Recent Development in Micromanufacturing of Metallic Materials

Abstract

Product miniaturization is a trend for facilitating product usage, enabling product functions to be implemented in microscale geometries, and aimed at reducing product weight, volume, cost and pollution. Driven by ongoing miniaturization in diverse areas including medical devices, precision equipment, communication devices, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and microsystems technology (MST), the demands for micro metallic products have increased tremendously. Such a trend requires development of advanced micromanufacturing technology of metallic materials for producing high-quality micro metallic products that possess excellent dimensional tolerances, required mechanical properties and improved surface quality. Micromanufacturing differs from conventional manufacturing technology in terms of materials, processes, tools, and machines and equipment, due to the miniaturization nature of the whole micromanufacturing system, which challenges the rapid development of micromanufacturing technology. Against such a background, the Special Issue “Micromanufacturing of Metallic Materials” was proposed to present the recent developments of micromanufacturing technologies of metallic materials. The papers collected in the Special Issue include research articles, literature review and technical notes, which have been highlighted in this editorial.

Introductory Chapter: Current Trends in Micromachining Technology

“…As a result, more electrochemical and laser machining processes are being used to produce micro components and provide precision machining. The application of Artificial Intelligence and the integration of the Internet of Things, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and 5G industries are also expected to benefit the market [20,21]. Also, due to its widespread use in automotive industry, micromachining is becoming more and more in demand.…”

Analysis of TiO2 Nanolubricant Influence in Micro Deep Drawing of Stainless Steel SUS301

“…Micro deep drawing (MDD) is a fundamental forming method used to produce thin-walled, hollow, box or cup-like metal products at the micro scale [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in MDD as a promising micro-manufacturing technology due to its mass production potential, minor operator requirement, and low tool cost [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

Overview of the MEMS Pirani Sensors

“…In view of this, miniaturization of Pirani sensors is of significance. In recent decades, the development of MEMS technology has greatly promoted the miniaturization of traditional sensors [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43]. The miniaturized Pirani sensors, also known as the MEMS Pirani sensors, can not only reduce the weight and size of the devices, but also can cut down power consumption and production costs [44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55].…”