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Bio-Med Trend Demands More Complex Metal Parts Processed Like Plastic
01 Mar 2005
At the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing and Advanced Materials (IFAM) in Bremen, scientists have modified the metal powder injection moulding process to produce micromechanical and microfluidic components up to pilot stage production. There is a clear trend in biotechnology, chemical analysis and reaction technology for the use of small, complex, yet inexpensive and efficient, metallic components mass produced in this way.
A stainless steel mini-reactor, which can detect micro-organisms or sterilize liquids, was produced and coated with a titanium dioxide layer by IFAM scientists.
"Depending on the geometry and the type of the subsequent treatment we can already produce volumes of 500 components cost effectively compared to conventional techniques, " emphasizes Natalie Salk from the micro engineering department.
"Additionally, more freedom in design is provided by this process."
www.ifam.fraunhofer.de
