Method and apparatus for manufacturing foil-processed workpieces

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing a foiled workpiece, a foiled workpiece that can be produced by the method according to the invention, a system comprising at least one foiled workpiece, and an apparatus for producing a foiled workpiece.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a foiled workpiece, a foiled workpiece that can be produced using the method according to the invention, a system including at least one foiled workpiece and an apparatus for producing a foiled workpiece. [Background technology]

[0002] Multiwell plates are used in a variety of cell biological, bacteriological, and biochemical experiments in research and industry. Multiwell plates, specifically, have a large number of regularly-spaced wells. A wide variety of plate types are available to accommodate the widest range of applications. In cell biology, plate formats with 6 (2 × 3 matrix) to 96 (8 × 12 matrix) wells are particularly common. In biochemical testing, higher-format plates, such as plates with 384 wells or more (16 × 24 matrix), are often used. The arrangement of individual wells in multiwell plates, their external and internal dimensions, and the dimensions of the plates themselves are now standardized (ANSI standards). This facilitates the automation of experimental procedures, such as the use of pipetting robots and the reading of results using plate readers or automated microscopes. Furthermore, standardization allows the use of different inserts and attachments for the various multiwell plates available commercially.

[0003] A special application of multiwell plates is the use of plates with a foil bottom, particularly plates with a membrane bottom. The membrane bottom can be used to form individual reaction chambers (compartments), for filtration (separation of solid and liquid components), or as a surface for attaching cells, chemical molecules, or biological molecules. Membrane-bottom plates used for this purpose are characterized by being composed of multiple wells. At the bottom of each well is a porous, impermeable, semi-permeable, or permeable barrier layer, particularly a membrane. This barrier layer, particularly a membrane, can selectively allow the passage of, for example, ions, organic molecules such as specific active ingredients, or biological molecules such as growth factors, peptides, proteins, hormones, and enzymes.

[0004] Membrane-bottom plates have traditionally been used as cell culture inserts to handle complex cell and tissue culture problems. Applications of such cell culture inserts include, for example, migration or invasion studies, transport assays, co-cultures, or the cultivation of complex three-dimensional tissue structures, such as epithelial or skin cells, including so-called air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures, among others. The formed tissue structures can be used in subsequent biological tests, such as toxicological tests, or in physical test systems, such as transepithelial / transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and impedance measurements.

[0005] In the simplest case, membrane-bottom plates are used for filtration applications. In this case, the membrane at the bottom of each well serves to separate the solid components of the sample from the liquid components. For this purpose, a membrane is selected with a pore size that retains solid components above a certain hydrodynamic diameter and allows liquid and solid components with smaller hydrodynamic diameters to pass through.

[0006] When using membrane-bottom plates, it is particularly important to ensure that cross-contamination does not occur between samples or between different chambers in the individual wells of the membrane-bottom plate. For example, if the bottom of each well of the membrane-bottom plate is formed from a single, continuous, permeable membrane, connections can form between wells through this membrane, potentially resulting in cross-contamination due to capillary action.

[0007] Membrane-bottom plates are typically manufactured in two steps. In the first step, a membrane and a multiwell plate are provided, and each well of the multiwell plate has at least one opening on its bottom surface. In the second step, the membrane is bonded to the multiwell plate, sealing at least one opening on the bottom surface of each well. There are various methods for bonding the membrane material to the multiwell plate material. For example, adhesives can be used to bond the membrane to the bottom surface of the wells of the multiwell plate. Another method is ultrasonic welding. When working with biological samples, a bonding method that uses as little solvents as possible and leaves no residue is desirable.

[0008] A method for bonding a polymeric film to a cell culture device is disclosed in EP 2611539. In this method, the cell culture device and the polymeric film are bonded by pressing the polymeric film onto the device using a silicone stamp heated to a temperature at least 100°C higher than the glass transition temperature of the material of the device or the material of the device and the polymeric film. This method melts at least one of the two materials being bonded, and after the materials have cooled, the polymeric film tightly seals the bottom of the well of the cell culture device. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention is based on the technical problem of providing a method that is as simple and effective as possible for producing foiled workpieces, in particular membrane bottom plates, thereby overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art and making it possible in particular to produce foiled workpieces, in particular membrane bottom plates, which have individual foil areas, in particular membrane areas, which are bonded solvent-free and residue-free to at least a part of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular to the bottom surface of a well of the workpiece, in particular to the bottom surface of the membrane bottom plate, and which have a particularly high degree of flatness or planarity compared to the prior art.

[0010] The term "well" in the context of the present invention refers to a cavity surrounded by walls. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the "well" is a well of a plate, in particular a multi-well plate.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, the term "foil" refers to a thin sheet-like structure consisting of one or more layers. A "foil" can be composed of a single material or multiple materials. For example, a "foil" according to the present invention can be composed of a material or mixture selected, individually or in combination, from metals, plastics, natural or synthetic polymers, fibers, filaments, polysaccharides, and polypeptides. Thus, the term includes, for example, metal foils, plastic foils, especially polymer foils, and nonwoven fabrics, especially fibrous nonwoven fabrics, such as paper, made of one or more materials, as well as woven foils and nonwoven fabrics. A "foil" can be transparent, translucent, or opaque. In the context of the present invention, a "foil" can be unidirectionally or unidirectionally permeable, and in particular, fully permeable, semi-permeable, selectively permeable, or impermeable. A "foil" can be coated or uncoated. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the "foil" is a "membrane."

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the term "membrane" refers to a "foil" that is permeable to some extent to one or more substances, in particular at least selectively permeable, i.e. selectively permeable to one or more substances.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, "foil area" or "membrane area" is understood to mean a spatially limited partial region of a foil or membrane.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, "external contour" is understood to mean the contour of an object that defines the object and its surroundings. In contrast, "internal contour" is the boundary of the object's internal space. Thus, the term "external contour of the open end of at least one well" according to the present invention refers to the outer contour of the structure that forms the open end of the well. The term "internal contour of the open end of at least one well" refers to the inner contour of the structure that forms the open end of the well.

[0015] The term "punch" refers to a recess formed in the material by the application of pressure. It is particularly preferred that at least one "punch", which defines at least one foil area or at least one membrane area, is formed using a punching die with a correspondingly shaped cutting edge.

[0016] The term "flatness tolerance" refers to the tolerance range of the deviation of the flatness or planarity of a surface from an ideal flat surface according to the present invention. The tolerance limit is defined by two imaginary planes parallel to the ideal flat surface and spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the "flatness tolerance" value. For example, if the "flatness tolerance" is 100 μm, the maximum measurable distance between the maximum positive and negative deviations from the ideal flat surface is 100 μm across the entire foil area, particularly the entire membrane area. A maximum distance of 100 μm can result, for example, from a maximum positive deviation (bulge) of 80 μm (+80 μm) from the ideal flat surface and a maximum negative deviation (depression) of 20 μm (-20 μm) from the ideal flat surface.

[0017] The "average flatness tolerance" according to the present invention refers to the arithmetic mean value of the "flatness tolerances" of the individual foil areas, particularly the membrane areas of a foiled workpiece, particularly the membrane bottom plate. In contrast to a "flatness tolerance of 100 μm," a "average flatness tolerance of 100 μm" allows the distance between the maximum positive and maximum negative deviations from an ideal flat surface of an individual foil area, particularly an individual membrane area, of a foiled workpiece, particularly a membrane bottom plate, to exceed 100 μm, provided that the average value of the distances across all foil areas, particularly all membrane areas, of a foiled workpiece, particularly a membrane bottom plate, is at most 100 μm. Thus, the distance between the maximum positive and maximum negative deviations from an ideal flat surface of one or more foil areas, particularly membrane areas, of a foiled workpiece, particularly a membrane bottom plate, may, for example, slightly exceed 100 μm. However, this only applies if the distance between the maximum positive deviation and the maximum negative deviation from an ideal flat surface of other foil areas, especially membrane areas, of the foil-processed workpiece, especially of the membrane bottom plate, is less than 100 μm, and the average distance over all foil areas, especially all membrane areas, of the foil-processed workpiece, especially of the membrane bottom plate, is a maximum of 100 μm.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flatness or planarity of a surface, in particular the maximum positive and maximum negative deviation from an ideal flat surface, can be measured by white light interferometry (WLI), in particular using a chromatic white light sensor.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the terms "comprising" and "consisting of" are understood to mean that in addition to the elements explicitly covered by these terms, further elements not explicitly mentioned may also be included. It is also understood in the present invention that these terms may also mean that only the explicitly mentioned elements are covered, and that no further elements are present. In this particular embodiment, the meaning of the terms "comprising" and "consisting" is equivalent to the term "consisting of." Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "consisting" also cover compositions that, in addition to the explicitly mentioned elements, also contain further elements not mentioned, provided that these elements are functionally and qualitatively subordinate. In this embodiment, the terms "comprising" and "consisting" are equivalent to the term "consisting essentially of."

[0020] The term "and / or" in the context of the present invention is understood to mean that all members of the group connected by "and / or" are mutually alternative and cumulatively disclosed in any combination. That is, the expression "A, B and / or C" should be understood to disclose a) A or B or C, b) (A and B), c) (A and C), d) (B and C), or e) (A, B and C).

[0021] The problem underlying the present invention is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for producing a foiled workpiece, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a workpiece made of a first material; b) providing a foil, in particular a membrane, made of a second material, said foil, in particular a membrane, having at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, defined by at least one punch-out, said at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, being held in said foil, in particular a membrane, by at least one connection; c) contacting the workpiece with the foil, in particular the film, so that the at least one foil area, in particular the at least one film area, of the foil, in particular the film, coincides with a portion of the workpiece to be foil processed; d) contacting a stamp with the foil, in particular with a film, so that the at least one foil area, in particular with at least one film area, joins with the workpiece and seals the part of the workpiece to be foiled, the stamp having a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the first and / or second material; e) removing the heated stamp to obtain a foiled workpiece.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the workpiece provided in step a) is a plate, in particular a multi-well plate.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the workpiece, in particular the plate, preferably the multi-well plate, provided in step a) comprises at least one well having two open ends.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the foil provided in step b) is a membrane. Preferably, the foil, in particular the membrane, provided in step b) has at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, which is equal to or smaller than the outer contour of the part of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular the outer contour of the open end of at least one well, and which is larger than the inner contour of the part of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular the inner contour of the open end of at least one well, and which at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, is defined by at least one punched section.

