Method for manufacturing a tool with a structured tool surface or a tool manufactured according to the method

Abstract

Method for producing a tool (100), in particular an injection mold (100), with a structured tool surface (100*), wherein the tool surface (100*) has a cavity surface structure with a plurality of cavities (110), comprising and / or including the following process steps: a) Applying particles (11) to a parent model base body (10) forming a parent model base body surface (10*) structured by the particles (11), b) Applying an electrically conductive coating (101) to the structured parent model base surface (10*) to form a coated, structured parent model base surface (10*, 101), c) Molding the coated, structured master model base surface (10*, 101) by an electroplating process forming a tool (100) with a tool surface (100*) having a cavity surface structure in the form of a negative image of the coated, structured master model base surface (10*, 101), and d) Removal of the parent model base body (10) with the particles (11) applied to it.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for producing a tool, in particular an injection molding tool, with a structured tool surface. Furthermore, the invention relates to a tool produced by the method with a structured tool surface.

[0002] JP 2014-205318 A describes a method for producing a tool by electroforming a master model.

[0003] WO 2011 / 004991 A1 describes a method for producing a tool with a structured tool surface.

[0004] JP 2004-34419 A describes a tool with a tool surface structured by a coating.

[0005] WO 2017 / 074264 A1 describes a method for producing a tool insert with a structured surface by means of electroforming.

[0006] Finally, WO 2020 / 152345 A1 describes a tool whose surface is formed by a structured wafer.

[0007] JP H09-300361 A describes a metallic mold for producing a golf ball.

[0008] WO 2017 / 074264 A1 describes a nano-injection molding process.

[0009] DE 197 20 474 A1 describes a process for producing decorative and / or colored plastic parts.

[0010] The manufacturing methods and / or tools known in the prior art, as well as the components produced thereby, are not yet optimally designed. In particular, manufacturing methods for tools with structured tool surfaces known in the prior art, and the components produced thereby, are not yet optimally designed. For example, lithographic processes and / or etching processes can be very costly and / or time-consuming and / or require numerous process steps. Coatings applied to the tool can, for example, flake off during operation of the tool, thereby limiting the service life of the tool. The known methods and / or tools are therefore not yet optimally designed, or their production is complex and cost-intensive. This applies in particular if the end result is to produce structured component surfaces with an antibacterial effect.

[0011] The invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing the method for producing a tool and / or the tool mentioned at the outset in such a way that a simple, cost-effective and / or time-saving production of a tool and / or a component with a structured surface is made possible, in particular wherein the tool can also have a long service life and / or the component produced has antibacterial properties.

[0012] The problem underlying the invention is first solved for the method for producing a tool with the features of patent claim 1 and for the tool with the features of patent claim 26.

[0013] The method for producing a tool with a structured tool surface is particularly designed for producing a tool whose surface has a cavity surface structure with a plurality of cavities. In particular, the method can be designed for producing an injection molding tool.

[0014] The process for manufacturing a tool - also referred to below as "tool manufacturing process" - comprises in particular the process steps or has the following process steps: a) Applying particles to a master model body to form a master model body surface structured by the particles, b) applying an electrically conductive coating to the structured master model base body surface to form a coated, structured master model base body surface, c) molding the coated, structured master model base body surface by an electroforming process to form a tool with a tool surface having a cavity surface structure in the form of a negative image of the coated, structured master model base body surface, and d) Removing the master model body with the particles applied to it.

[0015] An “electroforming” process can be understood in particular as a forming process which is carried out by means of electroplating or electroplating and / or in which the forming is carried out by means of electrochemical deposition, in particular electrochemical metal deposition.

[0016] By applying the particles to the master model base body in process step a), forming a master model base body surface structured by the particles, a positive image of the desired cavity surface structure of the tool surface of the tool to be manufactured can be initially created on the master model base body. Advantageously, the application of particles to the master model base body can be carried out in a simple, cost-effective, and time-saving manner.

[0017] By applying the electrically conductive coating to the structured master model base body surface in process step b), the electrical conductivity required for the electroforming process in process step c) can be ensured.

[0018] By molding the coated, structured master model base body surface through the electroforming process in process step c), a negative image of the coated, structured master model base body surface can be created, and thus the desired cavity surface structure of the tool surface of the tool to be manufactured. Advantageously, the molding of the master model base body surface structured by the particles can also be carried out in a simple, cost-effective, and time-saving manner.

[0019] Because the particles are removed together with the master model body in process step d) after the structured tool surface has been molded, the finished and thus ready-to-use, structured tool surface of the tool is particularly particle-free, so that no particles can chip off during use and thus cannot impair the service life of the tool. Furthermore, the surface structure of the structured tool surface of the tool is formed by the material deposited during the electroforming process and therefore exhibits comparatively high stability, which can also have a beneficial effect on the service life of the tool.

