Originally Published MPMN October 2005

SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight on Microtechnology

Micromachining equipment

A new series of micromachining equipment allows for small, deep, and precise round holes and 3-D micromachining. The SX systems feature a multiaxis-motion microEDM CNC controller and pulse-shape generator as well as surface finishing down to Ra 0.05 on micromolding cavities. Accurate to ±1 µm, the units include a handheld CNC control, integrated indexing, and C-axis. A built-in microwire EDM device allows for automatic electrode shaping.
Sarix SA, Losone, Switzerland
www.sarix.com

Printed circuit boards

A manufacturer of rigid and multilayer flex circuit boards has acquired a laser direct imaging system that is capable of fine-line imaging. The DP-100SL uses a laser to image the photoresist without touching the surface of the board and employs machine optics to register images by fiducials or tooling holes. This product enables the company to scale by product, array, or individual part. In addition, a customer's data go directly to print, eliminating phototools and extra steps in imaging.
Printed Circuits Inc., Minneapolis, MN
www.printedcircuits.com

Microfabrication services

A company has introduced a microfabrication process based on multilayer selective electrodeposition of metals that streamlines the manufacturing process and enables a designer to progress from idea to CAD design to production of a 3-D complex microdevice in a direct manner. EFAB technology can manufacture 3-D shapes, thus overcoming limitations imposed by 2-D formations. This three-step fabrication process uses structural and sacrificial materials, and consists of patterned layer deposition followed by blanket layer deposition and planarization.
Microfabrica Inc., Burbank, CA
www.microfabrica.com

Microwelding services

A company performs a range of microwelding services, including laser welding, resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, and gas tungsten arc welding. With its equipment, the company can weld wires with diameters as small as 0.0008 in. and foils as thin as 0.0005 in. In addition, the company provides microbrazing and microsoldering processes as well as research, process development, and production services.
Precision Joining Technologies Inc., Miamisburg, OH
www.precisionjoining.com

Rapid prototyping of microdevices

A company provides equipment and processing services for the rapid prototyping of microdevices. The SF-100 can miniaturize and pattern designs down to 5 µm without the need for a photomask, thus providing the flexibility to pattern many substrates, shapes, surfaces, and materials, including curved, nonflat substrates. This technology is suited for the fabrication of micromolds, biotech devices, lab-on-a-chip arrays, microfluidics, and other such microdevices.
Intelligent Micro Patterning LLC., St. Petersburg, FL
www.intelligentmp.com

Copyright ©2005 Medical Product Manufacturing News