[0025] In a particularly preferred embodiment, each foil area, in particular a membrane area, has in particular an individual punching. According to this preferred embodiment, the individual foil areas, in particular membrane areas, in particular do not have a common punching. Preferably, the individual foil areas, in particular membrane areas, and the punchings that delimit the individual foil areas, in particular membrane areas, are spaced apart from one another within the foil, in particular within the membrane. Particularly preferably, the individual foil areas, in particular membrane areas, and the punchings that delimit the individual foil areas, in particular membrane areas, are not directly adjacent to one another within the foil, in particular within the membrane.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the individual foil areas, in particular membrane areas, and the punched portions separating the individual foil areas, in particular membrane areas, are spaced apart from one another by a distance of at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, preferably at least 3.5 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, preferably at least 4.5 mm, preferably at least 5 mm.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the outer contour of the part of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular the outer contour of the open end of at least one well, and the inner contour of the part of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular the inner contour of the open end of at least one well, is at most 20 mm, preferably at most 15 mm, preferably at most 10 mm, preferably at most 9 mm, preferably at most 8 mm, preferably at most 7 mm, preferably at most 6 mm, preferably at most 5 mm, preferably at most 4 mm, preferably at most 3 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, preferably at most 1 mm.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance between the outer contour of the part of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular the outer contour of the open end of at least one well, and the inner contour of the part of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular the inner contour of the open end of at least one well, is at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 0.75 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, preferably at least 3.5 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, preferably at least 4.5 mm, preferably at least 5 mm.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance between the outer contour of the part of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular the outer contour of the open end of at least one well, and the inner contour of the part of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular the inner contour of the open end of at least one well, is 0.5 mm to 20 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 10 mm, preferably 0.75 mm to 5 mm, preferably 0.75 mm to 2.5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the part of the workpiece to be foil processed is the open end of at least one well of the workpiece, in particular the open end of at least one well of a plate, preferably the open end of a well of a multiwell plate. Preferably, in step c) of the method according to the invention, the open end of at least one well of the workpiece, in particular the plate, preferably the multiwell plate, is brought into contact with the foil, in particular the membrane, so that at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, coincides with the open end of at least one well.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step d), the stamp is brought into contact with the foil, in particular the membrane, such that at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, joins with the workpiece, in particular a plate, preferably a multiwell plate, and seals the open end of at least one well of the workpiece, in particular a plate, preferably a multiwell plate, and the stamp can have a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the first and / or second material.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, in step e) of the method according to the invention, the heated stamp is removed in order to obtain a foiled workpiece, in particular a membrane bottom plate.

[0033] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method for producing a foiled workpiece is a method for producing a membrane bottom plate, comprising: a) providing a workpiece of a first material, in particular a plate, preferably a multi-well plate, having at least one well with two open ends; b) providing a foil, in particular a membrane, made of a second material, the foil, in particular the membrane, having at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, the size of which is equal to or smaller than the outer contour of the open end of the at least one well and larger than the inner contour of the open end of the at least one well, the at least one foil area, in particular the at least one membrane area, being defined by at least one punched section, and the at least one foil area, in particular the at least one membrane area, being held to the foil, in particular the membrane, by at least one connecting section; c) contacting the open end of at least one well with a foil, in particular a membrane, so that at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, coincides with the open end of at least one well; d) contacting the stamp with a foil, in particular a membrane, so that at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, joins with the workpiece, in particular a plate, preferably a multi-well plate, and seals the open end of at least one well, the stamp having a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the first and / or second material; e) removing the heated stamp to obtain a foiled workpiece, in particular a membrane bottom plate.

[0034] The method according to the invention advantageously allows for the solvent-free and residue-free bonding of a part of a foil-processed workpiece, in particular a workpiece having at least one well, in particular a plate having at least one well, preferably a multiwell plate, to a foil, in particular a membrane, in order to obtain a foil-processed workpiece, in particular a membrane-bottom plate. This method is characterized in particular by the fact that the foil provided, in particular the membrane provided, has at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, defined by at least one punch-out.

[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, punching of the foil, in particular the membrane, is carried out before step b), preferably in step a) and in a step a1) carried out before step b), in order to obtain the foil, in particular the membrane, provided in step b), i.e. to obtain at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, delimited by at least one punch, which at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, is held to the foil, in particular the membrane, by at least one connection.

[0036] Preferably, the foil, in particular the membrane, is punched in step a1), which is carried out in an apparatus according to the invention for producing foiled workpieces, in particular in an apparatus according to the invention for producing membrane bottom plates.

[0037] Particularly preferably, both the punching of the foil, in particular the membrane, according to step a1) and the contacting of the stamp with the foil, in particular the membrane, in step d) so that at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, joins with the workpiece and seals the part of the workpiece to be foiled, are carried out in an apparatus according to the invention for producing foiled workpieces, in particular in an apparatus according to the invention for producing membrane bottom plates.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, steps a), b), c), d) and e), preferably steps a1), a), b), c), d), e), e1) and f), particularly preferably all steps, of the method according to the invention for producing foiled workpieces, in particular for producing membrane bottom plates, are carried out in an apparatus according to the invention for producing foiled workpieces, in particular in an apparatus according to the invention for producing membrane bottom plates.

[0039] According to the invention, the foil, in particular the membrane, having at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, bounded by at least one punching provided in step b) is already provided with a punching, and it can be provided in particular that in the device according to the invention for producing foiled workpieces, in particular membrane bottom plates, no punching of the foil, in particular the membrane, takes place. According to this embodiment of the invention, the punching of the foil, in particular the membrane, and the joining of the at least one foil area, in particular the at least one membrane area, to the foiled part of the workpiece are carried out in different devices.

[0040] Preferably, at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, is smaller in size than the outer contour of a portion of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular the outer contour of the open end of at least one well of the workpiece, in particular a plate, preferably a multiwell plate, and is larger than the inner contour of the portion of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular the inner contour of the open end of at least one well of the workpiece, in particular a plate, preferably a multiwell plate.

[0041] The at least one punching is performed so that at least one foil area, particularly at least one membrane area, is held within the at least one foil, particularly membrane, via at least one connection, which is then melted or fused at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the second material of the foil, particularly the membrane, and / or above the glass transition temperature of the first material of the workpiece, particularly the plate, preferably the multiwell plate.

[0042] The method according to the invention ensures contact of the foiled part of the provided workpiece, in particular the open end of at least one well of the provided workpiece, in particular the provided plate, preferably a multi-well plate, with at least one foil area of ​​the foil, in particular at least one membrane area of ​​the membrane, and subsequent contact of a heated stamp results in a rapid, solvent-free and residue-free thermal bonding of the at least one foil area, in particular the at least one membrane area, to the foiled part of the workpiece, in particular the open end of the at least one well.

[0043] By providing a foil, particularly a membrane, with a pre-punched foil area, particularly a membrane area, that precisely fits the corresponding open end of the workpiece, particularly a well, to be foiled, each foiled portion of the workpiece, particularly each well of the foiled workpiece, particularly a membrane-bottomed plate, can have an individual, defined foil area, particularly a membrane area. In the case of a membrane-bottomed plate, for example, cross-contamination between individual wells can be eliminated in this manner. Furthermore, by providing a foil, particularly a membrane, with a foil area, particularly a membrane area, defined by at least one punched area and held within the foil, particularly the membrane, via at least one connection, the process can be carried out quickly, accurately, and cost-effectively. This is particularly true because foil, particularly a membrane, with a pre-punched foil area, particularly a pre-punched membrane area, can be used as a roll material, and no further step of cutting or punching the foil, particularly the membrane, is required after thermally bonding the foil area, particularly the membrane area, to the workpiece, particularly the open end of the well, to be foiled. In this way, the risk of contamination by punched pieces and the risk of leaks at the welded edge due to tears in the foil, particularly the membrane, are significantly reduced.

[0044] A further advantage of the method according to the invention is that the foil-processed workpieces, in particular the foil areas sealing the open ends of the individual wells, in particular the membrane areas, have a particularly high degree of flatness or planarity. Furthermore, the foil-processed workpieces obtained by the method according to the invention, in particular the membrane-bottomed plates obtained by the method according to the invention, are advantageously characterized by high stability, are highly resistant to simple mechanical stresses, and are suitable for longer-term use, particularly in the case of membrane-bottomed plates, for long-term culture.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the work provided in step a), in particular the plate provided in step a), preferably the multiwell plate, has at least 2, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 12, preferably at least 24, preferably at least 48, preferably at least 96, preferably at least 384, preferably at least 1536, preferably at least 3456 wells.

[0046] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the workpiece provided in step a), in particular the plate provided in step a), preferably the multiwell plate, has at most 3456, preferably at most 1536, preferably at most 384, preferably at most 96, preferably at most 48, preferably at most 24, preferably at most 12, preferably at most 6 wells.

[0047] Particularly preferably, the workpiece provided in step a), in particular the plate provided in step a), preferably the multiwell plate, has 2, preferably 6, preferably 12, preferably 24, preferably 48, preferably 96, preferably 384, preferably 1536, preferably 3456 wells.

[0048] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one well is at least one cup (Well).

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the foil, in particular the membrane, is at most two-layered.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the foil, in particular the membrane, is a two-layer foil, in particular a two-layer membrane. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the foil, in particular the membrane, is a single-layer foil, in particular a single-layer membrane.

[0051] Preferably, the foil, in particular the membrane, consists of a single material.

