New models spur miniaturisation trend

Doing more with less is the mantra of our era and this is mostly evidenced by the drive towards miniaturisation in next-generation electronic systems, fuel cells and medical devices. However, the push for smaller parts requires accurate and cost-effective micro-manufacturing techniques.

Compact devices with heavily integrated functions are increasingly becoming more prominent in our lives. However, as the scale size is reduced, surface and size effects begin to dominate material response and behaviour. Consequently, material properties obtained on a regular-scale specimen are no longer valid for accurate analysis and further design. Mechanical, tribological and deformation properties deviate from bulk values as component size approaches the micro scale.

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