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May/Jun 2013  

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News/Features: Features
Rubber Rx

The micromolding of liquid silicone rubber is increasing because of LSR’s ability to accommodate difficult-to-mold geometries, such as undercuts, tapers and angles.

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Perpetual patterns

Nanopatterns on orthopedic implants may one day lengthen the service lives of those implants, slashing the number of replacement surgeries needed due to implant failures and improving the lives of millions of people with artificial joints.

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Water down

Geologists say that the Colorado River once took a hard westward turn, then trickled its way across what is now northern Arizona to form the Grand Canyon. Abrasive waterjet pioneer Don Miller predicts there is another trickle coming, this one in the world of micromanufacturing.

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Smoothing Edges

Deburring parts smaller than 1⁄8" via mass finishing poses several challenges. Companies used to working exclusively with larger parts need to confront these challenges when deburring microparts.

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Hot Off the Press: 3-D printers making more products—and news

Turn on the TV, pick up a consumer magazine or visit a popular Web news portal these days and you just might get an update on 3-D printing—the hottest topic in manufacturing.

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Right Light: Equipment selection is critical when laser marking microparts

Lasers offer a flexible, virtually trouble-free way to mark components for identification purposes. As a result, laser marking has gained ground on other parts-marking techniques.

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Get Smart: Can smartphone apps make manufacturing more efficient?

Smartphone and tablet use is soaring, fueling the growth of applications designed for them. If they haven’t already, it’s only a matter of time before these apps invade your manufacturing facility.

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Cutting Infinity: Ultraprecision machining delivers unprecedented accuracy

When I was a kid, I wore glasses that looked like Coke bottles and cost more than a Schwinn 10-speed. Thanks to ultraprecision machining, I now wear disposable contact lenses and spend less to replace them than I would for a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

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Micro scopes

Major R&D projects focus on shrinking endoscopic devices

Once-revolutionary microdevices that allow doctors to examine internal parts of the human body are now commonplace. One of the most commonly used of these devices is the endoscope, and its use is growing.

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Smaller footprint

Smaller, integrated motion-control systems suit micromanufacturing

The development of more-compact and integrated motion-control systems has been welcomed by manufacturers, who use them in assembly, inspection, packaging and other steps of the production process.

“No matter what you’re making, factory floor space is costly,” said Scott Jordan, director of nanoautomation technologies for Physik Instrumente (PI) LP, Auburn, Mass., a manufacturer of precision motion systems. “So there’s a need for more-compact manufacturing tools.”

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