[0020] Overall, a tool with a structured tool surface - and by means of this tool in turn a component with a structured component surface - can advantageously be produced in a simple, cost-effective and / or time-saving manner and, in particular, a tool with a long service life can be provided, but in particular a component can be produced which has antibacterial properties, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0021] In one embodiment of the tool manufacturing process, particles are used in process step a), each having at least one particle tip pointing away from a particle core. Particles with a particle core and at least one particle tip pointing away from the particle core can advantageously produce a hierarchically structured master model base body surface and thus also a hierarchically structured tool surface and also a hierarchically structured component surface. Hierarchically structured surfaces can advantageously have surface properties similar to biological materials. For example, hierarchically structured surfaces can be antibacterial, for example.

[0022] In addition, particles that have at least one particle tip pointing away from a particle core can advantageously exhibit the property of self-erecting and / or aligning, which is advantageous for the construction of hierarchical structures. Self-erecting and / or aligning can advantageously be achieved even with particles with a comparatively simple structure, for example, with conical and / or tetrahedral and / or pyramidal particles.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the "tool manufacturing method" or the method for manufacturing the tool, particles are used in process step a), each having at least four particle tips pointing away from a particle core in different directions. Particles having at least four particle tips pointing away from the particle core in different directions can advantageously achieve improved self-erection and / or self-alignment and further improve the construction of hierarchical structures. For example, tetrapod-shaped particles and / or multipod-shaped particles and / or tetrahedral particles and / or pyramid-shaped particles can be used for this purpose.

[0024] A tetrapod-shaped particle can be understood in particular as a particle which can be constructed on the basis of an imaginary tetrahedron in which the particle core lies essentially in the center of the imaginary tetrahedron, wherein four elongated, in particular conical, particle tips pointing away from the particle core each extend in different directions essentially to one of the four corners of the imaginary tetrahedron.

[0025] A multipod-shaped particle can be understood in particular as a particle which can be constructed on the basis of an imaginary polyhedron with more than four corners, in which the particle core lies essentially in the center of the imaginary polyhedron, wherein elongated, in particular conical, particle tips pointing away from the particle core each extend in different directions essentially to one of the corners of the imaginary polyhedron.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the tool manufacturing process, particles with elongated, particularly conical, particle tips are used in process step a). Elongated, particularly conical, particle tips can advantageously further improve the hierarchical surface structure and thus also the surface properties similar to biological materials, in particular, for example, antibacterial surface properties.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the tool manufacturing process, tetrapod-shaped particles are used in process step a). When applied to a surface, tetrapod-shaped particles can advantageously self-erect and self-align in such a way that each of the elongated, in particular conical, particle tips of a tetrapod-shaped particle is aligned essentially perpendicularly away from the surface. Such self-erecting and self-alignment of several tetrapod-shaped particles can also achieve that the particle tips of several tetrapod-shaped particles, which point essentially perpendicularly away from the surface, are aligned essentially parallel to one another.In addition, tetrapod-shaped particles have the advantage that the three other elongated, particularly conical, particle tips resting on the surface can, due to their elongated configuration, also extend beneath the particle core and / or beneath the particle tips of neighboring tetrapod-shaped particles, thereby enabling small distances between the elongated, particularly conical, particle tips of neighboring tetrapod-shaped particles, which point essentially perpendicularly away from the surface. Thus, tetrapod-shaped particles can advantageously form a cicada-wing-like surface structure in the form of a pattern of columnarly arranged elongated, particularly conical, particle tips, which can exhibit particularly advantageous surface properties—for example, comparable to the surface structuring properties of natural cicada wings—for example, antibacterial surface properties.

[0028] In particular, tetrapod-shaped particles comprising or containing zinc oxide can be used in process step a). Zinc oxide can crystallize in the form of tetrapod-shaped particles. Furthermore, zinc oxide is readily available, easy to handle, environmentally friendly, and comparatively inexpensive.

[0029] In a special embodiment of the tool manufacturing process, zinc oxide tetrapods are used as particles in process step a).

[0030] In principle, however, it is also possible to use tetrapod-shaped particles comprising other types of materials and / or other materials crystallizing in the form of tetrapod-shaped particles as particles in process step a).

[0031] Within the scope of a further embodiment of the tool manufacturing process, particles, in particular tetrapod-shaped particles, are used in process step a), which on average have a particle radius (see r 11 in Fig. 1) in a range of ≥ 110 nm to ≤ 550 nm, for example in a range of ≥ 165 nm to ≤ 440 nm, in particular in a range of ≥ 220 nm to ≤ 330 nm. This has proven advantageous for creating a cicada-wing-like surface structure and for achieving the associated advantageous surface properties, such as antibacterial surface properties.

