MICROMACHINING TECHNOLOGY
Introduction
• Micromachining is used to create parts of size in the order of
10-6 meters.
• Materials on a micrometer-scale possess unique properties
• It is used to create Micro Electro-mechanical systems (MEMs
devices), Integrated circuits etc.
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Micromachining
• Micromachining is derived from traditional machining
processes such as turning, milling, laser machining etc., by
judicious modification of these machines.
• Unit metal removal and equipment precision are the key
factors to micro machining.
• Micromachining is used for fabricating micro-channels, drug
delivery systems and micro-probes in biotechnology
applications.
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Micromachining Processes
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Machining Phenomena
Micromachining Process
Materials
Mechanical Force Micro milling , Micro grinding
Ceramics, metals, Si
Ablation Excimer Laser, Femto Second Laser
Ceramics, Polymers
Dissolution Etching, ECM Glass, Quartz SiCeramics, Polymers
Micro Milling • Used to create 3D features
in the range of a few
microns to a few hundred
microns.
• Micro milling is capable of
the fabricating holes several
tens of micrometers in size
for practical applications.
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Micro Milling Capabilities
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LASER Micromachining
• Uses a power source (FS laser, Excimer laser) that emits a
beam with very high quantum energy.
• Non-contact machining ,Very high resolution, repeatability
and aspect ratios.
• Localized heating, No pre/post processing of material
• Wide range of materials: fragile, ultra-thin and highly
reflective surfaces
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Setup of LASER Micromachining
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Chemical Etching
• The removal mechanism is based on ionic reaction on the
work piece surface.
• Machining force is almost zero and the surface after
machining is free from any damage, residual stress or heat
effects.
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10µm Cavity produced by chemical Etching
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Application of Micromachining
• Inertia measurement devices.
• Micro-fluidic devices like inkjet nozzle and flow controllers.
• Optical switches used in display devices and optical
communication.
• Used in medical diagnosis such as blood pressure sensors.
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Conclusion
As regards micro machining, dimensions of the product is one of the good indicator of the levels of technology and request. However, the level of request from the industry varies widely.
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