[0052] According to the present invention, the foil may have more than two layers. In this case, the outer layer of the foil facing the workpiece may be an adhesive layer and / or an adhesion promoter layer. Preferably, a support foil may be provided on the side of the foil opposite the workpiece. Preferably, further layers of the foil may be arranged on the side of the support foil facing the workpiece. Alternatively or additionally, further layers of the foil may be arranged on the side of the support foil opposite the workpiece. These layers may be, for example, lacquer layers and / or metal layers, each layer being present over the entire surface or partially on the respective layer surface.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the foil is a membrane, preferably a filter membrane.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the foil, in particular the membrane, preferably the filter membrane, has a thickness of 5 μm to 1000 μm, preferably 50 μm to 800 μm, preferably 100 μm to 600 μm, preferably 250 μm to 400 μm.

[0055] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the foil, in particular the membrane, preferably the filter membrane, has a thickness of 5 μm to 60 μm, preferably 10 μm to 50 μm, preferably 15 μm to 45 μm, preferably 20 μm to 40 μm.

[0056] Particularly preferably, the foil, in particular the membrane, preferably the filter membrane, has a thickness of at least 5 μm, preferably at least 10 μm, preferably at least 15 μm, preferably at least 20 μm, preferably at least 25 μm, preferably at least 30 μm, preferably at least 35 μm, preferably at least 40 μm, preferably at least 45 μm, preferably at least 50 μm, preferably at least 75 μm, preferably at least 100 μm, preferably at least 200 μm, preferably at least 250 μm, preferably at least 300 μm, preferably at least 400 μm, preferably at least 500 μm.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment the foil, in particular the membrane, preferably the filter membrane, has a thickness of at most 1000 μm, preferably at most 900 μm, preferably at most 800 μm, preferably at most 700 μm, preferably at most 600 μm, preferably at most 500 μm, preferably at most 400 μm, preferably at most 300 μm, preferably at most 250 μm, preferably at most 200 μm, preferably at most 150 μm, preferably at most 100 μm, preferably at most 90 μm, preferably at most 80 μm, preferably at most 70 μm, preferably at most 60 μm, preferably at most 55 μm, preferably at most 50 μm, preferably at most 45 μm, preferably at most 40 μm, preferably at most 35 μm, preferably at most 30 μm.

[0058] In particular, the foil, especially the membrane, preferably the filter membrane, has a thickness of 5 μm to 60 μm, preferably 10 μm to 50 μm.

[0059] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first material is plastic, and particularly preferably, the first material is at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and polycarbonate (PC).

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second material is plastic. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second material is at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and polycarbonate (PC).

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the first material and the second material are the same material.

[0062] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first material and / or the second material is polycarbonate (PC).

[0063] Particularly preferably, the first material is PET and the second material is PS. Preferably, the first material is PET and the second material is PVDF. In a more preferred embodiment, the first material is PET and the second material is PET. Particularly preferably, the first material is PET and the second material is PC.

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first material is PS and the second material is PET. More preferably, the first material is PS and the second material is PS. In another preferred embodiment, the first material is PS and the second material is PVDF. Preferably, the first material is PS and the second material is PC.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first material is PVDF and the second material is PET. Preferably, the first material is PVDF and the second material is PS. According to another embodiment, the first material is PVDF and the second material is PVDF. Preferably, the first material is PVDF and the second material is PC.

[0066] In another preferred embodiment, the first material is PC and the second material is PET. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first material is PC and the second material is PS. In another preferred embodiment, the first material is PC and the second material is PVDF. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first material is PC and the second material is PC.

[0067] In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, is held in the foil, in particular membrane, by at least two, preferably exactly two, connections. Preferably, at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, is held in the foil, in particular membrane, by at least three, preferably exactly three, connections. In another preferred embodiment, at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area, is held in the foil, in particular membrane, by at least four, preferably exactly four, connections. In a particularly preferred embodiment, in each case, two connections are arranged opposite each other.

[0068] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one connection is at least one web.

[0069] Preferably, the width of at least one web is at least 0.05 mm, preferably at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.15 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.25 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm, preferably at least 0.35 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, preferably at least 0.45 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm.

[0070] In a further preferred embodiment the width of at least one web is at most 2 mm, preferably at most 1.75 mm, preferably at most 1.5 mm, preferably at most 1.25 mm, preferably at most 1 mm, preferably at most 0.75 mm, preferably at most 0.5 mm, preferably at most 0.45 mm, preferably at most 0.4 mm, preferably at most 0.35 mm, preferably at most 0.3 mm, preferably at most 0.25 mm, preferably at most 0.2 mm, preferably at most 0.15 mm, preferably at most 0.1 mm, preferably at most 0.05 mm.

[0071] Particularly preferably, the width of at least one web is 0.05 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.15 mm to 0.75 mm, preferably 0.15 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.15 mm to 0.4 mm, preferably 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm.

[0072] In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the length of at least one web is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 0.6 mm, preferably at least 0.7 mm, preferably at least 0.8 mm, preferably at least 0.9 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1.25 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm, preferably at least 1.75 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, preferably at least 2.25 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, preferably at least 2.75 mm, preferably at least 3 mm.

[0073] In a further preferred embodiment the length of at least one web is at most 5 mm, preferably at most 4 mm, preferably at most 3 mm, preferably at most 2.75 mm, preferably at most 2.5 mm, preferably at most 2.25 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, preferably at most 1.75 mm, preferably at most 1.5 mm, preferably at most 1.25 mm, preferably at most 1 mm, preferably at most 0.75 mm, preferably at most 0.5 mm, preferably at most 0.25 mm, preferably at most 0.1 mm.

[0074] Particularly preferably, the length of at least one web is 0.1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 0.75 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1 mm to 3.5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 2.75 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0075] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the workpiece to be foil processed, in particular at least one well, preferably at least one of the open ends of at least one well, has a circular, rectangular, in particular square, or polygonal cross section.

[0076] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the foil, in particular the membrane, has a number of foil areas, in particular membrane areas, corresponding to the number of workpiece parts to be foiled, in particular the number of wells. Particularly preferably, the foil areas, in particular membrane areas, are each equal to or smaller than the outer contour of the workpiece parts to be foiled, in particular the outer contour of the open ends of the wells, and are larger than the inner contour of the workpiece parts to be foiled, in particular the inner contour of the open ends of the wells, and the foil areas, in particular membrane areas, are each delimited by punched sections.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the temperature of the stamp in step d) is at most 5° C., preferably at most 10° C., preferably at most 15° C., preferably at most 20° C., preferably at most 25° C., preferably at most 30° C., preferably at most 40° C., preferably at most 50° C. higher than the glass transition temperature of the first and / or second material, in particular the material with the lower glass transition temperature.

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the temperature of the stamp in step d) is at least 5°C, preferably at least 10°C, preferably at least 15°C, preferably at least 20°C, preferably at least 25°C, preferably at least 30°C higher than the glass transition temperature of the first and / or second material, in particular the glass transition temperature of the material with the lower glass transition temperature.

[0079] Preferably, the contacting of the stamp with the foil, in particular the film, in step d) is carried out at a temperature that is at most 5°C, preferably at most 10°C, preferably at most 15°C, preferably at most 20°C, preferably at most 25°C, preferably at most 30°C, preferably at most 40°C, preferably at most 50°C higher than the glass transition temperature of the first and / or second material, in particular the glass transition temperature of the material with the lower glass transition temperature.

[0080] Particularly preferably, the contacting of the stamp with the foil, in particular the film, in step d) is carried out at a temperature that is at least 5° C., preferably at least 10° C., preferably at least 15° C., preferably at least 20° C., preferably at least 30° C. higher than the glass transition temperature of the first and / or second material, in particular the glass transition temperature of the material with the lower glass transition temperature.

[0081] According to another preferred embodiment, the contacting of the stamp with the foil, in particular the membrane, in step d) is carried out at a temperature of 120°C to 180°C, preferably 125°C to 175°C, preferably 130°C to 170°C, preferably 135°C to 165°C, particularly preferably 140°C to 160°C.

[0082] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the contacting of the stamp with the foil, in particular the film, in step d) is carried out at a temperature of at least 120°C, preferably at least 125°C, preferably at least 130°C, preferably at least 135°C, preferably at least 140°C, preferably at least 145°C, preferably at least 150°C, preferably at least 155°C, preferably at least 160°C, preferably at least 165°C, preferably at least 170°C, preferably at least 175°C, preferably at least 180°C.

[0083] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the contacting of the stamp with the foil, in particular the film, in step d) is carried out at a temperature of at most 200°C, preferably at most 195°C, preferably at most 190°C, preferably at most 185°C, preferably at most 180°C, preferably at most 175°C, preferably at most 170°C, preferably at most 165°C, preferably at most 160°C.

[0084] Preferably, the contact of the stamp with the foil, in particular the membrane, in step d) is carried out for 0.1 to 5 seconds, preferably 0.25 to 4 seconds, preferably 0.5 to 3 seconds, preferably 0.75 to 2.5 seconds, particularly preferably 1 to 2 seconds.

[0085] Particularly preferably, the contacting of the stamp with the foil, in particular the membrane, in step d) takes place for a maximum of 5 seconds, preferably a maximum of 4 seconds, preferably a maximum of 3 seconds, particularly preferably a maximum of 2 seconds.

[0086] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contacting of the stamp with the foil, in particular the membrane, in step d) is carried out at a temperature between 120° C. and 180° C. for a maximum of 4 seconds.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the duration of contact between the stamp and the foil, in particular the membrane, in step d) is at least 0.1 seconds, preferably at least 0.25 seconds, preferably at least 0.5 seconds, preferably at least 0.75 seconds, preferably at least 1 second, preferably at least 1.25 seconds, preferably at least 1.5 seconds, preferably at least 1.75 seconds, preferably at least 2 seconds, preferably at least 2.5 seconds, preferably at least 3 seconds.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the force of contact between the stamp and the foil, in particular the membrane, in step d) is between 0.25 kN and 25 kN, preferably between 0.5 kN and 20 kN, preferably between 0.75 kN and 15 kN, preferably between 1 kN and 10 kN, preferably between 1.25 kN and 7.5 kN, preferably between 1.5 kN and 5 kN, preferably between 1.75 kN and 4.5 kN, preferably between 2 kN and 4 kN, particularly preferably between 2.5 kN and 3.5 kN.