[0032] Within the scope of a further, additional or alternative embodiment of the tool manufacturing process, particles, in particular tetrapod-shaped particles, are used in process step a), the particle tips of which have on average an effective particle tip length (see I effin Fig. 1) in a range from ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range from ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range from ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm. This has proven particularly advantageous for creating a cicada-wing-like surface structure and for achieving the associated advantageous surface properties, in particular, for example, antibacterial surface properties.

[0033] Within the scope of a further, additional or alternative embodiment of the tool manufacturing process, particles, in particular tetrapod-shaped particles, are used in process step a), the particle tips of which have on average an effective particle tip diameter (see d eff in Fig. 1) in a range from ≥ 25 nm to ≤ 200 nm, for example in a range from ≥ 30 nm to ≤ 180 nm, in particular in a range from ≥ 35 nm to ≤ 170 nm. This has proven particularly advantageous for creating a cicada-wing-like surface structure and for achieving the associated advantageous surface properties, in particular, for example, antibacterial surface properties.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the tool manufacturing process, in process step a), the particles are applied to the master model base body by means of a dispersion and / or suspension in a liquid. This allows process step a) to be carried out in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the tool manufacturing process, at least one binding and / or filling agent is additionally applied to the master model base body in process step a). The at least one binding and / or filling agent can, on the one hand, bond the particles to the surface of the master model base body and / or connect or bond them to one another, and, on the other hand, fill gaps and cavities between particles and / or particle sections resting on the surface of the master model base body. In this way, a good bond between the particles and the master model base body can be achieved and / or undercuts caused by gaps and cavities between particles resting on the surface of the master model base body can be avoided.

[0036] In a specific embodiment of the tool manufacturing process, process step a) comprises the following process steps: In process step a1), the particles are first applied to the master model base body by means of a dispersion and / or suspension in a liquid. Due to mass attraction forces, the particles can deposit on the master model base body surface and form a master model base body surface structured by the particles. In process step a2), the liquid is then removed. In this case, the master model base body surface structured by the particles can, in particular, be dried. In process step a3), at least one binder and / or filler is then applied to the particles and / or the surface of the master model base body.The application of the at least one binder and / or filler can be carried out, for example, by means of electrophoresis and / or electrolytically and / or as a lacquer layer.

[0037] In another specific embodiment of the tool manufacturing process, process step a) comprises the following process steps: In process step a1), the particles are first applied to the master model base body by means of a dispersion and / or suspension in a liquid, which additionally comprises at least one binder and / or filler. In process step a2), the liquid is then removed. In this process, the master model base body surface structured by the particles can, in particular, be dried. In this way, the number of process steps can advantageously be reduced.

[0038] In both of the above specific embodiments of the tool manufacturing process, the liquid, particularly in process step a), comprises or is water and / or acetone, and / or the liquid, particularly in process step a), particularly in process step a2), is removed by evaporation and / or in a vacuum. Water and / or acetone can advantageously be easily removable, readily available, easy to handle, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective.

[0039] In principle, the at least one binder and / or filler can comprise or be at least one polymer. For example, the at least one binder and / or filler can comprise or be an epoxy resin, a polyurethane resin, an acrylic resin, a cyanoacrylate, cellulose, nitrocellulose, and / or a wax. In particular, the at least one binder and / or filler can be a film former.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the tool manufacturing process, in process step a), the quantity of particles and the quantity of at least one binder and / or filler are selected such that the at least one binder and / or filler fills cavities between the particles and the master model base body. This advantageously prevents undercuts caused by gaps and cavities between particles resting on the surface of the master model base body.

[0041] In a further embodiment of the tool manufacturing process, in process step b), the electrically conductive coating is applied to the structured master model base body surface by means of an electrically conductive material dispersion, for example by means of a metal dispersion, for example by means of a palladium and / or platinum dispersion, for example with an average metal particle diameter in a range from ≥ 1 nm to ≤ 25 nm, and / or by means of physical vapor deposition (PVD) and / or by means of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with at least one electrically conductive material, in particular with at least one metal, for example with palladium and / or platinum. The application of the electrically conductive coating to the structured master model base body surface can, for example, be carried out without (external) stress.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the tool manufacturing process, at least one metal, in particular a precious metal, for example nickel and / or copper, is electroplated in process step c). A voltage can be applied to the electrically conductive coating on the structured master model base body surface and / or to the electrically conductive, structured master model base body surface.

