Multi Material Micro Manufacture Network of Excellence - Micro-fabrication

Micro-stamping of Molybdenum Rhenium Components

Mon, 19 May 2008 15:40:43 +0000

N. Boudeaua (b), S. Thibauda (b), J.F. Michel (a)
a Department LMARC, FEMTO-ST Institute, 25000 Besançon, France
b ENSMM, 25030 Besançon cedex, France

Abstract

Optimizing productivity, parts quality, reducing production costs are objectives that companies must perpetually satisfy to remain competitive. An efficient solution, but complex to implement, consists in modifying completely the manufacturing process. That is the goal of these research works : it consists in manufacturing micro-electronic components by deep drawing which are currently rolled and welded leading to a strong rate of reject.

The objective of this work is to study the feasibility of skirts of Molybdenum Rhenium cathodes by micro-stamping. First, various nuances of Molybdenum Rhenium to low thickness (< 100 μm) have been characterized in their (large) plastic range of deformation.

Secondly, a forming process leading to no folds and no tears has been defined by means of finite element simulations.

Finally, a modular micro-stamping tool has been developed ; it includes the blanking process and the forming procedures. The different forming stages are determined from numerical simulations. The two first stages have been investigated experimentally and are presented.

Flexible tool system for cold forging of micro-components

Mon, 19 May 2008 14:59:03 +0000

C. P-Withen (a), J. R. Marstrand (a), M. Arentoft (b), N. A. Paldan (b)
a Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Management, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet, Building 427, DK- 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
b Institute for Product Development, Produktionstorvet, Building 425, DK- 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Abstract

The advantages of cold forging micro-components are the same as for conventional cold forging, namely the high production rate and the low material waste. To achieve this, a flexible tool system for cold forging of micro-components has been developed. When transferring the technique of cold forging from macro- to micro-scale, size effect and change in friction are conditions that have to be considered. Furthermore the precision of the tool system is crucial owing to the low tolerances on the dimensions of micro-components.

The tool system is designed for the eight basic cold forging processes with some replaceable process dependent parts. Furthermore it is possible to replace critical parts to reduce expenses if tool breakdown occurs. The system is tested by forging of an industrial component. The tool system is produced by micro-EDM and high precision machining.

The test of the final tool system shows that it can be used to cold forge micro-components. An Ø0.8mm rod is extruded 0.9mm to Ø0.3mm in an Ag97Cu3 alloy. The geometry of the cold forged component is close to the specified geometry. This indicates that the component can be cold forged with a few adjustments of the die and punch geometries. The ejection of the cold forged component proved difficult and a slight bend of the extruded part occurred.

Fabrication of Highly Precise Fiber Optical Array Products by use of Laser Based Micro Alignment

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:23:32 +0000

M. Zimmermann, L. Schaefer, M. Rank, M. Schmidt, S. Roth
Bayerisches Laserzentrum gGmbH, Konrad-Zuse-Str. 2-6, 91052 Erlangen, Germany

Abstract

The proceeding integration and miniaturization of mechanical and optical functions in systems for optical communication, for sensor and environmental technologies or for life sciences require an improvement and a customization of the manufacturing technologies. For fiber optical systems and components, especially for singlemode applications, adequate methods for a precise adjustment are necessary which allow a fast and cost-efficient alignment of fibers and other optical components like microlenses or laserdiodes. The demands on the adjustment process rise additionally for array applications. Laser based micro alignment is a promising technology for such critical adjustment tasks. We investigated the use of this technology for the alignment of fibers within fiber arrays. They are used for the assembly of fiber collimator arrays. We developed and analysed suitable actuator geometries for this application. In this paper we show some important results of the FEM based analyses to demonstrate the influence of the laser irradiation regime. First experimental results confirm the actuator behaviour calculated in the FEM analysis. Based on the simulations and experimental results, we are developing a compact alignment module which is adapted to the demands on the assembly process of fiber optical components. This alignment tool is one module within a complete miniaturised, scaleable and modular assembly line for the production of fiber collimator arrays.

Application of EDM to the Production of Micro Tooling

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:23:32 +0000

A. Herrero(a), J. Esmoris(a), S. Azcarate(a), S. Geissdoerfer(b), U. Engel(b)
a: Department of Micro & Nano Technologies, Tekniker, Avda. Otaola 20, 20600 Eibar, Spain
b: Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstrasse 11, 91058 Erlangen, Germany

Abstract

The mass production of micro and meso scale products made of polymers or metals is intimately related to the production of high quality microtooling in stable materials capable to provide an accurate and repetitive performance throughout the whole demanded production. As it is widely known, the WEDM process provides high accuracy but is conceptually limited to the production of ruled features. The SEDM process can be a complement to this aspect but the electrodes must be manufactured by other technologies like WEDM, micromilling, turning, etc. Given the importance of several parameters like dimensional accuracy, tooling material for the different replication processes or tooling production technology, the present paper introduces some tests performed by the 4M Metals Workgroup. The analysis of some components manufactured by members of the group is presented discussing the influence of the EDM process on the machined tooling components and the consequent influence on the replication process.

University of Naples Federico II

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:14:33 +0000

Facilities/Hardware:

Manufacturing processes and simulation
Contact and non-contact reverse engineering
Rapid product development
2D and 3D metrology systems
Advanced materials mechanical characterisation
Metallographic analysis
Nondestructive testing and evaluation
Intelligent sensor systems

RAS contact:
tetiro

Powder metallurgy micro fabrication

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 15:59:15 +0000

4M Partner:
University of Naples Federico II

4M Partner No:
25

Collaborator Name:
Miba Sinter

Proposal for extended project to RAS:
Yes

Technology enquiry/solution sought:

Miba Sinter is a leading powder metallurgy company that has had long term collaborations with the University of Naples Federico II in fields of powder metallurgy manufacturing and related metrology aspects. Miba Sinter recently submitted a technological enquiry regarding the problem of micro fabrication through powder metallurgy and the metrological procedures to be applied in this field.