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the force of contact between the stamp and the foil, in particular the membrane, in step d) is at least 0.25 kN, preferably at least 0.5 kN, preferably at least 1 kN, preferably at least 1.5 kN, preferably at least 2 kN, preferably at least 2.5 kN, preferably at least 3 kN, preferably at least 3.5 kN, preferably at least 4 kN, preferably at least 4.5 kN, preferably at least 5 kN, preferably at least 7.5 kN, preferably at least 10 kN, preferably at least 15 kN.

[0090] Preferably, the force of contact between the stamp and the foil, in particular the membrane, in step d) is at most 30 kN, preferably at most 25 kN, preferably at most 20 kN, preferably at most 17.5 kN, preferably at most 15 kN, preferably at most 12.5 kN, preferably at most 10 kN, preferably at most 7.5 kN, preferably at most 5 kN, preferably at most 4 kN, preferably at most 3 kN, preferably at most 2 kN.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact of the stamp with the foil, in particular the membrane, in step d) is carried out at a temperature of 140 to 160°C, preferably 145 to 155°C, particularly preferably 150°C, for 0.5 to 2.5 seconds, preferably 1 to 2 seconds, particularly preferably 1.25 to 1.75 seconds, and with a force of 1 to 6 kN, preferably 2 to 5 kN, particularly preferably 3 to 4 kN. In a preferred embodiment, in step e1), which follows step e), the workpiece, in particular the membrane base plate, can be cooled, in particular passively, for 1 to 8 seconds, preferably 2 to 6 seconds, particularly preferably 3 to 5 seconds.

[0092] Under the above-mentioned conditions, particularly high flatness and particularly low flatness tolerances were observed for the 25 μm-thick foil area, particularly the film area, sealing at least one portion of the foiled workpiece. The combination of hot stamping parameters results in an efficient, firm, and particularly flat seal of the foiled workpiece portion without damage, particularly deformation, of the foiled workpiece itself and / or the foil area, particularly the film area, of the foiled workpiece portion due to excessively high temperatures, excessively long stamping times, and / or excessively high stamping forces. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the selection of hot stamping parameters depends on the material of the workpiece, the material of the foil, particularly the film, and the thickness of the film, particularly the film; therefore, the parameters must be adapted accordingly depending on the specific application. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the foil, particularly the film, is an at least partially porous foil, particularly an at least partially porous film.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the foil, in particular the membrane, has an average pore size of 0.05 μm to 15 μm, preferably 0.1 μm to 10 μm, preferably 0.2 μm to 5 μm, preferably 0.3 μm to 4 μm, preferably 0.4 μm to 3 μm, preferably 0.5 μm to 2 μm.

[0094] Particularly preferably, the foil, in particular the membrane, has an average pore size of at least 0.05 μm, preferably at least 0.075 μm, preferably at least 0.1 μm, preferably at least 0.125 μm, preferably at least 0.15 μm, preferably at least 0.175 μm, preferably at least 0.2 μm, preferably at least 0.225 μm, preferably at least 0.25 μm, preferably at least 0.275 μm, preferably at least 0.3 μm, preferably at least 0.325 μm, preferably at least 0.35 μm, preferably at least 0.375 μm, preferably at least 0.4 μm, preferably at least 0.425 μm, preferably at least 0.45 μm, preferably at least 0.475 μm, preferably at least 0.5 μm.

[0095] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the foil, in particular the membrane, has an average pore size of at most 15 μm, preferably at most 14 μm, preferably at most 13 μm, preferably at most 12 μm, preferably at most 11 μm, preferably at most 10 μm, preferably at most 9 μm, preferably at most 8 μm, preferably at most 7 μm, preferably at most 6 μm, preferably at most 5 μm, preferably at most 4 μm, preferably at most 3 μm, preferably at most 2.5 μm, preferably at most 2 μm, preferably at most 1.5 μm, preferably at most 1 μm, preferably at most 0.75 μm, preferably at most 0.5 μm.

[0096] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the foil, in particular the membrane, is a polycarbonate (PC) membrane having an average pore size of 0.05 μm to 10 μm, preferably 0.1 μm to 5 μm, preferably 0.2 μm to 4 μm, preferably 0.25 μm to 3 μm, preferably 0.3 μm to 2 μm, preferably 0.35 μm to 1 μm, preferably 0.4 μm to 0.8 μm.

[0097] Preferably, the foil, especially the membrane, is a polycarbonate (PC) membrane with an average pore size of 0.05 μm to 15 μm, preferably 0.2 μm to 10 μm.

[0098] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the porosity of the foil, in particular the membrane, is at least 5%, preferably at least 6%, preferably at least 7%, preferably at least 8%, preferably at least 9%, preferably at least 10%, preferably at least 11%, preferably at least 12%, preferably at least 13%, preferably at least 14%, preferably at least 15%.

[0099] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the porosity of the foil, in particular the membrane, is at most 30%, preferably at most 25%, preferably at most 20%, preferably at most 19%, preferably at most 18%, preferably at most 17%, preferably at most 16%, preferably at most 15%, preferably at most 14%, preferably at most 13%, preferably at most 12%, preferably at most 11%, preferably at most 10%.

[0100] Particularly preferably, the porosity of the foil, especially the membrane, is 5 to 30%, preferably 6 to 25%, preferably 7 to 20%, preferably 8 to 18%, preferably 10 to 16%, preferably 12 to 14%.

[0101] According to a preferred embodiment, the foil, in particular the membrane, is transparent. Preferably, the foil, in particular the membrane, is translucent. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the foil, in particular the membrane, is opaque. Also, transparency and / or translucency and / or opacity can be present only in certain areas, i.e., partially, of the foil, while other areas of the foil can have a different transparency and / or translucency and / or opacity from these areas.

[0102] According to the invention, the foil, in particular the membrane, may be non-permeable. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the foil, in particular the membrane, is permeable, in particular unidirectionally or unidirectionally permeable. More preferably, the foil, in particular the membrane, is fully permeable, semi-permeable or selectively permeable.

[0103] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the foil, in particular the membrane, is a filter membrane. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the foiled workpiece is a membrane bottom plate, in particular a filter plate.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after step e), the workpiece, in particular the membrane bottom plate, is cooled, in particular passively cooled, in step e1). Preferably, the cooling, in particular the passive cooling, in step e1) is carried out for at least 2 seconds, preferably at least 3 seconds, preferably at least 4 seconds, preferably at least 5 seconds, preferably at least 6 seconds. According to a preferred embodiment, the cooling, in particular the passive cooling, in step e1) is carried out for a maximum of 30 seconds, preferably a maximum of 25 seconds, preferably a maximum of 20 seconds, preferably a maximum of 15 seconds, preferably a maximum of 10 seconds.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, step e) or e1) is followed in step f) by separating at least one foil area, in particular a membrane area, of at least a part of the workpiece, in particular a membrane bottom plate, which is joined to the workpiece and is to be foiled, in particular sealing the open end of at least one well in the workpiece, in particular the membrane bottom plate, from the foil, in particular the membrane. Particularly preferably, in step f), the separation of at least one foil area, in particular a membrane area, of at least a part of the workpiece, in particular a membrane bottom plate, which is joined to the workpiece and is to be foiled, in particular sealing the open end of at least one well in the workpiece, in particular the membrane bottom plate, from the foil, in particular the membrane, is carried out by moving the workpiece, in particular the membrane bottom plate, relative to the foil, in particular the membrane, thereby moving the workpiece, in particular the membrane bottom plate, away from the foil, in particular the membrane.

[0106] Alternatively, according to the invention, in step f), separation of at least one foil area, in particular a membrane area, which is joined to the work, in particular a plate and seals the open end of at least one well in at least one part of the work to be foil processed, in particular the work, in particular the membrane bottom plate, from the foil, in particular the membrane, is carried out by movement of the foil, in particular the membrane, relative to the work, in particular relative to the membrane bottom plate, i.e. by moving the foil, in particular the membrane, away from the work, in particular the membrane bottom plate.

[0107] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, in step f), separation of at least one part of the work to be foiled, particularly at least one foil area, particularly a membrane area, which is joined to the work, particularly the plate, and seals the open end of at least one well in the work, particularly the membrane bottom plate, from the foil, particularly the membrane, is achieved by movement of the work, particularly the membrane bottom plate and the foil, particularly the membrane, i.e. by movement of both the work, particularly the membrane bottom plate and the foil, particularly the membrane, relative to each other, particularly by movement of the work, particularly the membrane bottom plate and the foil, particularly the membrane, away from each other.

[0108] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step f), separation of at least one foil area, particularly a membrane area, of at least one portion of the workpiece, particularly a plate, to be joined and foil-processed, particularly sealing the open end of at least one well in the workpiece, particularly a membrane bottom plate, from the foil, particularly the membrane, is performed by a separating element. The separating element can be particularly horizontally and / or vertically operable. The separating element is positioned between the workpiece and the stamp during sealing. The separating element is particularly positioned directly adjacent to or adjacently underneath the foil web, preferably at a distance of 0 mm to 10 mm from the foil web. Particularly preferably, the separating element is used in step f) to lift the foil web from the workpiece and / or peel the foil in a controlled manner. For this purpose, the separating element is particularly shaped to be rigid and made from materials selected from metal, plastic, wood, and fiber materials, individually, in combination, or as a hybrid material. The separating element preferably has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 10 mm to achieve bending rigidity depending on the material or material combination used.

[0109] If at least one connection, in particular at least one web, holding at least one foil area, in particular at least one membrane area to the foil, in particular membrane, has not yet been melted in step d), in step f) the at least one connection, in particular at least one web, is torn off by moving the workpiece, in particular the membrane bottom plate, away from the part of the workpiece to be foil processed, in particular the at least one foil area, in particular the membrane area joined to the open end of at least one well of the workpiece, in particular the membrane bottom plate.

[0110] The invention also relates to foiled workpieces, in particular membrane bottom plates, which can in particular be produced using the method according to the invention.