[0043] The master model base body is preferably made of an electrically insulating material.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the tool manufacturing method, the method is designed for producing a tool, in particular an injection molding tool, with a structured tool surface with a cavity surface structure with a plurality of cavities which have an average depth in a range of ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range of ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range of ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm and / or are elongated, for example in the form of a blind hole and / or hollow cone, and / or are arranged in the form of a series of parallel (nano)shafts.The cavities can in particular be formed in the form of a negative image of a raised, in particular elongated, for example conical, structure, in particular with an average height in a range of ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range of ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range of ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm.For example, the cavity surface structure can comprise a multiplicity of, in particular elongated, for example blind-hole-like and / or hollow-cone-like, cavities with an average depth in a range of ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range of ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range of ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm in the form of a negative image of a multiplicity of raised, in particular elongated, for example conical, structures with an average height in a range of ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range of ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range of ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm, in particular which are arranged in a columnar manner.

[0045] In a special embodiment of the tool manufacturing method, the method is designed for producing a tool, in particular an injection molding tool, with a structured tool surface with a cavity surface structure in the form of a negative image of a cicada wing-like surface structure.

[0046] A cicada wing-like surface structure can be understood, in particular, as a surface structure that resembles the surface structure of a cicada wing. Cicada wings can have a surface structure with a plurality of raised, in particular elongated, for example conical, structures with an average height in a range of ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range of ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range of ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm, for example, which are arranged in a columnar manner. The raised, in particular elongated, for example conical, structures of the cicada wing surface structure can be referred to as a positive image.

[0047] A cavity surface structure in the form of a negative image of a cicada wing-like surface structure can in particular be understood as a surface structure, in particular a cavity surface structure, with a multiplicity of, in particular elongated, for example blind-hole-like and / or hollow-cone-like, cavities with an average depth in a range of ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range of ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range of ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm and in the form of a negative image of a multiplicity of raised, in particular elongated, for example conical, structures with an average height in a range of ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range of ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range of ≥ 200 nm up to ≤ 300 nm, for example which are arranged in a columnar manner.

[0048] The tool according to the invention can have a structured tool surface and be produced by a tool manufacturing method according to the invention. In particular, the structured tool surface can have a cavity surface structure with a plurality of cavities. In particular, the cavity surface structure can have a plurality of cavities which have an average depth in a range from ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range from ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range from ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm and / or are elongated, for example in the form of a blind hole and / or hollow cone, and / or are arranged in the form of a series of parallel (nano)wells.The cavities can in particular be formed in the form of a negative image of a raised, in particular elongated, for example conical, structure, in particular with an average height in a range of ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range of ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range of ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm.For example, the cavity surface structure can have a multiplicity of, in particular elongated, for example blind-hole-like and / or hollow-cone-like, cavities with an average depth in a range of ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range of ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range of ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm in the form of a negative image of a multiplicity of raised, in particular elongated, for example conical, structures with an average height in a range of ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range of ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range of ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm, in particular which are arranged in a columnar manner. For example, the cavity surface structure can be designed as a negative image of a cicada wing-like surface structure. For example, the tool can be an injection molding tool.

[0049] The method for producing a component with a structured component surface can be carried out using a tool produced according to the invention. In particular, the method can be designed for producing a component with a structured component surface, the structured component surface of which has a surface structure comprising a plurality of raised structures. The raised structures can have an average height in a range from ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range from ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range from ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm, and / or be elongated, for example conical, and / or arranged in a columnar manner.For example, the method can be designed to produce a component with a structured component surface, the component surface of which has a surface structure comprising a plurality of raised, in particular elongated, for example conical, structures, in particular with an average height in a range from ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range from ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range from ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm, for example which are arranged in a columnar manner. For example, the method can be designed to produce a component with a structured component surface with a cicada wing-like surface structure. For example, the method can be designed to produce an injection-molded component.

[0050] In the method for producing the component—also partially referred to below as the "component manufacturing method"—the structured tool surface is molded using a molding process using a tool manufactured according to the invention, forming a component, for example, an injection-molded component, with a structured component surface having a surface structure with a plurality of raised structures in the form of a positive image of the cavity surface structure of the structured tool surface. The structured tool surface can be structured or formed, in particular, as explained above.

[0051] In one embodiment of the component manufacturing method, the raised structures have an average height in a range from ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range from ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range from ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm, and / or are elongated, in particular conical, and / or are arranged in a columnar manner. For example, the structured component surface can have a surface structure with a multiplicity of raised, in particular elongated, for example conical, structures, in particular with an average height in a range from ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range from ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range from ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm, for example which are arranged in a columnar manner. For example, the structured component surface can have a cicada wing-like surface structure.

[0052] In a further embodiment of the component manufacturing method, an injection molding process, in particular a high-performance injection molding process, and / or a low-pressure molding spray process is used as the molding process. In particular, an injection molding process can be used as the molding process. The component can, in particular, be an injection-molded component.

[0053] The component with a structured component surface is manufactured using a tool produced by the method according to the invention. The structured component surface has a surface structure with a plurality of raised structures.