FEMTO-ST/DPT. LPMO

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 12:56:52 +0000

Facilities/Hardware:

FEMTO-ST has fully equipped clean room equipment (laser mask writer; photolithography; RIE and DRIE); hot embossing; ultrasonic machining.

For more information about the facilities available, visit the FEMTO-ST website at:

RAS contact:
Chantal

KTH - Microsystem Technology & Cleanroom fabrication facility

Thu, 19 May 2005 15:20:45 +0000

Facilities/Hardware:

our research and advisory potential: http://www.s3.kth.se/mst/research/index.shtml.
For our cleanroom facilities: http://www.electrumlaboratoriet.se/.

The Microsystem Technology lab (MST) is a part of the department of Signals, Sensors and Systems (S3). Our research is mainly centered around Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) and its applications, with a focus on silicon-based applied sensor and actuator technology. Our research staff has developed a significant number of devices with promising performance. The group fabricates its silicon structures and devices at the KTH microelectronics laboratory, comprising 1200m2 of cleanroom area with all the facilities of small-scale microelectronics and for research on and development of special purpose structures and components in silicon. The group works on applications in the medical field (MedMEMS), the biotechnology field (BioMEMS), optical components (OptoMEMS) and radio frequency signal components (RFMEMS).

RAS contact:
wouter

KU Leuven

Tue, 12 Apr 2005 12:40:08 +0000

Facilities/Hardware:

K.U.Leuven is one of the three divisions of the department of Mechanical Engineering. PMA is active in the following areas: manufacturing processes, machine and instrument design, structural dynamics, acoustics, CAD/CAM/CIM, robotics, assembly automation, mechatronics, micro- and precision engineering, and metrology. The PMA division work includes original fundamental work as well as successful industry-oriented projects carried out in collaboration with small, medium and large companies and with international organisations like the European Space Agency. An important role of the research activities of the PMA division is based on international collaboration as shown by the participation of the division in more than 40 EC funded projects. The PMA division has also been nominated as Centre of Excellence by the Belgian Government.

RAS contact:
dominiek reynaerts

Cranfield University

Thu, 07 Apr 2005 08:54:13 +0000

Facilities/Hardware:

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.

RAS contact:
Paul B Kirby

IVF

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 14:39:10 +0000

Facilities/Hardware:

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.

RAS contact:
Per Johander

TNO Science and Industry

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 14:13:55 +0000

Facilities/Hardware:

TNO Industrial Technology increases the competitive strength of companies by providing them support in the development of products, materials and production processes. In order to solve our customers' problems and help them fulfil their ambitions, we combine our competences with the customers' own expertise and, if necessary, we involve other TNO institutes and third parties.

RAS contact:
Pieter Bolt

Fraunhofer-IBMT

Mon, 21 Mar 2005 13:58:36 +0000

Facilities/Hardware:

The Fraunhofer-Institut für Biomedizinische Technik (IBMT) is one of the five institutes of the Alliance Life Science of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. IBMT applies its potential on subjects, such as non- or minimal-invasivity, microsystems engineering, implant technology (interfaces between technical and biological microsystems), molecular and cellular biotechnology, nano(bio)technology, telemetric data and energy transfer, health telematics and multilocal sensor systems connected by communication technologies.
One main research field of the Miniaturized Systems Group at IBMT is the development of microfluidic devices for point of care applications. IBMT has a fully equipped class 100 clean room and has expertise in designing and fabricating microfluidic biochip interfaces as well as in the whole field of biochip packaging. Technologies like reel-to-reel hot embossing and lamination as well as moulding are available. Another research field is the development of modules and systems for the wireless transmission of biological & physiological signals for bio-monitoring and remote control of active medical implants. Included herein is the wireless transmission of energy for the operation of medical implants. The group has about 10 scientific and technical fulltime employees.

RAS contact:
Thomas Velten

IMT

Fri, 18 Mar 2005 12:30:44 +0000

Facilities/Hardware:

The National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies is a non-budgetary research unit supervised by the Ministry of Education, Research and Youths. The Institute of Microtechnology set up in 1993, by a decision of the Romanian Government, became in 1996 a National Institute and this status was re-confirmed in 2001after the Evaluation initiated by the Ministry of Education and Research .
The field of activity of IMT-Bucharest comprises: Development of micro and nano fabrication technologies, micro and nanostructures, microsystems and subsystems, including computer-aided design, simulation and testing of microstructures and microsystems and microelectronic components and development of microphysical and functional characterization technologies. The basic activities of IMT-Bucharest are: Research, development and services in the field of Micro and nanotechnologies, new materials; Information and communication technologies (networks, web-sites, Internet, Intranet, Extranet); Technological assistance for SMEs: consulting, design, technology transfer, training on the job; Organizing scientific events (e.g. the International Semiconductor Conference CAS) and training courses; Studies for industrial restructuring and modernization; Strategies of development.

RAS contact:
Carmen Moldovan

Cardiff University, Manufacturing Engineering Centre

Thu, 17 Mar 2005 09:47:29 +0000

Facilities/Hardware:

The award-winning Manufacturing Engineering Centre (MEC) forms part of Cardiff University, which dates back to 1883 and is one of Britain's major civic universities. The 80-strong ISO 9001:2000 accredited Centre has an international reputation for its leading-edge research in advanced manufacturing and information technology spanning a broad spectrum of subjects.

RAS contact:
Chris Matthews