micromachining
Microscale parts manufacturing
Micromachining is the fabrication of extremely small mechanical structures and components, typically at scales measured in micrometers.
The techniques—including laser ablation, chemical etching, and precision cutting—produce miniature parts for electronics, medical devices, and sensors: The chip's channels were created through micromachining.
The field bridges traditional machining and nanotechnology.
Acid-incised metal print
- millingProcessing grain mechanically
- drillingHole-making by rotation
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- turningAct of rotating
polishing · lapping · ablation · sputtering · deposition · photolithography · broaching · reaming
Thin crisp disk
- photolithographyLight-transfers patterns onto silicon
- cleanroomParticle-free manufacturing space
- siliconMetalloid in electronics
- chipSmall broken-off piece
integrated circuits · transistor · MEMS · substrate · deposition · mask · doping · thin film
Willingness to accept difference
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- micrometerMillionth of a meter
- repeatabilityCapacity for consistent duplication
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
metrology · microstructure · aspect ratio · resolution · positioning · alignment · inspection · quality control
Removal by cutting, melting
- kerfIncision from a blade
- wavelengthSpatial repetition interval
- femtosecondQuadrillionth of a second
- picosecondTrillionth of a second
excimer · focal point · power density · galvanometer · optics · photonics · nozzle · substrate
Tools for patient care
- microelectronicsTiny circuit component engineering
- fuel injectorsSpray-delivers gas to engine
- stentsArterial support tubes
- sensorsDevices that detect input
Automated machining via code
- spindleRotating rod for thread
- microtoolMiniaturized working instrument
- workpieceItem under fabrication
- colletTool-clamping metal cylinder
fixture · microscope · toolholder · chuck · stepper motor · linear motor
Metalloid in electronics
- tungsten carbideHard compound for cutting
- titaniumElement twenty-two
- stainless steelRust-proof iron alloy
- ceramicsHardened clay objects
glass · polymers · copper · aluminum · sapphire · quartz · diamond · hardened steel
etching
Acid-incised metal print
turning · polishing · lapping · ablation · sputtering · deposition · photolithography · broaching · reaming · honing
wafer
Thin crisp disk
- photolithographyLight-transfers patterns onto silicon
- cleanroomParticle-free manufacturing space
- siliconMetalloid in electronics
chip · integrated circuits · transistor · MEMS · substrate · deposition · mask · doping · thin film · die
tolerance
Willingness to accept difference
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- micrometerMillionth of a meter
- repeatabilityCapacity for consistent duplication
calibration · metrology · microstructure · aspect ratio · resolution · positioning · alignment · inspection · quality control
ablation
Removal by cutting, melting
- kerfIncision from a blade
- wavelengthSpatial repetition interval
- femtosecondQuadrillionth of a second
picosecond · excimer · focal point · power density · galvanometer · optics · photonics · nozzle · substrate · resonator
medical devices
Tools for patient care
- microelectronicsTiny circuit component engineering
- fuel injectorsSpray-delivers gas to engine
- stentsArterial support tubes
CNC
Automated machining via code
- spindleRotating rod for thread
- microtoolMiniaturized working instrument
- workpieceItem under fabrication
collet · fixture · microscope · toolholder · chuck · stepper motor · linear motor
silicon
Metalloid in electronics
- tungsten carbideHard compound for cutting
- titaniumElement twenty-two
- stainless steelRust-proof iron alloy
ceramics · glass · polymers · copper · aluminum · sapphire · quartz · diamond · hardened steel
machine, machines, micro, machination, machining, machinate, microfabrication, machinator, microengineering