Not all micromachining is done on silicon wafers. For metal, glass, and ceramic parts, precision machining is required. The precision micromachining market uses miniature tools, lasers, and electrical discharge to create micron-scale features.

Precision Machining Techniques

The [LSI keyword: precision micromachining market] includes several technologies. Micro-milling: using end mills as small as 50 microns diameter to cut features. The precision micromachining market for micro-milling requires high-speed spindles (up to 60,000 rpm) and high-precision motion stages. Micro-EDM (electrical discharge machining): using sparks to erode conductive material. The precision micromachining market for micro-EDM is used for hard metals and for creating deep, narrow slots. Micro-laser machining: using ultrafast lasers (picosecond, femtosecond) to ablate material with minimal heat-affected zone. The precision micromachining market for femtosecond lasers is the fastest-growing, as they can machine any material (metals, ceramics, polymers, glass) without thermal damage. Micro-laser drilling: creating holes as small as 10 microns diameter. The precision micromachining market for laser drilling is used for fuel injector nozzles and inkjet printer heads. Micro-grinding: using tiny grinding wheels for finishing.

The precision micromachining market is used for: watch components, surgical tools, fiber optic connectors, micro-molds, and aerospace fuel system parts. The precision micromachining market for "hard" materials (titanium, ceramics) requires diamond-coated tools.

Tolerances and Metrology

The precision micromachining market requires precision measurement. Measuring a 50-micron feature with an optical microscope is difficult (diffraction limit). The precision micromachining market for "confocal" microscopy (which uses a pinhole to improve resolution) is used. The precision micromachining market for "scanning electron microscopy" (SEM) is used for quality control but is slow. The precision micromachining market for "white light interferometry" is used for surface finish measurement. The precision micromachining market for "in-process" metrology (using laser sensors) is growing. As the precision micromachining market continues to evolve, the focus will be on "machine learning" for tool wear compensation, on "automated" tool setting, and on "micro" tool condition monitoring. The precision micromachining market is the domain of high-value, low-volume components.

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