[0054] In one embodiment of the component, the raised structures have an average height in a range from ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range from ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range from ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm, and / or are elongated, in particular conical, and / or are arranged in a columnar manner. For example, the structured component surface can have a surface structure with a multiplicity of raised, in particular elongated, for example conical, structures, in particular with an average height in a range from ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range from ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range from ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm, for example which are arranged in a columnar manner.

[0055] In a special design of the component, the structured component surface has a cicada wing-like surface structure.

[0056] For example, the component can be an injection-molded component.

[0057] In principle, components with so-called "collective grip surfaces" are particularly suitable or considered as components. For example, the corresponding components can be designed as door handle covers or as components with grip surfaces in the field of public transport, such as grab handle covers. Steering wheel and / or steering wheel grips and / or covers are also particularly suitable as components, which can be used in the automotive industry and / or in the sports sector, for example, particularly for sports equipment that is then located in a fitness studio. Ultimately, therefore, corresponding components with grip surfaces that have, in particular, an antibacterial structure can be manufactured.

[0058] There are now numerous possibilities for advantageously designing and developing the tool manufacturing method and tool according to the invention. Reference is made to claims 1 and 26, as well as to the respective subordinate claims. A preferred embodiment of the tool manufacturing method according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing and the associated description. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a tetrapod-shaped particle; Fig. 2a-2d show schematic representations of an embodiment of the tool manufacturing method according to the invention; and Fig. 3 in a schematic representation of a component manufactured by an embodiment of the component manufacturing process.

[0059] Fig. 1 shows a tetrapod-shaped particle 11. Fig. 1 illustrates that a tetrapod-shaped particle 11 is understood in particular to be a particle 11 which can be constructed on the basis of an imaginary tetrahedron in which the particle core 11a lies essentially in the center of the imaginary tetrahedron, wherein four elongated, in particular conical, particle tips 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e point away from the particle core 11a, each extending in different directions essentially to one of the four corners of the imaginary tetrahedron.

[0060] Tetrapod-shaped particles 11 thus have four elongated, particularly conical, particle tips 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e pointing in different directions from a particle core 11a. Such tetrapod-shaped particles 11 can, for example, comprise or contain zinc oxide. Zinc oxide can, for example, crystallize in the form of such tetrapod-shaped particles 11, which are also referred to as zinc oxide tetrapods.

[0061] Fig. 1 illustrates that particles 11, in particular tetrapod-shaped particles 11, have a particle radius r 11 The particle radius r 11 can in particular correspond to half the particle diameter (not shown).

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the method, particles 11 are used which have an average particle radius r 11in a range from ≥ 110 nm to ≤ 550 nm, for example in a range from ≥ 165 nm to ≤ 440 nm, in particular in a range from ≥ 220 nm to ≤ 330 nm. Such small particles 11 can advantageously form structures in a range of several hundred nanometers, which can exhibit surface properties similar to biological materials, such as cicada wings, in particular, for example, antibacterial properties. In principle, this can also be achieved by using spherical particles, whose average particle radius or particle diameter is then preferably selected in the lower segment of these ranges.

[0063] In the case of particles 11 which have at least one particle tip 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e pointing away from a particle core 11a, such as, for example, in the case of tetrapod-shaped particles 11, the surface properties reminiscent of biological materials can be achieved, in particular by the at least one particle tip 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, which only constitutes a partial section of the entire particle 11 and therefore also has a smaller dimension than the particle radius r 11 or the particle diameter (not shown). Therefore, particles 11 which have at least one particle tip 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e pointing away from a particle core 11a can be used even with an average particle radius r 11, i.e. an average radius of the entire particle 11, in a range of ≥ 110 nm to ≤ 550 nm by the smaller dimensioned at least one particle tip 11b,11c,11d,11e structures in a range of a few hundred nanometers are formed, which can show the explained surface properties based on biological materials, for example cicada wings.

[0064] Fig. Figure 1 further illustrates that the particle tips 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e pointing away from the particle core 11a have an effective particle tip length I eff The effective particle tip length I eff smaller than the particle radius r 11 , since the particle radius r 11 is determined by the overall structure of particle core 11a and particle tips 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e. The portion attributable to particle core 11a, which is Fig. 1 is represented by a dashed circle and can be defined here in the form of an imaginary sphere, is used to determine the effective particle tip length I eff especially considered separately from the particle tips 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, which is why the effective particle tip length I eff the particle tips 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e - especially due to the particle core 11a - smaller than the particle radius r 11 is.

[0065] The use of the term effective particle tip length I eff is also due to the fact that during the crystallization of tetrapod-shaped particles 11, for example of zinc oxide tetrapods, very thin needle-like extensions can form at the outer ends of the particle tips 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e (not shown), which, however, break off during the processing of the particle 11 and therefore do not contribute to the effective particle tip length I eff contribute.

