Abstract
Metallic tubular micro-components play an important role in a broad range of products, from industrial microsystem technology, such as medical engineering, electronics and optoelectronics, to sensor technology or microfluidics. The demand for such components is increasing, and forming processes can present a number of advantages for industrial manufacturing. These include, for example, a high productivity, enhanced shaping possibilities, applicability of a wide spectrum of materials and the possibility to produce parts with a high stiffness and strength. However, certain difficulties arise as a result of scaling down conventional tube forming processes to the microscale. These include not only the influence of the known size effects on material and friction behavior, but also constraints in the feasible miniaturization of forming tools. Extensive research work has been conducted over the past few years on micro-tube forming techniques, which deal with the development of novel and optimized processes, to counteract these restrictions. This paper reviews the relevant advances in micro-tube fabrication and shaping. A particular focus is enhancement in forming possibilities, accuracy and obtained component characteristics, presented in the reviewed research work. Furthermore, achievements in severe plastic deformation for micro-tube generation and in micro-tube testing methods are discussed.
Highlights
The application of micro-components in technical systems and devices today represents a crucial value-adding factor for numerous industrial sectors, such as medical engineering, healthcare, mobility or communication
Metallic tubular micro-components play an important role in a broad range of products, from industrial microsystem technology, such as medical engineering, electronics and optoelectronics, to sensor technology or microfluidics
Extensive research work has been conducted over the past few years on micro-tube forming techniques, which deal with the development of novel and optimized processes, to counteract these restrictions
Summary
The application of micro-components in technical systems and devices today represents a crucial value-adding factor for numerous industrial sectors, such as medical engineering, healthcare, mobility or communication. The increasing trend in miniaturization over the past few years was a driver for the development of a broad range of novel manufacturing techniques and scaled-down conventional processes. This concerns cases where traditional methods, which are typically applied for silicon-based components of micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS), reach their limits in terms of the materials to be processed or the aspect ratios, etc. Micro-forming can enable near-net-shape characteristics, an enhanced shaping of complex geometries, the possibility to produce micro-parts with a comparatively high stiffness and strength [4], and the applicability of a wide spectrum of materials
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