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Content archived on 2024-04-30

Advanced micro-machining methods and materials for the manufacture and industrial application of three-dimensional micron-size features

Objective



Objectives and content

Industry in the European Union is faced with increasing competition from two large economic areas, the USA and South-East Asia In order to achieve a competitive lead, EU companies will need to secure their position in future key technologies. One such future key technology is microsystems engineering, which is aimed at saving resources (energy, raw materials), at reducing waste and at creating new products and applications through the miniaturization of components and structures. Advanced and high-sophisticated materials are also being developed for this purpose.

Hitherto, it has been impossible or virtually impossible to manufacture micron-size geometries, whose small dimensions demand new manufacturing and handling techniques. The suitability of conventional technologies for manufacturing microstructures in advanced and high-sophisticated materials is limited.
The MicroMac project will develop a manufacturing process, electro-discharge machining (EDM), to a level which enables it to be used for the production of microcomponents and microstructures in steel and in advanced and high-sophisticated materials. The steps listed below will be required in order to attain this goal. A consortium combining all the relevant areas of expertise has been formed to carry out the project:
- Construction of an EDM sinking and an EDM wire-cutting machine for the micro-machining of steel and advanced and high-sophisticated materials (ONA).
- Development of specialized power supply generators (ILT).
- Development of an NC control with a control accuracy in the submicron range (MIKROA).
- Development of an adapted micro-EDM technology (WZL).
- Development of new tools (geometry and material) for micro-ED-machining (BGmbH).
- Development of handling equipment for microcomponents and tools (SYSTEM 3R).
- Manufacture and testing of microcomponents under industrial conditions (Christmann, PTS).

Sectors with market applications for microcomponents and microstructures include the aerospace industry (cooling holes for turbines, satellite thrusters), medical technology (implants, micromotors), precision engineering (clocks and watches), engine technology (fuel injectors), electrical and computer engineering etc.

Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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Funding Scheme

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CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

ONA Electro-Erosion SA
EU contribution
No data
Address
7,Larrasoloeta 7
48200 Durango
Spain

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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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Participants (8)

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