Micro-precision micromachining alliance

Citation

(2005), "Micro-precision micromachining alliance", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 52 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2005.12852eab.003

Micro-precision micromachining alliance

Micro-precision micromachining alliance

Keywords: Precision engineering, Manufacturing systems

Precision Micro – the leading manufacturer of custom precision components – and the University of Birmingham have announced a technical and commercial collaboration in the field of micro and nano-scale structures and components.

Birmingham University's EDM (Electronic Devices and Microsystems) Research Centre is a pioneer in the development of Nano Technology solutions while Precision Micro has vast experience and a unique combination of manufacturing technologies in the micro and milli-scales.

“Our customers for precision micro components consistently seek smaller and smaller solutions and we push our own manufacturing technologies to their limits in order to meet these requirements”, said Anthony Marrett, Managing Director of Precision Micro. “Our aim is to use the most cost effective combinations of manufacturing technology to provide value for money solutions. This alliance, and the addition of micro machining to our technology portfolio will enable us to offer an even broader combination of manufacturing capabilities to meet our customers' needs and enable us to develop business in new market areas.”

The alliance now boasts an impressive array of equipment for producing miniature components, including precision electroforming, micro machining, surface modification and surface marking and available equipment includes Focussed Ion Beam (FIB), Inductive Coupled Plasma Etching, and Electron Beam Lithography amongst others. The FIB system is capable of milling a trench as narrow as 7 nm, depositing nanostructures, taking SEM images of nano features and material composition analysis with its EDX function.

“The University has developed a new route for producing high aspect ratio (40:1) thick resist structures for moulding miniature metallic structures using electroforming in nickel and other plating metals or low temperature sintered ceramics”, said Dr Kyle Jiang, of the Micro Engineering Research Centre. “Precision Micro is already in a position to utilise this technology commercially.”

Birmingham University EDM is involved in some very interesting and exciting projects in the fields of miniature engines to be used as power sources for portable equipment. Other projects include nano-scale switches and sensors, micro mixers and microwave filters and phase shifters that combine superconducting materials with micromachined structures (Plate 2).

Plate 2 SEM picture shows a machined logo on human hair

“Precision Micro has the world class precision fabrication capabilities and a vast of customer network”, continued Jiang. “The alliance will enable the latest micro/nano technology to be channelled into industry applications directly.”

Micro-technology is widely recognized as one of the most important technologies of the twenty- first century. Birmingham University EDM and Precision Micro believe that, between the two organizations, they have the technologies and commercial expertise to develop and exploit this demand.

For more details please visit the web site: www.precisionmicro.com