Micromachining

Micro milling

Micromachining

Micromachining is an abrasive method that can be applied to polymers, metals, alloys and many other materials. The micromachining techniques Micronit can offer include micromilling, laser machining, dicing, laser drilling and surface polishing.

Micromilling

Micronit specialises in high precision micromilling, a subtractive manufacturing process that uses rotating cutting tools to remove material. By use of our CAD/CAM software we can directly use 3D models to setup our milling equipment. Micromilling can deliver custom-designed parts or products and is especially useful for rapid prototyping and small fabrication series. Furthermore, it can also be used as a method to create molds for microfluidic applications. Micromilling can narrow features down to a few tens of microns. Micromilling is a very flexible process that can produce micro components with complex shapes. Besides, it can be applied to a wide range of materials. Its adaptability makes it particularly suitable for fast idea-to-prototype runs, fabrication of complicated 3D structures and iterative product design and development, as well as for medium-volume production runs.

The milling process is also typically used to create molds for replication methods that include hot-embossing and injection molding.

Benefits of micromilling

  • Fast turnaround time (which makes micro machining ideal for fast prototyping).
  • Cost-effective micromilled molds ensure a good starting point for low volume production.
  • Biocompatibility is ensured by low temperature and the selection of the right materials.

Laser drilling

Laser drilling is a drilling process that uses pulses of laser light to cut holes or create structures into a material. When an object is exposed to laser light, the material from which it’s made will melt and vaporise. This makes laser drilling a very clean process in comparison to powder blasting, another well-known structuring technique in microfabrication.

At Micronit, laser drilling is used as an advanced way of generating micro holes on glass substrates. It is a stable and highly accurate process that generates clean TGV’s that excel in smoothness. Laser drilling can create through holes (direct or into channels) with a circular, rectangular or free form geometry. It is also possible to create channels or depth patterns with flat bottoms and tapered or straight sidewalls.

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Specifications

Materials

  • Borofloat, D263, Mempax
  • 6inch SQ, 150mm and 200mm round

Holes

  • Diameter >=100 µm
  • Tolerance 10% (3sigma) with max 60µm
  • Shape: straight holes, tapered holes, free form

Channels

  • Depth >100µm

Speed

  • Depending on thickness and diameter, typical 1-3s per hole

Benefits of laser drilling

  • A straightforward process with short lead times
  • Clean process (close to zero material loss and debris)
  • Flexibility in design (straight holes, tapered holes, free form)
  • High level of uniformity of the holes
  • High aspect ratios (height: diameter) of up to 10:1

Why work with us?

At Micronit, we specialize in accompanying our customers all the way from idea to production. Are you looking for a development and manufacturing partner? Take a look at our route to success!

Is your project in need of a Micromachining solution? Please contact our experts!