White papers

Wireless communication standards have allowed sensors to develop from traditional forms—those that require the active involvement of the patient in collecting data, transmitting it, or both—to passive forms that do not need patient participation. The most fully passive sensors can provide constant monitoring of a person's vital signs or other measures, and store that data or send it wirelessly to a care team.

Molding a pipette-shaped part with 0.370"-long wall section that is 0.015" thick followed by a 0.080"-long section with a wall that narrows to 0.008" thick is challenging by most molding standards. Add to that, molding these microparts from PEEK, and the challenge is greater. Now, how about doing this in a four- or eight-cavity mold? Can a Cpk of 1.33 be achieved on this wall section? These are the challenges and questions Mold Craft set out to address when a customer can to them with this medical “funnel tip” component.

EOS GmbH, Munich, Germany, offers an overview of the complex parts now possible using its micro laser-sintering (MLS) technology, a key component of the company's "e-Manufacturing" process.

Researchers with the OMAX Corp., Kent, Wash., which recently issued a white paper discussing its efforts to develop micro-abrasive waterjet (μAWJ) technology capable of machining features from 50nm to 100nm, cite a better understanding of microfluidics as key to the development of new processes to improve the flowability of fine abrasives and mitigate nozzle clogging.

The Cymbet Corp., Elk River, Minn., which was the first to market eco-friendly rechargeable solid state batteries that provide electronic systems designers with new embedded power capabilities, recently issued a while paper titled, "Zero Power Wireless Sensors Using Energy Processing."