[0066] Fig. Figure 1 further illustrates that the particle tips 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e pointing away from the particle core 11a also have a particle tip diameter d eff In the case of Fig. 1 shown tetrapod-shaped particles 11, the effective particle tip diameter d eff adjacent to the particle core 11a is greatest or maximum and decreases towards the outer end of the particle tips 11b,11c,11d,11e.

[0067] In one embodiment of the method, particles 11, in particular tetrapod-shaped particles 11, are used, the particle tips 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e of which have on average an effective particle tip length I eff in a range of ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, in particular in a range of ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm, and / or an effective particle tip diameter d eff in a range of ≥ 25 nm to ≤ 200 nm, in particular in a range of ≥ 35 nm to ≤ 170 nm.

[0068] The Fig. 2a to 2d illustrate a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention for producing a tool 100 with a structured tool surface 100*, wherein the tool surface 100* has a cavity surface structure with a plurality of cavities 110.

[0069] This illustrates Fig. 2a, that, in particular in a process step a) or a1), particles 11, in particular tetrapod-shaped particles 11, for example zinc oxide tetrapods 11, have been applied to a mother model base body 10 to form a mother model base body surface 10* structured by the particles 11. The particles 11 can in particular be as in connection with Fig. 1 explained in the form of tetrapod-shaped particles 11.

[0070] Fig. 2a shows that tetrapod-shaped particles 11, when applied to the mother model base body 10, can advantageously erect and align themselves in such a way that one of the elongated, in particular conical, particle tips of a tetrapod-shaped particle 11 is aligned essentially perpendicularly away from the surface of the mother model base body 10. Fig. 2a further illustrates that such self-erection and self-alignment of a plurality of tetrapod-shaped particles 11 can also result in the particle tips of a plurality of tetrapod-shaped particles 11, which point essentially perpendicularly away from the surface of the mother model body 10, being aligned essentially parallel to one another. Fig. Figure 2a further illustrates that tetrapod-shaped particles 11 also have the advantage that the three other elongated, in particular conical, particle tips resting on the surface of the mother model base body 10 can, due to their elongated configuration, also extend under the particle core and / or under particle tips of neighboring tetrapod-shaped particles 11, whereby small distances between the elongated, in particular conical, particle tips of neighboring tetrapod-shaped particles 11, which point essentially perpendicularly away from the surface, are possible. These distances can be even significantly smaller in a plan view of the surface of the mother model base body 10 than in the Fig. 2a, since behind and in front of the Fig. 2a, further tetrapod-shaped particles 11 can be arranged, the three elongated, in particular conical, particle tips resting on the surface of the mother model base body 10, can, due to their elongated design, also be inserted under the particle cores and / or under the particle tips of the particles 11 shown in the cross-sectional plane of Fig. 2a. In this way, the tetrapod-shaped particles 11 can advantageously form a cicada-wing-like surface structuring in the form of a pattern of columnarly arranged, elongated, in particular conical, particle tips, which can have particularly advantageous surface properties comparable, for example, to the properties of the surface structuring of natural cicada wings, for example, antibacterial.

[0071] The application of the particles 11 to the master model base body 10 can be carried out, for example, by means of a dispersion and / or suspension in a liquid. The liquid of the dispersion and / or suspension can be added after the application of the particles 11 to the master model base body 10, in particular in a process step a2), and in particular before the Fig. 2b illustrated application of an electrically conductive coating 101, in particular in a process step b), for example by evaporation and / or in a vacuum, can be removed again (not shown).

[0072] Fig. 2a also illustrates that, in addition to the particles 11, in particular in process step a), at least one binder and / or filler 12 is applied to the master model base body 10. The at least one binder and / or filler 12 can, for example, in a specific embodiment, be applied to the particles 11 and / or the surface of the master model base body 10 after removing the liquid from the dispersion and / or suspension, in particular in a process step a3), or in another specific embodiment, in particular in a process step a1), be applied to the master model base body 10 as an additional component of the particle dispersion and / or suspension (not shown).

[0073] Fig. 2a further illustrates that the amount of particles 11 and the amount of at least one binder and / or filler 12 were selected such that cavities between the particles 11 and the master model base body 10 were filled by the at least one binder and / or filler 12.

[0074] The master model base body 10 is preferably made of an electrically insulating material.

[0075] Fig. 2b illustrates that, in order to be able to apply a voltage for an electroforming process, in particular in a method step b), an electrically conductive coating 101 is applied to the structured master model base body surface 10*, forming a coated, structured master model base body surface 10*, 101. The electrically conductive coating 101 can be applied to the structured master model base body surface 10*, for example, by means of an electrically conductive material dispersion, for example a palladium and / or platinum dispersion, in particular with an average metal particle diameter in a range of ≥ 1 nm to ≤ 25 nm, and / or by means of physical vapor deposition (PVD) and / or by means of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with at least one electrically conductive material, for example with palladium and / or platinum.

