Rugged Micromechanical Systems: Revolutionary Opportunities For Product Designers

摘要

Recent breakthroughs in parts fabrication, and automated inspection and assembly of microsystems from precise metal, ceramic and plastic parts are enabling designers to significantly reduce the size, cost and weight of mechanical devices without reducing their reliability. MEMS-scale metal microcomponents including springs, gears and latches are readily fabricated by means of LIGA-based processes at affordable cost with consistent, predictable material properties and precise features. At one company alone, as many as 10,000 parts per month are being fabricated using these proven manufacturing processes. Revolutionary processes are making full 3D parts possible. Recent breakthroughs have resulted in a two-order-of-magnitude drop in cost. High-speed automated assembly and inspection have further reduced the cost and improved the practicality. These new capabilities are solving problems for designers of microoptical devices, smart munitions, wristwatches, microcircuit probe cards and many others with devices that withstand a wide range of temperatures, pressures, vibration and forces to over 70,000 Gs.