of the polymer molded parts 1 is done, for example, in one of the Fig. 2 corresponding and in the Fig. 3 programming station, not shown again, to which the polymer molded parts 1 are fed one after the other by means of the holding devices 2 and from which they are also removed one after the other by means of the holding devices 2.

Claims

[1] Method for transferring polymer moldings (1), which contain at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties or consist entirely thereof, from a permanent shape into a temporary shape, by programming the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties under the action of force, wherein it is programmed by means of fluid pressure acting at least partially on the polymer molding (1) as a result of a fluid flow (5) acting on the polymer molding (1), characterized by that, making it unnecessary to use molding or pressing tools usually used for programming the polymer molded part, the fluid flow (5) acting at least partially on the polymer molded part (1) is generated by means of at least one nozzle (4), wherein for at least partially deforming the polymer molded part (1) at least one parameter from the group - angle of impact of the fluid flow generated by the nozzle (4) onto the polymer molded part (1); - impact speed of the fluid flow generated by the nozzle (4) onto the polymer molded part (1); - distance of the nozzle (4) from the polymer molded part (1); - cross-sectional shape of the nozzle (4), such as in the form of a solid jet, flat jet, conical jet nozzle or the like; - geometry of at least one recess (3) of a holding device (1) carrying the polymer molded part (1); and - the geometry of at least one recess of a template arranged between the polymer molded part (1) and the nozzle (4) is adjusted according to the temporary shape of the polymer molded part (1). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties is programmed by means of a gas flow acting at least partially on the polymer molded part (1). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that for at least partial deformation of the polymer molded part (1) the type of fluid used is further set as a parameter. [4] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the fluid flow (5) acting on the polymer molded part (1) is loaded with particles. [5] Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the polymer molded part (1) is gripped by means of a, in particular automated, handling device (12) at least during the programming of the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties. [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized by , that - the polymer molded part (1) is kept in its permanent shape in a storage station and transferred by means of the handling device (12) to a programming station (10), where the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties is programmed by means of the fluid flow acting at least partially on the polymer molded part (1); and / or - the polymer molded part (1) is transferred after programming in its temporary form from a programming station (10), where the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties has been programmed by means of the fluid flow acting at least partially on the polymer molded part (1), to a storage station (11) in order to temporarily store the programmed polymer molded part (1) in the storage station (11). [7] Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized bythat the polymer molded part (1) is grasped by means of the handling device (12) at least during the programming of the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties and is transferred into at least one holding device (2) in which the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties is programmed by means of the fluid flow acting at least partially on the polymer molded part (1), wherein in particular a plurality of holding devices (2) are provided, by means of which a plurality of polymer molded parts (1) are programmed one after the other. [8] Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties of the polymer molding (1) for programming the polymer molding (1) by means of the fluid flow acting at least partially on the polymer molding (1) - at a temperature which is lower than the switching temperature of the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties, is at least partially cold-formed; or - at a temperature which corresponds at least to the switching temperature of the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties, is at least partially deformed, after which the polymer molding (1) is cooled at least to the shape-fixing temperature of the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties, wherein the heating of the polymer molding (1) at least to the switching temperature of the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties is carried out in particular by means of - heating the fluid used to generate the fluid flow acting at least partially on the polymer molded part (1), - irradiation of the polymer molded part (1) with electromagnetic radiation, - inductive heating of the polymer molded part (1); - heating a holding device (2) carrying the polymer molded part (1), and / or - Preheating of the polymer molded part (1) is carried out before programming. [9] Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that at least the temporary shape fixation of the at least one polymer with shape memory and / or with thermoresponsive properties of the polymer molded part (1) converted into the temporary shape and / or its recovery behavior when the shape memory effect is triggered is analyzed, in particular quantitatively. [10] Device for transferring polymer molded parts (1), which contain at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties or consist entirely thereof, from a permanent mold into a temporary mold, in particular for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 9, with at least one programming station (10), which is designed to program the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties under the action of force and has at least one device for applying fluid pressure to the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties as a result of a fluid flow, characterized bythat, while making it unnecessary to use molding or pressing tools usually used for programming the polymer molded part, the device for applying fluid pressure to the at least one polymer with shape memory properties and / or with thermoresponsive properties as a result of a fluid flow comprises at least one nozzle (4) for at least partially applying the fluid flow (5) to the polymer molded part (1), wherein at least one parameter from the group - angle of impact of the fluid flow generated by the nozzle (4) onto the polymer molded part (1); - impact speed of the fluid flow generated by the nozzle (4) onto the polymer molded part (1); - distance of the nozzle (4) from the polymer molded part (1); - cross-sectional shape of the nozzle (4), such as in the form of a solid jet, flat jet, conical jet nozzle or the like; - geometry of at least one recess (3) of a holding device (2) carrying the polymer molded part (1); and - the geometry of at least one recess of a template arranged between the polymer molded part (1) and the nozzle (4) is adjustable. [11] Device according to claim 10, characterized by that the at least one device for subjecting the at least one polymer having shape memory properties and / or having thermoresponsive properties to fluid pressure as a result of a fluid flow is designed to at least partially subject the polymer molded part (1) to a gas flow. [12] Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by that the type of fluid used can also be set as a parameter. [13] Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by that it further comprises a, in particular automated, handling device (12) for gripping the polymer molded part (1). [14] Device according to claim 13, characterized by that they also - a storage station for storing polymer molded parts (1) in their permanent form, from which the polymer molded parts (1) can be transferred to the programming station (10) by means of the handling device (12); and / or - a storage station (11) for the intermediate storage of polymer molded parts (1) transferred into their temporary shape, into which the polymer molded parts (1) can be transferred from the programming station (10) by means of the handling device (12). [15] Device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized bythat it further comprises at least one holding device (2) which is designed to hold the polymer molded part (1) and into or from which the polymer molded part (1) can be transferred by means of the handling device (12), wherein in particular a plurality of holding devices (2) are provided which can be transferred one after the other to the programming station (10). [16] Device according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized by that the programming station (10) is further assigned at least one temperature control device, which in particular at least one - Tempering device for the fluid used to generate the fluid flow acting at least partially on the polymer molded part (1); - electromagnetic radiation device for irradiating the polymer molded part with electromagnetic radiation; - induction heating device; and / or - Tempering device of a holding device (2) carrying the polymer molded part (1). [17] Device according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized by that it further comprises an analytical station which is designed at least for the, in particular quantitative, analysis of the temporary shape fixation of the at least one polymer with shape memory and / or with thermoresponsive properties of the polymer molded part (1) converted into the temporary shape and / or its recovery behavior when the shape memory effect is triggered.

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