[0076] Fig. 2c illustrates that, in particular in a method step c), the structured master model base body surface 10* was molded by an electroforming process, forming a tool 100 with a tool surface 100* having a cavity surface structure in the form of a negative image of the structured master model base body surface 10*. This can be done in particular by applying a voltage to the electrically conductive coating 101 and / or to the coated, structured master model base body surface 10*, 101 and, for example, by electroplating at least one metal, in particular a precious metal, for example nickel and / or copper, for example nickel.

[0077] Fig. 2d shows that, in particular in a process step d), the mother model base body 10 with the particles 11 applied thereto and in particular also with the at least one binding and / or filling agent 12 applied thereto was (again) removed. Fig. 2d illustrates that such a tool 100, for example an injection molding tool 100, can be produced with a structured tool surface 100* with a cavity surface structure with a plurality of cavities 110, for example which have an average depth in a range of ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, in particular in a range of ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm, and / or are elongated, in particular blind-hole-like and / or hollow-conical, and / or are arranged in the form of a series of parallel (nano-)wells.For example, a tool 100, for example an injection molding tool 100, can advantageously be formed with a structured tool surface 100* with a cavity surface structure in the form of a negative image of a cicada wing-like surface structure and can advantageously be equipped with surface properties based on the surface properties of natural cicada wings, such as antibacterial surface properties.

[0078] Fig. 3 shows a component 1000 with a structured component surface 1000*, which is produced by an embodiment of the method for producing a component 1000 with a structured component surface 1000* and has a surface structure with a plurality of raised structures 1010.

[0079] The component 1000 was manufactured in particular by the structured tool surface 100* being Fig. 2a to 2d, the tool 100 was molded using a molding process. The molding can be carried out, for example, by means of an injection molding process, in particular by means of a high-performance injection molding process, and / or by means of a low-pressure molding spray process.

[0080] In particular, an injection molding process can be used as a molding process. The component can, in particular, be an injection-molded component.

[0081] Through molding, the component 1000 with the structured component surface 1000* is formed in the form of a positive image of the cavity surface structure of the structured tool surface 100*. The raised structures 1010 are formed by the cavities of the cavity surface structure of the structured tool surface 100*.

[0082] Fig.3 illustrates that the raised structures 1010 are elongated, in particular conical, and / or arranged in a columnar manner. For example, the raised structures 1010 can have an average height in a range from ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm, for example in a range from ≥ 150 nm to ≤ 400 nm, in particular in a range from ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm. Thus, the structured component surface 1000* can be provided with a cicada-wing-like surface structure.

[0083] In principle, components 1000, in particular components 1000 with so-called "collective grip surfaces," are considered. For example, the corresponding components can be designed as door handle casings or as components 1000 with grip surfaces in the field of public transport, such as grab handle casings. Thus, steering wheel and / or steering wheel grips and / or casings, which can be used in the automotive industry and / or in the sports sector, for example, in particular for sports equipment that is then located in a fitness studio, can also be considered as components 1000. Therefore, corresponding components 1000 can be produced that, in particular, have an antibacterial structure. List of reference symbols 10 master model base bodies 10* structured master model base body surface 11 Particles, especially tetrapod-shaped particles 11a Particle core 11b-11e Particle peak r 11 Particle radius I eff effective particle tip length d eff effective particle peak diameter 12 Binders and / or fillers 100 tools 100* structured tool surface 101 electrically conductive coating 110 cavities 1000 components 1000* structured component surface 1010 elongated, especially conical, structures

