3Dmikrofabriikkaan

3Dmikrofabriikkaan, also known as 3D microfabrication, refers to a group of advanced manufacturing techniques used to create three-dimensional structures with features at the micrometer scale. These processes allow for the precise construction of intricate geometries that are beyond the capabilities of traditional subtractive manufacturing methods. The field combines principles from 3D printing, microelectronics fabrication, and advanced materials science.

Common techniques within 3D microfabrication include stereolithography (SLA), two-photon polymerization (TPP), and inkjet printing. SLA uses a photocurable resin that is selectively cured layer by layer by a UV laser. TPP is a high-resolution technique that utilizes a focused laser to polymerize a photosensitive material with sub-micrometer precision. Inkjet printing, in its microfabrication context, involves depositing precise droplets of materials, such as polymers or ceramics, onto a substrate.

The materials used in 3D microfabrication are diverse and include photopolymers, ceramics, metals, and biological materials. The choice of material depends heavily on the intended application and the specific fabrication technique employed. These microfabricated structures find applications in various fields, including microfluidics for lab-on-a-chip devices, micro-optics for lenses and waveguides, biomedical devices like micro-implants and tissue scaffolds, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for sensors and actuators. The ability to create complex, customized 3D microstructures is driving innovation across numerous scientific and technological domains.