[0111] The workpieces producible by the method according to the invention, in particular the produced foiled workpieces, in particular membrane bottom plates, are advantageously characterized by the fact that the foil areas, in particular membrane areas, of the foiled parts of the workpieces, especially the foil areas, in particular membrane areas, which in particular form the bottom surface of at least one well of the workpiece, in particular the membrane bottom plate, are particularly flat, in particular planar.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flatness tolerance of at least a part of the workpiece to be foil processed, in particular the foil area sealing the open end of at least one well of the workpiece, in particular the membrane area, is maximum 200 μm, preferably maximum 190 μm, preferably maximum 180 μm, preferably maximum 170 μm, preferably maximum 160 μm, preferably maximum 150 μm, preferably maximum 140 μm, preferably maximum 130 μm, preferably maximum 120 μm, preferably maximum 110 μm, preferably maximum 100 μm, preferably maximum 90 μm, preferably maximum 80 μm, preferably maximum 70 μm, preferably maximum 60 μm, preferably maximum 50 μm.

[0113] Particularly preferably, the flatness tolerance of at least one part of the workpiece to be foil processed, in particular the foil area sealing the open end of at least one well of the workpiece, in particular the membrane area, is 5 μm to 200 μm, preferably 10 μm to 190 μm, preferably 15 μm to 180 μm, preferably 20 μm to 170 μm, preferably 25 μm to 160 μm, preferably a maximum of 30 μm to 150 μm, preferably 35 μm to 140 μm, preferably 40 μm to 130 μm, preferably 45 μm to 120 μm, preferably 50 μm to 100 μm, preferably 55 μm to 100 μm, preferably 60 μm to 100 μm.

[0114] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the workpiece, particularly the membrane bottom plate, has at least two wells, one open end of each well is sealed with a foil area, particularly a membrane area, and the flatness tolerance of each of the foil areas, particularly the membrane areas, sealing the at least two wells is a maximum of 200 μm, preferably a maximum of 190 μm, preferably a maximum of 180 μm, preferably a maximum of 170 μm, preferably a maximum of 160 μm, preferably a maximum of 150 μm, preferably a maximum of 140 μm, preferably a maximum of 130 μm, preferably a maximum of 120 μm, preferably a maximum of 110 μm, preferably a maximum of 100 μm, preferably a maximum of 90 μm, preferably a maximum of 80 μm, preferably a maximum of 70 μm, preferably a maximum of 60 μm, preferably a maximum of 50 μm.

[0115] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the workpiece, particularly the membrane bottom plate, has at least two wells, one open end of each well is sealed with a foil area, particularly a membrane area, and the range of flatness tolerance of each of the foil areas, particularly the membrane areas, sealing the at least two wells is 5 μm to 200 μm, preferably 10 μm to 190 μm, preferably 15 μm to 180 μm, preferably 20 μm to 170 μm, preferably 25 μm to 160 μm, preferably 30 μm to 150 μm, preferably 35 μm to 140 μm, preferably 40 μm to 130 μm, preferably 45 μm to 120 μm, preferably 50 μm to 100 μm, preferably 55 μm to 100 μm, preferably 60 μm to 100 μm.

[0116] In a preferred embodiment, the workpiece, in particular the membrane bottom plate, has at least two wells, one open end of each well being sealed with a foil area, in particular a membrane area, and the flatness tolerance averaged over the flatness tolerances of all foil areas, in particular membrane areas, of the workpiece, in particular the membrane bottom plate, is at most 200 μm, preferably at most 190 μm, preferably at most 180 μm, preferably at most 170 μm, preferably at most 160 μm, preferably at most 150 μm, preferably at most 140 μm, preferably at most 130 μm, preferably at most 120 μm, preferably at most 110 μm, preferably at most 100 μm, preferably at most 90 μm, preferably at most 80 μm, preferably at most 70 μm, preferably at most 60 μm, preferably at most 50 μm.

[0117] Particularly preferably, the workpiece, in particular the membrane-bottomed plate, has at least two wells, one open end of each well being sealed with a foil area, in particular a membrane area, and the range of the flatness tolerance averaged from the flatness tolerances of all foil areas, in particular membrane areas, of the workpiece, in particular the membrane-bottomed plate, is 5 μm to 200 μm, preferably 10 μm to 190 μm, preferably 15 μm to 180 μm, preferably 20 μm to 170 μm, preferably 25 μm to 160 μm, preferably a maximum of 30 μm to 150 μm, preferably 35 μm to 140 μm, preferably 40 μm to 130 μm, preferably 45 μm to 120 μm, preferably 50 μm to 100 μm, preferably 55 μm to 100 μm, preferably 60 μm to 100 μm.

[0118] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular the foil area, in particular the membrane area, sealing the open end of at least one well of the workpiece, in particular the membrane bottom plate, does not have an overhanging part. In particular, the workpiece, in particular the membrane bottom plate according to the invention, is advantageously characterized in that the foil area, in particular the membrane area, sealing the open end of at least a part of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular the at least one well, does not extend beyond the outer contour of the part to be foiled, in particular the outer contour of the open end of the at least one well. This means that the foil, in particular the membrane, has a foil area, in particular a membrane area, the size of which is equal to or smaller than the outer contour of at least one part of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular the outer contour of the open end of the well to be sealed.

[0119] Another aspect of the present invention is a system comprising at least one foil-processed workpiece, particularly preferably a membrane bottom plate system comprising the membrane bottom plate of the present invention, a backing plate, and a cover.

[0120] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system of the present invention is a filter plate system comprising a filter plate, a backing plate and a cover.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving plate has a number of wells corresponding to the number of wells of the membrane-bottom plate, preferably a filter plate, according to the present invention. The individual wells of the receiving plate are arranged in such a way that, in the assembled state of the membrane-bottom plate system, preferably a filter plate system, the wells of the membrane-bottom plate, preferably a filter plate, extend into the wells of the receiving plate in each case. In particular, the individual wells of the receiving plate are arranged in such a way that, in the assembled state of the membrane-bottom plate system, preferably a filter plate system, the wells of the membrane-bottom plate, preferably a filter plate, extend into the wells of the receiving plate in each case without the membrane of the membrane-bottom plate, preferably a filter plate, touching the bottom of the wells of the receiving plate.

[0122] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the individual wells in the receiver plate act as liquid reservoirs, allowing mass transfer between the membrane bottom plate and the liquid in the wells of the receiver plate.

[0123] In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, individual wells in the receiver plate function as liquid reservoirs for receiving the filtrate or eluate of the membrane-bottom plate, preferably the filter plate.

[0124] In a further preferred embodiment, the receiver plate can include a number of wells that differs from the number of wells in the membrane-bottom plate, preferably the filter plate, For example, the receiver plate can include only one well that is used to receive the filtrate or eluate from the membrane-bottom plate, preferably the filter plate.

[0125] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the backing plate is made of plastic. Preferably, the cover is made of plastic. Particularly preferably, the backing plate and / or the cover are made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and cycloolefin (COC).

[0126] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing foil-processed workpieces, in particular an apparatus suitable for manufacturing membrane bottom plates, and particularly an apparatus suitable for carrying out the method according to the present invention.

[0127] The apparatus for manufacturing a foil-processed workpiece according to the present invention comprises: i) at least one lower punch tool and at least one upper punch tool; ii) at least one foil; iii) at least one stamp; and iv) at least one holding device for holding the workpiece to be foil processed; Equipped with the upper punching tool and the stamp are arranged on a common carrier that is movable in a horizontal direction so as to be movable up and down in a vertical direction, The lower punching tool is vertically movable up and down; The holding device is vertically movable upwards and, with a workpiece to be foil processed placed thereon, can be moved to a position above the lower punching tool and below the foil and stamp.

[0128] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, an apparatus according to the invention for manufacturing foiled workpieces, in particular for manufacturing membrane bottom plates, in particular for carrying out the method according to the invention, carries out the following steps: In particular, the method according to the invention, which can be preferably carried out in an apparatus for manufacturing foiled workpieces, in particular for manufacturing membrane bottom plates, is: i. moving the lower punch tool vertically upwards under the foil, in particular under the foil of the foil web; ii. moving the upper punching tool vertically downward and pressing the upper punching tool against the lower punching tool so that the upper punching tool and the lower punching tool are closed and the foil sandwiched between the upper punching tool and the lower punching tool is punched; iii. moving the lower punching tool vertically downwards and the upper punching tool vertically upwards so as to release the punched foil, in particular the punched foil of the foil web; iv. horizontally moving the stamp to a position above the workpiece placed on the holding device so that the stamped foil, in particular the stamped foil of the foil web, is positioned between the stamp and the workpiece; v. A sub-step of moving the holding device vertically upward together with the workpiece; vi. moving the stamp vertically downward onto the workpiece placed on the holding device so that the punched foil is sealed to the workpiece; vii. moving the holding device vertically downward and moving the stamp vertically upward; viii. Removing the foil processed workpiece from the holding device.

[0129] Preferably, after step c) and before step d), the workpiece is introduced into the holding device in the same position previously occupied by the lower punching tool, the workpiece being introduced into the holding device in a vertical position between the lower punching tool and the foil, such that the lower punching tool together with the workpiece is located below the holding device.

[0130] Preferably, the upper punch tool and the stamp are each movable vertically up and down, in particular independently of each other, and are movable horizontally together, in particular horizontally on a common carrier.

[0131] The upper punch tool and stamp are preferably arranged together in fixed positions relative to one another on a horizontally movable carrier.

[0132] The upper punching tool and / or stamp are preferably moved vertically and / or horizontally by servo motors, in particular on a common carrier.

[0133] In order for the upper punching tool and the stamp to be moved vertically independently of each other, it is preferable that the upper punching tool and the stamp are provided with separate servo motors.

[0134] A common servo motor is preferably provided for the common horizontal movement of the upper punch tool and the stamp, and the horizontal position of the upper punch tool and / or the stamp, in particular the horizontal position of the common carrier or the horizontal position of the upper punch tool and the horizontal position of the stamp on the common carrier, is controlled with an accuracy of + / - 0.1 mm, more preferably + / - 0.01 mm, particularly preferably + / - 0.001 mm.

