on the market. The process of forming 3D objects is in fact subtractive and consists of the use of a femtosecond laser for removing material inside an initial transparent substrate. The laser only modifies the density of the material in the focal point of the laser beam and therefore it can go through the material without modifying the regions along the path. Furthermore, the writing parameters can be tuned: the affected zone is only of few micrometer wide, going beyond the resolution of standard laser ablation techniques. The exposed parts are then removed by immersing the substrate inside an etching solution. The technology has been developed within the European project Femtoprint, labeled as a ‘success story’.
The FEMTOPRINT technology has the potential to completely revolutionise the way MEMS and micro moulds are fabricated. The Femtoprinters can easily and rapidly manufacture integrated 3D micro devices, moulds and prototypes, overcoming the complexity of actual fabrication processes and significantly reducing the production steps. Furthermore, they free the users from the need of cleanrooms since the machining happens inside the material with evident advantages.
<< Figure 3: Example of transparent 3D comb actuator fabricated with FEMTOPRINT technology. >>
FEMTOPRINT is now a complete set of products helping the users to build their own micro devices or moulds within few simple steps. The Femtoprinter software is the interface between the machine and the user. It is equipped with a 3D CAD interface for the conversions of the designs and offers a complete library with built-in shapes that can be composed together to form a complete system.
>> Continued on page 22
Come closer. This is a silicone micro-component weighing less than 10 mg! High-precision in undercuts and recesses, and now suitable for serial production and two-component technology.
SILICONE MICRO
MOLDING
21 | commercial micro manufacturing international Vol 7 No.3
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Stuttgart 03. – 05.06.2014 Hall 5, Stand 5H24
www.starlstarliim-m te sterner. r com
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