MSW '98

Micromachining was introduced in Scandinavia over 15 years ago in both industry and research. Thereafter, the research activities have expanded steadily and several centers and programs related to micromachining now exist.

For industry in general, micromachining is still considered as a novelty. Yet, SensoNor and VTI Hamlin are two success stories which show that it is possible to base an industry upon micromachining. In addition, there are a limited number of smaller companies that use micromachined parts as key components in some of their products, but the quantities are too small for them to perform the micromachining themselves.

With this in mind, it has been very stimulating to see the increased industrial interest at the Micro Structure Workshops that are held in Uppsala every other year. At MSW '94, industry participated predominantly as observers. At the recently held MSW '98, the industrial participation was noticeably more dynamic, accounting for 41% of the 117 participants while 45% came from universities. In addition, industry co-authored 13 of the 27 oral presentations. There is a clear trend that industry now is taking the step from observers to users of micromachining.

MSW '98 was very well received by the participants. The possibilities to form new contacts, to learn who is who, and the informal atmosphere were well appreciated elements. The program was well balanced, containing presentations ranging from overviews to project presentations, from process steps to devices, and from multiple applications including medical, automotive and space. The three invited speakers, H. Baltes (ETH Zürich, Switzerland), A. Boisen (MIC, Denmark), and H. Kuisma (VTI Hamlin, Finland), all included industrialization aspects in their presentations. Questions from the attendees also showed that there was a notable interest in how to successfully industrialize micromachining.

Several speakers pointed out that it is possible to enter the field of micromachining without having your own micromachining lab. Concentrating on system aspects, electronics and packaging while outsourcing the micromachining can be a very attractive approach.

Two posters were awarded: Arvi Kruusing et al from Tallinn Technical University, Estonia, presenting magnetic microdevices, and Thierry Corman et al from KTH discussing encapsulation aspects of resonant structures.

More information can be found in the workshop proceedings. The fourth Micro Structure Workshop will be held in the end of March in the year 2000. Also, look out for MSW-related activities held before then. See you at the next MSW.