Blog: Role of Micromachining in Medical Field

Micromachining emerged as an applied process in the late 1990s in response to medical industries. Hochuen Medical in China has a major contribution in this regard.

Micromachining is becoming a more essential precision engineering process as technology becomes more widely accepted and the demand for small and intricate parts is growing at a rapid pace. What exactly is micromachining, though? What are the advantages and uses of micromachining for precision engineering? 

What is Micromachining?

Micromachining is the process of cutting very minute particles with tools that have diameters of less than 0.015 inches and tolerances of a few tenths of an inch. It can produce extremely small and delicate parts that are required for specific purposes, such as in the semiconductor and medical industries. To generate the consistency and strength necessary to run at high speeds, machinery with appropriate spindle speed and robust cutting tools is required. 

How has it emerged?

The concept of micromachining dates back to the latter part of the 20th century when there had been increasing demand for small and tiny tools for medical supply. Accordingly, precision engineers began developing techniques to make smaller components with nanoscopic dimensions, mostly through trial and error.

It was especially difficult to find the time-tested machinery and tools to provide outcomes on such a small scale. Low RPM machines with small cutters couldn't provide the clean edges necessary for laser cutting, while low RPM machines with large cutters could only deliver restricted outputs.

Nowadays, Precision engineers increasingly use live tooling and high-speed air spindles in addition to higher RPM machines to implement their own micro-milling ideas.

What are the Advantages?

·         Repeated Reliability: The basic feature of micromachining with specialized processes and tools is that it enables the fabrication of small and delicate parts with high precision in a repeatable and efficient manner.

·         Effective Functionality: Secondly, it offers an effective functionality for machining smaller pieces in a solo operation, allowing milling and turning to be performed on the same machine. This minimizes lead times and provides for more efficient machining of parts.

·         Multi-Dimensional Usage: Besides, micromachining offers a wide range of applications and is perfect for cutting prototypes and items with minute details in both metals and plastics.

·         Diversification and Specialization: Most significantly, it allows you to take on a larger spectrum of bids and create more diverse and specialized parts by incorporating them into your precision engineering system. Even larger items can be machined with greater precision and reliability.

How does it function?

A variety of 3D microcomponents are made by micromachining process from slices of silicon or sheets of metal. Microsensors and microactuators are examples of inputs that can be paired with IC (integrated circuits) to perform diverse external tasks, such as temperature and humidity control in a big apartment or regulating the flow of gas in a vehicle.

In automobiles and several other mechanical and electrical devices, millions of micromachined devices are being used. Integration of complicated micromachined elements with immensely complicated microprocessors and other IC devices will result in cost-effective microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for a variety of applications in near future.

Design, development, and commercialization of low-cost micromachined devices for high-density industrial and consumer applications are critical steps in realizing MEMS' full potential. The ability to garner micromachining concepts cost-effectively is the most important criterion.

Conclusion

In the wake of the downsizing of components ranging from healthcare applications to chemical microreactors and sensors, micromachining and nanotechnology are becoming increasingly important. The micromachining mechanism is very popular in China and Hochuen Medical has truly taken ownership to progress further to spread its usefulness.