What is micro 3D printing?
Micro 3D printing creates parts with micron-scale features. It is also known as micromanufacturing, or micro additive manufacturing (Micro AM). Micro 3D printing is an emerging technology and it is only now becoming an alternative to traditional manufacturing processes.
Nano Dimension achieves micro 3d printing with its Fabrica line of 3D printers. Fabrica systems use a technique called projection micro-stereolithography. This technology achieves a balance of speed and quality with a feature resolution down to a few microns.
Unparalleled precision from Nano Dimension’s Fabrica Systems
Miniature Connectors
Fabrica Micro AM delivers precision connectors to be used in prototyping new devices.
Optical Housing
As electronic consumer products become more compact, the ability to create and prototype miniature parts becomes more critical.
Filter with Micro Channels
Miniaturized parts such as this microfilter enable manufacturers to test and innovate with new functionality at micro-sizes.
What are the applications of micro 3D printing?
Micro AM and nanofabrication applications span a wide range of industries and areas of research.
Electronics
Additive manufacturing of micro parts is used for manufacturing high-performance electronic devices. It allows for minimizing size, optimizing for weight, and achieving precise and innovative geometries.
Fabrica Systems are used in the production of micro antennas. The technology is also used to create micro-size smart casings, jigs, fixtures, and wide variety of production tooling.
Optics
Microfabrication technologies that create smooth surface finishes, like the Fabrica systems, are suitable for the production of micro-optics. These are optical systems measuring between one micron and one millimeter.
Micro 3D printing has been used for the production of micro-lens holders, complex lens assembly mounts, jigs, fixtures, and production tools. Customers can now in enjoy high definition, accuracy, and freeform surfaces that would be impossible using conventional manufacturing technologies.
Medical
The medical and healthcare sector can benefit from the use of microfabrication systems, both in clinical and research settings.
Medical devices are becoming smaller and more complex to assemble. Micro 3D printing is playing a significant role in solving these challenges and steering innovation. Our technology is suited to the production of high-accuracy micro medical devices.
Our 3D printers have biopharmaceutical and microfluidic applications. They have even been used to prototype micro drug delivery devices.
Aerospace and Defense
Micro 3D printing technology is becoming more common in the aerospace and defense industries for various applications. It has been used in pressure sensors, in air flow devices, in temperature and humidity sensors, and in accelerometers and advanced micro devices.
Automotive
Micro parts made by additive manufacturing have been increasingly adopted in the automotive industry. Modern automobiles can have as many as 200 sensors. Micro AM has been used on various in-cabin elements, and in many types of sensors.
Consumer Products
Additive manufacturing in the consumer product sector allows for cost savings. It also allows for time-sensitive production of geometrically complex parts.
Fabrica systems are well suited for the production of micro sensors in wearable devices. It can also be used for IoT sensors. Miniaturization and customization of small components enables the future of consumer products engineering.
Semiconductors
Additive manufacturing enables the production of innovative semiconductor components. Our micro 3D printers manufacture pin test sockets, accurate casing and packaging, pick-and-place tooling, and more. It is now possible to manufacture customized and geometrically complex components that would be impossible using conventional manufacturing processes.
What materials are used in micro 3D printing?
At Nano Dimension we offer an ABS-like material that is versatile and allows for strength and flexibility of your Micro AM parts.
We also offer a reinforced composite with a high temperature tolerance. This material has a high wear resistance and enables micro 3d printed parts that can outlive the application.
What’s next for Micro AM?
Broader availability of micro-AM printers coupled with newer materials will create exciting new possibilities for the future.
Improvements in the technology will open up new latitude in micro tooling and molding. Smaller components allow for new design opportunities in wearable electronics. The healthcare market and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) are areas of growth as lightweight miniaturized biomedical devices continue to develop.