[0135] The device according to the invention therefore allows for the stamping of foil and the subsequent sealing of the stamped foil to the workpiece to be stamped.

[0136] Particularly preferably, the punching of the foil between the lower punching tool and the upper punching tool and the sealing of the foil to the workpiece to be foiled, which is placed in the holding device, are carried out at the same horizontal position of the device according to the invention.

[0137] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for producing foil-processed workpieces, particularly membrane base plates, according to the present invention, the foil is in the form of at least one foil web. Preferably, the apparatus according to the present invention comprises at least one foil web, at least one foil unwinding unit, and at least one foil winding unit. Particularly preferably, the foil unwinding unit and / or the foil winding unit comprise a dancer system. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one foil web is formed between the foil unwinding unit and the foil winding unit of the apparatus according to the present invention. The foil unwinding unit and the foil winding unit allow the foil, particularly the membrane, to be unwound from the supply roll in the supply direction and then wound up as a foil residue, particularly a membrane residue, after processing. The foil unwinding unit and / or the foil winding unit preferably have a dancer system capable of adjusting the tension of the foil, particularly the membrane.

[0138] The foil, particularly the film, is preferably guided in the form of a foil web between the foil unwinding unit and the foil winding unit above the working area and conveyed by a servomotor, particularly a servomotorized gripping and feeding device, to achieve precise horizontal positioning of the foil, particularly the film. The position of the foil, particularly the film, during conveyance is preferably controlled with an accuracy of ±0.1 mm, more preferably ±0.01 mm, and particularly preferably ±0.001 mm. The gripping and feeding device preferably has at least one clamping section that can be opened and closed by air pressure or a servomotor. The clamping section is preferably shaped to grip the edge of the foil web and not damage the center of the foil, particularly the film. In particular, the gripping and feeding device is positioned upstream of the working area and / or downstream of the working area in the direction of travel of the foil web.

[0139] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one foil web is a membrane web.

[0140] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises an electrostatic unit, which is used to electrostatically discharge the foil, in particular the membrane, preferably by ionization, thereby removing the static charge on the foil, in particular the membrane.

[0141] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus according to the present invention for producing foil-processed workpieces, in particular membrane bottom plates, has a separating element. Preferably, the separating element is horizontally and / or vertically movable. During sealing, the separating element is arranged between the workpiece and the stamp, in particular between the side of the foil opposite the stamp and the side of the foil facing the workpiece, i.e., between the workpiece and the foil. Particularly preferably, the separating element serves to lift and / or peel the foil web from the workpiece in a controlled manner after sealing while the workpiece and the holding device are lowered vertically.

[0142] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stamp is a silicone stamp.

[0143] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention further comprises a counter-pressure element, which is preferably arranged below the holding device for receiving the workpieces to be foiled, in particular arranged horizontally and vertically displaceable below the holding device for receiving the workpieces to be foiled.

[0144] The apparatus according to the invention comprises a holding device for receiving at least one workpiece, in particular at least one plate. In a preferred embodiment, the holding device comprises a manually operable drawer. In this way, the workpiece and the holding device can be introduced into the working area of ​​the apparatus, preferably manually. In a further embodiment of the invention, the holding device may also be introduced into the working area automatically, in particular by a robotic system or by means of a different design.

[0145] According to the present invention, the upper punching tool and the stamp are each movable vertically upward and downward, particularly independently of each other, and are arranged on a common carrier that is movable horizontally. Preferably, the upper punching tool and the stamp are mounted in fixed positions relative to each other above the foil, particularly the film, so that the upper punching tool and the stamp can move together horizontally and each can move separately, i.e., independently of each other, vertically. Particularly preferably, the upper punching tool and the stamp are arranged in fixed positions relative to each other on carriers that can be moved together horizontally. The vertical and / or horizontal movements of the upper punching tool and / or the stamp are preferably performed by servomotors, particularly when they share a carrier. The horizontal positions of the upper punching tool and / or the stamp, particularly on a common carrier, are preferably controlled with an accuracy of + / - 0.1 mm, preferably + / - 0.01 mm, particularly preferably + / - 0.001 mm.

[0146] Particularly preferably, at least the lower punching tool and the workpiece are arranged relative to one another in the holding device so that the punching of the foil, in particular the film, between the upper punching tool and the lower punching tool and the subsequent sealing of the pre-punched foil, in particular the pre-punched film, onto the workpiece can be carried out with very high positional accuracy at the same horizontal position in the working area of ​​the device. Preferably, the upper punching tool, the lower punching tool, the workpiece holding device, the stamp, the optional counter-pressure element, and the optional separating element each move to a precise horizontal position. This means that in the working area of ​​the device according to the invention, the punching of the foil, in particular the film, and the sealing of the pre-punched foil, in particular the pre-punched film, are particularly preferably carried out at the same position, in particular the same horizontal position. The foil is fed in only before the punching process begins, and is removed again, preferably by the foil unwinding and foil winding units of the device, after sealing is completed and the foil is peeled off. Preferably, there is no horizontal movement of the foil, especially the film, from the start of the punching process to the end of sealing and peeling, so that the foil, especially the film, can be processed in a fixed and accurately positioned manner in the working area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0147] The invention will now be illustrated by way of figures and examples. [Figure 1] Shown (bottom) is a foil (1), particularly a membrane, having 96 foil areas (10), particularly membrane areas, arranged in a 12x8 matrix defined by punched sections (20). Also shown is an enlarged view of a single foil area (10), particularly membrane area, defined by a punched section (20), where the foil area (10), particularly membrane area, is held within the foil (1), particularly membrane, via four connectors (30), particularly four webs (top). [Figure 2] Shown is the bottom surface (121) of a workpiece (120), particularly a multi-well plate, having a plurality of wells (110) with open ends (111). A close-up view shows that the bottom surface (121) of the workpiece (120), particularly the multi-well plate, defines the open ends (111) of the individual wells (110) each defined by an outer contour (112) and an inner contour (113). [Figure 3] The heated stamp (101) is brought into contact with a foil (1), in particular a membrane, placed on the open ends (111) of the wells (110) of a workpiece (120), in particular a multiwell plate, so that the individual foil areas (10), in particular membrane areas, of the foil (1), in particular the membrane, are joined to the workpiece (120), in particular a multiwell plate, sealing the open ends (111) of the wells (110) of the workpiece (120), in particular a multiwell plate. To secure the workpiece (120), in particular a multiwell plate, during contact, it is preferably locked to a holding device (130). [Figure 4]The basic position of the device (100) according to the present invention is shown in a schematic and simplified representation. In the basic position of the device (100), no workpiece (120) is present in the working area. The lower punching tool (103) is located vertically below. The upper punching tool (102) is arranged horizontally above the lower punching tool (103). The foil (1) is arranged between the upper punching tool (102) and the lower punching tool (103) in the form of a foil web, which is appropriately tensioned by the foil tension. The stamp (101) and the counter-pressure element (not shown here) are arranged in a stationary position. The upper punching tool (102) and the stamp (101) are arranged in fixed positions above the foil (1), and the upper punching tool (102) and the stamp (101) are mounted so that they can move together horizontally and separately vertically. In the embodiment shown here, the upper punch tool (102) and stamp (101) are arranged together on a horizontally movable carrier (140) in fixed positions relative to each other. [Figure 5] The state of the device (100) is shown during the punching of the foil (1). During the punching of the foil (1), the lower punching tool (103) is now moved vertically upward in the working area towards the foil (1) and the upper punching tool (102). The upper punching tool (102) is now lowered vertically onto the foil (1) and the lower punching tool (103), and the foil (1) is punched. In particular, multiple cuts are made in the foil (1). [Figure 6]The apparatus (100) is shown in a preparation position before sealing the foil (1) to the workpiece (120). After punching the foil (1) (see FIG. 5), the lower punching tool (103) again moves vertically downward, while the upper punching tool (102) moves vertically upward. In the embodiment shown here, the carrier (140) moves horizontally together with the upper punching tool (102) and stamp (101), moving the upper punching tool (102) out of the working area and simultaneously moving the stamp (101) into the working area, thereby positioning the stamp (101) in the same horizontal position as the upper punching tool (102) previously held. During this process, the foil (1) does not move. To perform the sealing, the workpiece (120) in the holding device (130) is moved horizontally above the lower punching tool (103). The separating element (105) then moves horizontally underneath the foil (1), thereby moving between the tensioned foil (1) and the workpiece (120), so that the separating element (105) has recesses into which the workpiece (120) and / or stamp (101) can fit during sealing. [Figure 7]The device (100) is shown sealing a workpiece (120) with a foil (1). First, the holding device (130) holding the workpiece (120) is raised. The workpiece (120) can be raised in several steps or stages to provide a mechanical counterforce support for the stamp (101) during sealing. The stamp (101) then vertically lowers onto the foil (1) and seals the workpiece (120) with the already punched foil (1) using thermal energy and mechanical pressure. For this purpose, the stamp (101) preferably has a stamping surface with a number of convex protrusions corresponding to the number of wells (110) on the membrane base plate or workpiece (120). As a result, the thermal energy and mechanical pressure exerted by the stamp (101) on the membrane bottom plate or workpiece (120) acts intensively in the area of ​​the well (110) and not on the entire surface of the membrane bottom plate or workpiece (120) and / or the entire surface of the separating element (105), thus allowing for a concentrated introduction of energy, which makes it possible to avoid damage, in particular deformation, to the membrane bottom plate or workpiece (120) and / or the membrane foil (1). [Figure 8] The apparatus (100) is shown after sealing the workpiece (120) with the foil (1). After sealing, the stamp (101) moves vertically upward and is moved to a rest position, either alone or together with the upper punching tool (102) in a common carrier (140). This causes the holding device (130) to lower again together with the workpiece (120). As the workpiece (120) lowers, a separating element (105) positioned directly below the foil (1) peels the foil web of the foil (1) from the workpiece (120), and the foil area (10) sealed to the workpiece (120) is also peeled from the foil (1). [Figure 9]A top view of the lower punching tool (103) is shown. The punching opening (103a) into which the punching blade (102a) of the upper punching tool (102) engages during the punching process is indicated by hatching. The lower punching tool (103) preferably includes a movable separation pin (103b) that extends in a rest position and whose upper side protrudes from the surface of the lower punching tool (103). The separation pin (103b) is pressed into the lower punching tool (103) by the upper punching tool (102) during the punching process, so that the separation pin (103b) is then aligned approximately flush with the surface of the lower punching tool (103). After the punching process, the separation pin (103b) is pushed out of the lower punching tool (103) toward the upper punching tool (102), particularly by the force of a spring, thereby mechanically assisting the peeling of the foil (1) from the lower punching tool. [Figure 10] The upper punching tool (102) is shown having a punching blade (102a), which is preferably movably disposed so as to be recessed into the surface of the upper punching tool (102). In its resting position, the punching blade (102a) is recessed in the upper punching tool (102) to protect it from damage and / or contamination. The upper punching tool (102) also has an air opening (102b) to prevent air from being trapped between the foil (1) and the surface of the upper punching tool (102) when the tools are mated, ensuring that the foil (1) is placed flush between the two tools. A punching opening (103a) in the lower punching tool (103) also prevents air from being trapped therein. When the upper punching tool (102) is moved together with the lower punching tool (103), the punching blade (102a) is extended accordingly, cutting the foil (1) between the two tools. Figure 10 shows four punching blades that cut or punch through the foil (1) in a way that prevents the foil pieces from becoming loose waste, but instead remain connected to the rest of the foil. [Figure 11]The diagram shows the combination of the lower punch tool (103) and the upper punch tool (102), and it can be seen that the punching blade (102a) of the upper punch tool (102) precisely engages with the punching opening (103a) of the corresponding shape of the lower punch tool (103). The punching opening (103a) is shown in dashed lines, and the punching blade (102a) is shown in solid lines. It can be seen that the punching blade (103a) engages only three of the four sides of the punched part, and the fourth side is not punched out. [Figure 12] Similar to the enlarged view of Figure 1, the punched foil piece (10a) is shown in its completed state with the punched portion highlighted by hatching. The solid lines indicate the cutting lines in the foil (1), along which the punched foil piece (10a) is separated from the foil (1). The dotted lines indicate the folding lines (22), which keep the punched foil piece (10a) connected to the foil (1), preventing separate foil pieces from becoming waste. [Figure 13a] 1 shows the results of measuring the flatness of the foil bottom surface of a membrane bottom plate manufactured by the method according to the present invention. [Figure 13b] 1 shows the results of measuring the flatness of the foil bottom surface of a membrane bottom plate manufactured by the method according to the present invention. [Figure 13c] 1 shows the results of measuring the flatness of the foil bottom surface of a membrane bottom plate manufactured by the method according to the present invention. [Figure 13d] 1 shows the results of measuring the flatness of the foil bottom surface of a membrane bottom plate manufactured by the method according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0148] The individual steps of the process carried out by the device according to the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures.

