ریزفرم دهنده - از تحقیق بنیادی به فهم

The production of miniature parts is gaining importance due to the trend of miniaturization which is increasingly determining the development of products ranging from mobile phones and computers to medical products. The application of conventional manufacturing processes for the production of such microparts is possible, but there are problems that result from the small dimensions. This fact applies also in the field of metal forming, however, in the meantime many research projects in several countries could improve this situation. This paper gives a review of the problems associated with miniaturization, the way of solution starting from basic research, and the results showing the progress of microforming today.

To start with, a definition: the term microforming, in the context of metal forming, is understood to be the production of parts or structures with at least two dimensions in the sub-millimetre range [1]. Parts of such a size are commonly used and more and more required in extremely high numbers, in particular for electronic components in micro-system technologies (MST) and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) as they characterize today many products pushing forward their miniaturization. Typical examples for such parts are pins for IC-carriers, fasteners, micro-screws, lead frames, sockets, and any kind of connecting element (Fig. 1).

The conclusion which can be drawn from this review might be twofold. The specific one is that the research of the last 10 years has substantially contributed to gain fundamental insight into the peculiarities of the microforming process and an improved understanding of the mechanisms which are the basis to realize finally processes of industrial relevance. Although the break through of microforming in industrial production is not finalized yet the technology development obviously is on a good way since the ventures have stimulated so many other activities covering now the whole system of microforming. These are the optimum preconditions to come through the problems adequately in near future.