New machining solutions for micro-electronics
From medical equipment to consumer white-goods, it seems that miniature engineering components have invaded the electronics industry for good. The importance of such components with dimensions of a few micrometres has led to the development of new tools and advanced techniques for their automated high precision manufacture. The MACHMINI project partners initially focused their research efforts on defining the plastic-deformation characteristics of miniature materials that are crucial for the successful design and construction of miniature components. Microstructural models considering both the grain size and surface effects that are more pronounced than in bulk materials enabled the improvement of existing manufacturing technologies. Researchers from the University of Strathclyde worked on an incremental sheet metal forming tool system. Unlike other tool systems that are based on static or semi-static techniques, the Ultrasonic impact microforming (UIM) tool system is based on the use of an ultrasonic generator. Signals produced by the ultrasonic generator drive an ultrasonic transducer that subsequently excites the forming tool of the UIM tool system. This configuration allows the UIM tool system to carry out a variety of miniature material forming operations, from forming previously prescribed patterns of varying depth to producing drawn sections. A prototype UIM tool system has been developed and delivered to major industries for the assessment of its performance.