[0149] In the basic position of the device (100) (Fig. 4), there is no workpiece in the working area yet; in a preferred embodiment, the required workpiece is placed in a storage area. The lower punching tool (103) of the device (100) is arranged in a lower vertical position. The upper punching tool (102) is arranged horizontally above the lower punching tool (103), and a foil (1), in particular a film, is arranged between the upper punching tool (102) and the lower punching tool (103) in the form of a foil web and stretched with appropriate tension. The stamp (101) and the counter-pressure element (104) are arranged in a stationary position.

[0150] Preferably, the upper punching tool (102) and the stamp (101) are arranged together on a horizontally movable carrier (140) in fixed positions relative to each other, so that when the upper punching tool (102) is positioned in the working area above the lower punching tool (103), the stamp (101) is correspondingly positioned in a stationary position outside the working area. Horizontal movement of the carrier (140) moves the upper punching tool (102) out of the working area, while at the same time allowing the stamp (101) to be moved horizontally within the working area, in particular over the workpiece.

[0151] For the punching of the foil (1), in particular the membrane, the lower punching tool (103) is moved vertically upward in the working area toward the foil (1), in particular the membrane, and the upper punching tool (102) (see FIG. 5). The lower punching tool (103) preferably has a positioning aid for the upper punching tool (102), which is particularly designed as a recess. The upper punching tool (102) is then lowered vertically toward the foil (1), in particular the membrane, and the lower punching tool (103), and the upper punching tool (102) and the lower punching tool (103) are closed, and the foil (1), in particular the membrane, is punched out. In particular, several cuts are made in the foil (1), in particular the membrane. The upper punching tool (102) preferably has a positioning aid, in particular designed as a cylindrical or conical pin or peg, which can engage in the recess of the lower punching tool (103). The upper punch tool (102) is preferably provided with a roller guide as a positioning aid. The roller guide is a cylindrical peg with a number of movable roller bearings on its circumference, which holds the peg securely in the correct position within the recess of the lower punch tool (103). The web width of the foil (1), in particular a film foil, is preferably dimensioned so that the positioning aid is located outside the area occupied by the foil, in particular a film, within the working area.

[0152] After the punching process, the lower punching tool (103) preferably moves vertically downward again, and the upper punching tool (103) preferably moves vertically upward. The upper punching tool (102) preferably moves horizontally from the working area. Particularly preferably, the carrier (140) with the upper punching tool (102) and stamp (101) moves horizontally so that the upper punching tool (102) moves out of the working area, and at the same time, the stamp (101) moves into the working area, preferably to the same horizontal position in the working area where the upper punching tool (102) was previously located. During this process, the foil (1), particularly the film, does not move.

[0153] For sealing, the workpiece (120) is now introduced into the holding device (130) and fed into the working area of ​​the device (100) according to the invention, specifically positioned in a horizontal position above the lower punching tool (103) (see FIG. 6). In this preferred embodiment, the workpiece (120) is preferably fed into the holding device (130) using a manually operated drawer. The holding device (130) is positioned in the working area so that the workpiece (120) is in the same horizontal position as the lowered lower punching tool (103) located below it. Meanwhile, the foil (1), specifically the film, does not move. Preferably, the separating element (105) now moves horizontally below the foil (1), specifically the film, and thus between the tensioned foil (1), specifically the tensioned film, and the workpiece (120). For this purpose, the separating element (105) is provided with a recess through which the workpiece (120) and / or stamp (101) can pass during the sealing process.

[0154] The stamp (101) is lowered vertically onto the foil (1), particularly onto the film, while the holding device (130) is raised with the workpiece (120) (see FIG. 7). The workpiece (120) can be raised in several stages or steps to provide counter pressure as mechanical support for the stamp (101) during sealing. After the workpiece (120) is raised in the holding device (130), inserting a wedge under the holding device (130) provides additional support for the workpiece (120) within the holding device. The additional insertion of the wedge helps to avoid damage to the lower punching tool (103). The stamp (101) is lowered vertically onto the foil (1), particularly onto the film, and seals the already pre-punched foil (1), particularly onto the pre-punched film, to the workpiece (120) by thermal energy and mechanical pressure, ensuring that each foil-processed portion of the workpiece (120) is sealed with the foil area (10), particularly onto the film area. Therefore, the stamp (101) is preferably shaped so that a number of convex protrusions corresponding to the number of wells (110) in the membrane bottom plate or workpiece (120) are formed on the stamp (101) as stamping surfaces. As a result, the thermal energy and mechanical pressure exerted by the stamp (101) on the membrane bottom plate or workpiece (120), respectively, only acts in the area of ​​the wells (110) and not on the entire surface of the membrane bottom plate or workpiece (120) and / or the entire surface of the separating element (105), thereby enabling the energy to be applied in a targeted manner. This avoids damage, especially deformation, of the membrane bottom plate or workpiece (120) and / or the membrane foil (1).

[0155] After sealing, the stamp (101) again moves vertically upward and, either alone or together with the upper punching tool (102) in a common carrier (140), moves to a rest position. The holding device (130) with the workpiece (120) is then lowered again (see FIG. 8). By lowering the workpiece (120) placed in the holding device (130), a separating element (105) located directly below the foil (1), in particular the film, peels the foil web, in particular the film, of the foil (1) from the workpiece (120). The foil-processed workpiece (120) can be removed from the working area, in particular by optional withdrawal. The foil (1), in particular the film, is then moved horizontally at least in the feed direction, at least as far as the width of the punching and sealing area on the workpiece (120), to such an extent that the not-yet-punched area of ​​the foil (1), in particular the film, is available in the working area and can be punched and further sealed onto the workpiece (120) in the next cycle of the device (100).

[0156] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the workpiece is a multiwell plate, preferably a membrane-bottom plate, particularly a filter plate. The membrane-bottom plate is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of wells, the bottom of each well being formed by a barrier layer, particularly a membrane. Each well of the plate has two open ends, at least one of which has an inner and outer contour. During the manufacture of the membrane-bottom plate, one of the open ends, particularly the end having the inner and outer contour, is sealed with a foil, particularly a membrane. Particularly preferably, the foil, particularly the membrane, has at least one foil area, particularly at least one membrane area, that is equal to or smaller than the outer contour of the open end of at least one well and larger than the inner contour of the open end of at least one well. The at least one foil area, particularly at least one membrane area, is defined by at least one punching, and the at least one foil area, particularly at least one membrane area, is held within the foil, particularly the membrane, by at least one connection, particularly after punching and before completion of sealing the membrane area to the open end of the well. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one well has a cup shape. Preferably, the cup is concave as a depression when viewed from the first surface of the membrane-bottomed plate and convex when viewed from the second surface (121) of the membrane-bottomed plate opposite the first surface of the membrane-bottomed plate. The membrane is preferably sealed onto the open outer convex end of at least one well from the second surface (121) of the membrane-bottomed plate.

