Emerging miniaturization technologies are potential key technologies of the future that will bring about completely different ways people and machines interact with the physical world.

Micromilling technology can meet many of those demands of miniaturised components in fields that include aerospace, automotive, biomedical, electronics, information technology, optics, telecommunication industries, jewellery, watch-making, etc.

Thus, many companies involving a broad field of areas, use micromilling technology integrated in their production systems [14]. Some companies are listed as example; Bic, Gillette, Bosch, Cerametal, Iscar, Sandvik Coromant, Seco, Rolex, Bauer Christian, Angiomed, Biacore, Curasan, Microtronic, Oticon, Phonak AG, Microparts Steag, Acritec, Alcon, Bausch & Lomb, Carrera, Arilens, Medicontur, Morcher, Star Surgical, Braun, Festo, GKN Sinter Metals, Esser, Amic, Daimler Chrysler, EADS, Fraunhofer Institute, Philips Research, Pro-micron, Siemens VDO Automotive, Daimler Chrysler, EADS, Philips Research, Pro-micron, Siemens VDO Automotive, 3M Unitek, Degussa, Ivoclar vivadent, Metalor dental, Dedienne, Feinmetal, IBM, Lumberg, Tyco electronics, etc.

Many shortcomings of photolithographic batch-processing techniques can be overcome using micromilling machining. Direct fabrication of masks for X-ray lithography by mechanical micromilling is an avenue for manufacturing cost-effectively low-volume production and prototypes [65].

In addition, the implementation of replication techniques, like microinjection moulding or hot embossing, rely on the availability of tooling technologies for manufacturing of tools and moulds. The mould and die industry in Europe has more than 5 500 companies and total sales of 10 000 M€ making an important industry [66].

It needs to be considered that micromilling is a rather incipient process in micromachining. Currently, few applications are clearly identified for micromilling such as X-ray mask making, mould making for micro-replication techniques, electrode making for electro discharge machining processes or watch making.

However, it is expected that micromilling components and applications will undergo an exponential growth in the following years [67].

Next, common micromilling applications are classified by field and then, real components are illustrated as shown in Fig. 3.13, Fig. 3.14 and Fig. 3.15.

·         Biomedical: Microtools for surgery, moulds for medical components (micro-dosage systems), lab-on-chip, moulds for orthodontics (dental brackets), moulds for biotechnology applications (microchip electrophoresis devices, polymeric BIOMEMS devices, accelerating polymerase chain reaction for modular lab-on-a-chip systems), cataract lenses, retinal micro-tacks, etc.

·         Watchmaker and jewellery: manufacturing and engraving of watch base plates, moulds for rings and pendants, etc.

·         Information technology: Test membrane for PC chip manufacturing, etc.

·         Telecommunications: mould for easy-assembly multi fibre connector for single and multimode applications, joining elements, etc.

·         Automotive: Injection nozzles, electrodes for cutting inserts, etc.

·         Aerospace: Miniature devices for rockets, mould for miniature planetary gear wheels attached to a turbine, etc.

·         Others: Components for measuring devices, electrodes for toy industry, electrodes for manufacturing shaving head of electric razors, etc.

Previous /  Next