RAS Nodes

Various laser systems for ablation, soldering, welding, marking, adjustment, sintering, stereolithography, LOM.

The CEA (Atomic Energy Commission) is a French Governmental Research Organisation (1500 employees) devoted to both fundamental and industrial R&D. The CEA-Grenoble research center is operated by the DRT (Technological Research Direction) in the fields of technologies for information, communication and of technologies for new energies. The two main laboratories (LETI and LITEN) involved in 4M are developing polymers micro systems for various fields of applications (biotechnology, micro fluidics, micro fuel cells, photonics and micro heat exchanger).These two laboratories are one of the largest European R&D operators in the micro & nanotechnologies, nano-materials and electronics. It mainly aims at helping companies to increase their competitiveness through technological innovation and transfer of its technical know-how to industry. CEA/DRT has also an active policy of start-up creation. More than 20 permanent people are working on the following topics relevant to 4M:
•UV LIGA micromolding fabrication process: thick photoresist photolithography, mould fabrication, hot embossing
•Prototyping of polymers microcomponents: direct fabrication with thick photoresist, polymer Deep Etching, casting
•Assembling and packaging of polymer Microsystems.
•Manufacturing technologies of energy microsources.
•Active Surface treatment (Hydrophobic, Hydrophilic,…)
•Characterization of polymer properties (Strain, viscosity, Surface roughness,…)

The activity at Cranfield University will involve the integration of activities in two areas: Nanotechnology and Precision Engineering. The Nanotechnology Group at Cranfield University, specialises in fusing micro-engineering and nanotechnology with the industrial application and development of functional materials (especially ferroelectric) to produce novel devices.

All kinds of Assembly and Packaging Technologies and Equipment suitable for the microsystem implementation

IVF Working in the interface between academic research and industrial applications, IVF develops products and processes by initiating and carrying out research and implementing its results. IVF today actively work with development and integration of Microsystems in industrial products. We adopt an industrial generic approach and production development process includes hardware, software and mechanics. In co-operation with Chalmers University of Techynology, we develop technology to integrate electronics and micro systems into industrial products with the main focus on developing highly reliable microsystems. Our philosophy is to secure reliability in an early stage of the product development process, based on profound knowledge about the design, materials, production process and physical wear and abuse that degrade the electronics hardware. We base reliability prediction and verification on tests and simulations. Efficient integration of electronics and microsystems into products reduces the number of parts with less contacts, less materials, more efficient production and less environmental impact. Our strategy is to develop generic technology platforms with verified reliability and produceability. Direct production of micro mechanical components is an important area for IVF. Due to the small size is direct production very suitable for direct production of micro mechanical parts. IVF have developed a new method for direct production of ceramic components.