[0157] According to this preferred embodiment, the holding device (130) of the device (100) according to the invention is formed so as to be able to receive the membrane bottom plate so that at least one well faces its open end to be sealed, in particular its convex end, i.e. its second surface, towards the stamp (101) and its first surface towards the counter pressure element (104).

[0158] According to this embodiment, the optionally present separating member (105) of the device (100) is shaped to have at least one recess penetrating at least one well (110), and at least one outer open end of the at least one well (110) is flush with, slightly protrudes from, or is positioned slightly below the surface of the separating member (105) facing the stamp (101), thereby enabling the stamp (101) to seal the foil (1), in particular the membrane, onto at least one well (110) of the membrane base plate within the recess of the separating member (105).

[0159] Preferably, the membrane-bottomed plate has a plurality of wells, in particular at least 2, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 12, preferably at least 24, preferably at least 48, preferably at least 96, preferably at least 384, preferably at least 1536, preferably at least 3456 wells.

[0160] The stamp is preferably shaped so that the stamping surface has a number of protrusions corresponding to the number of wells in the membrane bottom plate or workpiece. As a result, the thermal energy and mechanical pressure exerted by the stamp on the membrane bottom plate or workpiece acts specifically on the well area, rather than on the entire surface of the entire membrane bottom plate or workpiece and / or the entire separation member, allowing for targeted application of energy. In this way, damage, particularly deformation, of the membrane bottom plate or workpiece and / or membrane foil can be avoided.

[0161] Particularly preferably, the stamp has a stamping surface that corresponds to a portion of the workpiece to be foiled, in particular the membrane bottom plate. The stamp can also have a stamping surface of a different shape for a workpiece to be foiled that has a different shape from the membrane bottom plate. In particular, the stamping surface for the other workpiece to be foiled can be designed over the entire surface so that the stamping surface does not have to match the foil area, in particular the membrane area, and / or at least a portion of the workpiece to be foiled. In the case of the other workpiece to be foiled, the stamping surface can also have one or more protrusions as the stamping surface that partially correspond to the foil area, in particular the membrane area, and / or at least a portion of the workpiece to be foiled, and at the same time, the stamping surface can also have other areas as the stamping surface that do not correspond to the foil area, in particular the membrane area, and / or at least a portion of the workpiece to be foiled.

[0162] The embodiments described in connection with the method according to the invention for producing a foil-processed workpiece, in particular a membrane bottom plate, also apply mutatis mutandis to the foil-processed workpiece according to the invention, in particular a membrane bottom plate, to the system according to the invention, in particular a membrane bottom plate system, and to the device according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0163] Further preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0164] Example Example 1: Method for manufacturing the membrane bottom plate Step 1: Pre-punch 96 membrane areas into a translucent polycarbonate (PC) membrane with a thickness of 25 μm, an average pore size of 0.4 μm, and a porosity of 12.6%. Step 2: Place a multiwell plate (material: polycarbonate, glass transition temperature 140°C) with 96 wells with open ends under the pre-punched membrane so that the 96 pre-punched membrane areas match the open ends of the wells. Step 3: The pre-punched membrane areas are sealed to the open edges of the 96 wells of the plate by hot stamping. In this process, the seal is made using a silicone stamp that replicates the contours of the wells. The temperature of the stamp is 150°C ± 5°C. The force used to press the stamp onto the plate for sealing is 3.2 kN. The stamp is pressed for 1.6 seconds. Step 4: After sealing, the plate is passively cooled in open air for 4 seconds, allowing it to be separated from the membrane and removed.

[0165] Example 2: Flatness measurement A membrane-bottom plate with 96 wells, i.e., recesses, produced using the method according to the present invention according to Example 1 was subjected to flatness measurements. For this purpose, individual wells of the foil-sealed plate were inspected for flatness of the foil bottom using a MicroProf® 100 white light interferometer (FRT Metrology). Flatness measurements were performed manually using the Aquire program, measuring the foil bottoms of four representative wells, i.e., recesses (A2 (FIG. 13a), E6 (FIG. 13b), H1 (FIG. 13c), and H12 (FIG. 13d)), from four different directions: horizontal (H), vertical (V), and diagonal (D1, D2)).

[0166] The measurements showed excellent high or low flatness tolerances for all measured foil bottoms (Fig. 13a-d). [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 1: Foil 10: Foil area 10a: Punched foil piece 20: Punching section 21: Punched piece 22: Folding line 30: Connection 100: Equipment 101: Stamp 102: Upper punching tool 102a: Punching blade 102b: Air opening 103: Lower punching tool 103a: Punched opening 103b: Separation pin 104: Counter-pressure element 105: Separation member 110: Well 111: Open end of well 112: Outer contour of well 113: inner contour of well 120: Work 130: Holding device 140: Career

Claims

1. a) A step of providing a workpiece (120) made of a first material, b) Providing a foil (1) made of a second material, wherein the foil (1) has at least one foil area (10) demarcated by at least one punched portion (20), and the at least one foil area (10) is held within the foil (1) by at least one connecting portion (30), c) The step of bringing the workpiece (120) into contact with the foil (1) such that at least one foil area (10) of the foil (1) coincides with a part of the workpiece to be foil-processed, d) A step of bringing a stamp (101) into contact with the foil (1) such that at least one foil area (10) is joined to the workpiece (120) and the portion of the workpiece (120) to be foil-processed is sealed, wherein the stamp (101) has a temperature exceeding the glass transition temperature of the first and / or second material, e) The step of removing the heated stamp (101) to obtain the foil-processed workpiece, A method for manufacturing a foil-processed workpiece, comprising the following features.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the workpiece (120) provided in step a) is a plate, in particular a multiwell plate.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of the foil (1) is 10 μm to 50 μm.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one foil area (10) is held within the foil (1) by at least two connecting portions (30).

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, prior to step b), preferably prior to step a) and step b), in step a1), a die-cutting process for obtaining the foil (1) provided in step b) is performed.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the method is carried out using an apparatus for manufacturing a foil-processed workpiece as described in claim 14 or 15.

7. i. A substep of moving the lower punching tool (103) vertically upward under the foil (1), ii. A substep in which the upper punching tool (102) is moved vertically downward and pressed against the lower punching tool (103) so that the upper punching tool (102) and the lower punching tool (103) are closed and the foil (1) sandwiched between the upper punching tool (102) and the lower punching tool (103) is punched, iii. A substep of moving the lower punching tool (103) vertically downward and the upper punching tool (102) vertically upward so that the punched foil (1) is released, iv. A substep of moving the stamp (101) horizontally to a position above the workpiece (120) positioned in the holding device (130) so that the punched foil (1) is positioned between the stamp (101) and the workpiece (120), v. A substep of moving the holding device (130) vertically upward together with the workpiece (120), vi. A substep of moving the stamp (101) vertically downward onto the workpiece (120) placed in the holding device (130) so that the punched foil (1) is sealed to the workpiece (120), vii. A substep of moving the holding device (130) vertically downward and the stamp (101) vertically upward, viiii. A substep of removing the foil-processed workpiece from the holding device (130), The method according to claim 6, including the method described in claim 6.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the portion of the workpiece to be foil-processed is the open end (111) of at least one well (110) of the workpiece (120).

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the foil (1) has a number of foil areas (10) corresponding to the number of portions of the workpiece to be foil-processed, in particular the number of wells of the workpiece, each foil area being no larger than or equal to the outer contour (112) of the portion of the workpiece to be foil-processed, in particular the outer contour (112) of the open end of the well, and the foil area being larger than the inner contour (113) of the portion of the workpiece to be foil-processed, in particular the inner contour (113) of the open end of the well, and each foil area (10) is demarcated by a punched portion (20).

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in step d), while in contact with the foil (1), the stamp (101) has a temperature up to 5°C, preferably up to 10°C, above the glass transition temperature of the first and / or second material.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact between the stamp (101) and the foil (1) in step d) is performed at a temperature of 120 to 180°C and for a maximum of 4 seconds.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein in an additional step f), the step is to separate from the foil (1) the at least one foil area (10) which is joined to the workpiece (120) and seals at least one portion of the workpiece to be foil-finished, the separation being performed by moving the workpiece (120) relative to the foil (1).

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the foil (1) is a polycarbonate (PC) film having an average pore size of 0.05 μm to 15 μm, preferably 0.2 μm to 10 μm.

14. i) at least one lower punching tool (103) and at least one upper punching tool (102), ii) At least one sheet of foil (1) and iii) At least one stamp (101) and iv) At least one holding device (130) for holding the workpiece (120) to be foil-processed, Equipped with, The upper punching tool (102) and the stamp (101) are arranged on a common carrier (140) that is movable horizontally, so as to be able to move up and down vertically. The lower punching tool (103) is movable up and down in the vertical direction. The holding device (130) is movable vertically upward, and with the workpiece (120) to be foil-processed positioned thereon, the device (100) for manufacturing foil-processed workpieces is movable above the lower punching tool (103) and below the foil (1) and the stamp (101).

15. The apparatus (100) according to claim 14, wherein the punching of the foil between the lower punching tool (103) and the upper punching tool (102) and the sealing of the foil onto the workpiece (120) to be processed, which is placed in the holding device (130), are performed at the same horizontal position of the apparatus (100).

16. A foil-processed workpiece (120) that can be manufactured by the method described in claim 1.

17. The foil-processed workpiece (120) according to claim 16, characterized in that the foil-processed workpiece is a film base plate.

18. The foil-processed workpiece (120) according to claim 17, wherein the film base plate has at least one well (110), one of which is sealed at an open end (111) by the foil area (10), and the foil area (10) sealing the open end (111) of the at least one well (110) of the film base plate has a flatness tolerance of up to 200 μm, preferably up to 150 μm.

19. The foil-processed workpiece (120) according to claim 17, characterized in that the film base plate has at least two wells (110), each having an open end (111) sealed by the foil area (10), and the average flatness tolerance of all the foil areas (10) of the film base plate is a maximum of 200 μm, preferably a maximum of 150 μm.

20. A film base plate system comprising a foil-processed workpiece (120) as described in claim 17, a receiving plate, and a cover.

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