3D simulation of nanostructures replication via injection molding

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on how and when 3D simulations are preferable over 2D simulations in order to predict the replicated height of nanocavities via plastic injection moulding. Simulations are necessary since not all the cavity is copied depending on geometrical and injection conditions. A 3D simulation is preferable over a 2D simulation in two cases: (i) when the heat transfer through the walls parallel to the simulated domain is not negligible and (ii) when the polymer final shape is relevant. This work explains when 2D simulations like the more commonly found in the literature are not enough to obtain reliable results and how to obtain such results by means of a 3D simulation.