INTRODUCTION / SUMMARY
The integration of MEMS, micromachines and microsystems into machinery and equipment is changing how we live, work and play. These devices are making manufacturing processes more efficient, cars and workplaces safer, computers faster, our homes more comfortable, and surgical procedures less invasive. Although once measured only in microns, research and commercialization have expanded the range from submicrons to millimeters. These devices, primarily microsensors, microactuators, and microsystems (a combination of the first two), are tiny, and generally manufactured in mass quantities using one of three fabrication techniques. In the vast majority of applications, only a small percentage of manufacturers are currently including micromachined parts in their equipment, but that percentage is slowly and steadily growing. The manufacture of these devices for a growing number of applications has been climbing at a rate of 20% to 30% per year since 1990, and this strong growth is likely to continue due to the fact that many devices currently being developed will not hit the market for at least 10 years.
The total anticipated sales for MEMS, micromachines, and microsystems are expected to reach $12 billion by 2005, an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 22.5%. Medical, telecommunications, and automotive applications will make the strongest showing on the market; however, healthy growth is projected overall.
This document explores the developments occurring with the design, development, fabrication and commercialization of micromachined devices, including microsensors, microactuators and microsystems. Interest in this technology is global, with countries such as England, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands, among many others, actively pursuing research, development and commercialization.
Technology initially drove the development of micromachined devices, whose future is now being driven by the markets they could potentially serve. However, there are a significant number of issues that will both directly and indirectly affect their continued growth and use. In this review, BCC details the technology and its products, the current state of commercialization, where it is headed, and who will most benefit.
This review is designed to provide an overview of current technology developments and an assessment of the commercial potential of micromachined products within the United States and abroad.
These data will:
- Create an overview of micromachining technology and its products
- Identify companies who are actively engaged in the development and manufacture of micromachined products
- Identify universities and government labs who are actively involved in the research and development of this technology
- Identify and examine international initiatives currently being undertaken with regard to this technology
- Assess new developments by analyzing patents granted within a 1 year period prior to the publication of this report
- Identify technological, business and consumer issues which could impact the future growth and commercialization of this technology
- Evaluate the potential of micromachined products in key markets including automotive, consumer, environmental, manufacturing, medical, telecommunications and transportation, as well as current and promising future end-use applications
- Provide an understanding of the market and technology so that decision makers are able to evaluate and consider the potential opportunities arising from the advances in micromachining technology.
The material strives to provide an understanding of micromachining technology, its products and markets. As such, BCC wrote this report for the following persons:
- Manufacturers
- Research and development firms
- Government and private laboratories
- Investment and financial executives
- Others interested in technology.
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