Claims

[1] Method for producing a tool (100), in particular an injection molding tool (100), with a structured tool surface (100*), wherein the tool surface (100*) has a cavity surface structure with a plurality of cavities (110), having and / or comprising the following method steps: a) applying particles (11) to a master model base body (10) to form a master model base body surface (10*) structured by the particles (11), b) applying an electrically conductive coating (101) to the structured master model base body surface (10*) to form a coated, structured master model base body surface (10*, 101), c) molding the coated, structured master model base body surface (10*, 101) by an electroforming process to form a tool (100) with a tool surface (100*) with a cavity surface structure in the form of a negative image of the coated, structured master model base body surface (10*, 101), and d) Removing the master model base body (10) with the particles (11) applied thereto. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein in method step a) particles (11) are used which (11) each have at least one particle tip (11b, 11c, 11d, 11e) pointing away from a particle core (11a). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in method step a) particles (11) are used which (11) each have at least four particle tips (11b, 11c, 11d, 11e) pointing away from a particle core (11a) in different directions. [4] Method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein in method step a) particles (11) are used whose particle tips (11b, 11c, 11d, 11e) are elongated. [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein in method step a) particles (11) are used whose particle tips (11b, 11c, 11d, 11e) are conical. [6] Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein tetrapod-shaped particles (11) are used in method step a). [7] Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in method step a) zinc oxide tetrapods are used as particles (11). [8] Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in process step a) particles (11) are used which on average have a particle radius (r 11 ) in a range of ≥ 110 nm to ≤ 550 nm, and / or wherein in process step a) particles (11) are used whose particle tips (11b,11c,11d,11e) have on average an effective particle tip length (I eff ) in a range of ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm and / or wherein in process step a) particles (11) are used whose particle tips (11b,11c,11d,11e) have on average an effective particle tip diameter (d eff ) in a range of ≥ 25 nm to ≤ 200 nm. [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein in process step a) particles (11) are used which on average have a particle radius (r 11 ) in a range of ≥ 220 nm to ≤ 330 nm, and / or wherein in process step a) particles (11) are used whose particle tips (11b,11c,11d,11e) have on average an effective particle tip length (I eff ) in a range of ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm and / or wherein in process step a) particles (11) are used whose particle tips (11b,11c,11d,11e) have on average an effective particle tip diameter (d eff ) in a range of ≥ 35 nm to ≤ 170 nm. [10] Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in method step a) the particles (11) are applied to the master model base body (10) by means of a dispersion and / or suspension in a liquid. [11] Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in method step a) at least one binding and / or filling agent (12) is additionally applied to the master model base body (10). [12] Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein method step a) comprises the following method steps: a1) applying the particles (11) by means of a dispersion and / or suspension in a liquid to the master model base body (10), a2) removing the liquid, and a3) applying at least one binding and / or filling agent (12) to the particles (11) and / or the surface of the master model base body (10). [13] Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein method step a) comprises the following method steps: a1) applying the particles (11) by means of a dispersion and / or suspension in a liquid to the master model base body (10), wherein the dispersion and / or suspension additionally comprises at least one binding and / or filling agent (12), and a2) Remove the liquid. [14] Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein in method step a) the quantity of the particles (11) and the quantity of the at least one binding and / or filling agent (12) are selected such that cavities between the particles (11) and the master model base body (10) are filled by the at least one binding and / or filling agent (12). [15] Method according to one of claims 10 to 14, wherein in process step a) the liquid comprises water and / or acetone and / or the liquid is removed by evaporation and / or in vacuum. [16] Method according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein in method step b) the electrically conductive coating (101) is applied to the structured master model base body surface (10*) by means of an electrically conductive material dispersion, and / or by means of physical vapor deposition and / or by means of chemical vapor deposition with at least one electrically conductive material. [17] Method according to claim 16, wherein in method step b) the electrically conductive coating (101) is applied to the structured master model base body surface (10*) by means of a metal dispersion and / or by means of physical vapor deposition and / or by means of chemical vapor deposition with at least one metal. [18] Method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein in method step b) the electrically conductive coating (101) is applied to the structured master model base body surface (10*) by means of a palladium and / or platinum dispersion and / or by means of physical vapor deposition and / or by means of chemical vapor deposition with palladium and / or platinum. [19] Method according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein in method step c) at least one metal is deposited by electrodeposition. [20] Method according to claim 19, wherein a voltage is applied to the electrically conductive coating (101) on the structured master model base body surface (10*). [21] A method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein in step c) nickel is deposited by electroplating. [22] Method according to one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the method is designed for producing a tool with a structured tool surface with a cavity surface structure with a plurality of cavities which have an average depth in a range of ≥ 100 nm to ≤ 500 nm and / or are elongated and / or are arranged in the form of a series of parallel shafts. [23] Method according to claim 22, wherein the plurality of cavities have an average depth in a range of ≥ 200 nm to ≤ 300 nm and / or are formed like a blind hole and / or a hollow cone and / or are arranged in the form of a series of parallel shafts. [24] Method according to one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the method is designed for producing a tool with a structured tool surface with a cavity surface structure in the form of a negative image of a cicada wing-like surface structure. [25] Method according to one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the tool (100) is manufactured as an injection molding tool. [26] Tool (100) with a structured tool surface (100*), wherein the tool surface (100*) has a cavity surface structure with a plurality of cavities (110), wherein the tool (100) is manufactured by a method according to one of claims 1 to 25. [27] Tool (100) according to claim 26, wherein the tool surface (100*) has a cavity surface structure with a plurality of cavities (110) in the form of a negative image of a cicada wing-like surface structure, and / or wherein the tool is an injection molding tool (100).

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