Micromachining

Type of technology

Machining (by means of tools with defined geometry)

Development phase

initial

Level of innovation

national level

Scale of production

batch

Technology readiness level TRL

Description of the technology

Purpose of use

precision subtractive manufacturing of miniature components with varying geometries

Use in industry

aviation, electronic, biomedical, automotive industry, optical and precision mechanics industries

General characteristics

Micromachining is a subtractive manufacturing process for forming very small (miniature) parts between 1 μm and 999 μm with very high dimensional and geometrical accuracy and very low surface roughness. Micromachining processes use rotating tools (e.g. drills, milling cutters) with diameters of less than 1 mm or miniature turning tools. Micromachining is usually performed on high-precision machine tools with very high axis positioning accuracy and rigidity and capable of very high spindle speeds (typically over 50,000 rpm). Micromachining is most commonly used for the following machining processes: milling, turning, drilling

Alternative technologies
  • conventional machining
  • electron beam machining
  • electrical discharge machining (EDM)
  • electrochemical machining (ECM)

Visualisation

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

  • the ability to achieve very high dimensional and geometrical accuracy (compared to the effects of conventional machining)
  • the ability to achieve very low surface roughness (compared to the effects of conventional machining)
  • the ability to reduce machining loads (compared to the effects of conventional machining)
  • the ability to reduce energy consumption (compared to conventional machining)

Disadvantages

  • significant personnel qualification requirements (experience in machining and CNC machine programming)
  • high capital expenditure (to purchase an ultra-precision machine tool with additional tooling)

Workpiece material types

  • all material groups
  • ferrous metals
  • non-ferrous metals
  • non-ferrous metals alloys
  • hard materials
  • hardened materials

Examples of products

  • cogs
  • springs
  • gears
  • microneedles
  • microforms and dies
  • microlenses
  • microprisms
  • micro bevels
  • micro drills
  • micro milling machines

Implementation of technology

Required resources

  • ultra-precision machine tool
  • cutting tools
  • tooling
  • machining fluids (optional)

Required competences

  • training in machining and programming of CNC machines
  • extensive practical experience in machining

Environmental aspects

Water consumption

Energy consumption

Waste generated

Expert evaluation

Competitiveness

Usability

Environmental impact

Development centers

  • University of Zielona Góra
  • Poznan University of Technology
  • Opole University of Technology
  • Rzeszow University of Technology

Legal conditions

  • none

Companies using technology

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