innovation highlight

Multifunctional parts made by cost effective micro production processes

The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing and Advanced Materials (IFAM) is successfully working in the areas of micro metal injection molding (µ-MIM) and material development. In recent years it became obvious that an additional functionalisation of components is of increasing importance for industrial applications. For this reason Fraunhofer IFAM focused on R&D work in the areas of miniaturization, production of complex geometries and especially the integration of functions for the respective component.

Heater made of constantan, manufactured by screen printing. Source: Fraunhofer IFAM

This is on the one hand achieved through the material itself, where for example two different materials are combined in one production step via the µ-MIM technology. On the other hand new materials such as nanocomposites are developed and processed by applying the injection molding method. Nanometer sized filler particles can be chosen according to the necessary functionalisation of the respective component. This way the electrical conductivity, biocompatibility or magnetic property of a part can be realized. A further technique to functionalize components is the screen printing of metallic pastes. With this technology actuator elements such as heaters, thermocouples, magnetic structures or conduction bands can be manufactured.

Especially the use of powders in µ-MIM allows the adaptation of the physical, mechanical as well as chemical material properties to the corresponding application of the components. As example microstructured heat exchangers or cooling systems made of Cu or WCu having an adapted thermal conductivity can be manufactured. Additionally, with µ-MIM it is possible to process biocompatible materials such as Ti and Ti-alloys cost effective in series. At Fraunhofer IFAM a replication of the smallest human bone (stape) was simulated and manufactured by µ-MIM in order to demonstrate the feasibility.

Fraunhofer IFAM will be presenting its developments in context of the IVAM Product Market Micro, Nano & Materials at Microtechnology / Hannover Fair in Hall 15 / booth D 34 (April 16-20, 2007). More information about the joint pavilion: www.ivam.de.

Contact:

Fraunhofer IFAM
Wiener Str. 12
D-28359 Bremen
Dr. Astrid Rota
Janne Haack
Email: haack@ifam.fraunhofer.de
Phone: 0421/2246-247
Fax: 0421/2246-300

Topic: Micro-Nano-Opto, Production and engineering, New Materials and Chemistry
Source: IVAM

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	innovation highlight Multifunctional parts made by cost effective micro production processes The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing and Advanced Materials (IFAM) is successfully working in the areas of micro metal injection molding (µ-MIM) and material development. In recent years it became obvious that an additional functionalisation of components is of increasing importance for industrial applications. For this reason Fraunhofer IFAM focused on R&D work in the areas of miniaturization, production of complex geometries and especially the integration of functions for the respective component. Heater made of constantan, manufactured by screen printing. Source: Fraunhofer IFAM This is on the one hand achieved through the material itself, where for example two different materials are combined in one production step via the µ-MIM technology. On the other hand new materials such as nanocomposites are developed and processed by applying the injection molding method. Nanometer sized filler particles can be chosen according to the necessary functionalisation of the respective component. This way the electrical conductivity, biocompatibility or magnetic property of a part can be realized. A further technique to functionalize components is the screen printing of metallic pastes. With this technology actuator elements such as heaters, thermocouples, magnetic structures or conduction bands can be manufactured. Especially the use of powders in µ-MIM allows the adaptation of the physical, mechanical as well as chemical material properties to the corresponding application of the components. As example microstructured heat exchangers or cooling systems made of Cu or WCu having an adapted thermal conductivity can be manufactured. Additionally, with µ-MIM it is possible to process biocompatible materials such as Ti and Ti-alloys cost effective in series. At Fraunhofer IFAM a replication of the smallest human bone (stape) was simulated and manufactured by µ-MIM in order to demonstrate the feasibility. Fraunhofer IFAM will be presenting its developments in context of the IVAM Product Market Micro, Nano & Materials at Microtechnology / Hannover Fair in Hall 15 / booth D 34 (April 16-20, 2007). More information about the joint pavilion: www.ivam.de. Contact: Fraunhofer IFAM Wiener Str. 12 D-28359 Bremen Dr. Astrid Rota Janne Haack Email: haack@ifam.fraunhofer.de Phone: 0421/2246-247 Fax: 0421/2246-300 Topic: Micro-Nano-Opto, Production and engineering, New Materials and Chemistry Source: IVAM	Print page Back