Condensed minutes from the meeting 8th March 2006

Attendees: Prof Phil Coates, University of Bradford Dr Mike Martyn, University of Bradford Dr Ben Whiteside, University of Bradford Dr Andy Dawson, University of Bradford Dr John McGrath, University of Bradford Keith Norris, University of Bradford John Wyborn, University of Bradford Dr Malcolm Butler, Yorkshire Forward Dr Peter Allen, Brunel University Peter Manser, Accrutek Steve Lacey, STV Arthur Turner, Deckel Grinders Tony Grew, Cimatron Andy Dougill, Cimatron Richard Powell, Euromoulds Jan Czerski, Faraday Plastics Robert Hoyle, Microbridge

Apologies: Alan Bull, Smith and Nephew Diarmuid Cooper, Kistler Dr Silvia Marsen, Cranfield University Mark Beard, X-AT Nick Webster, Battenfeld Martin Ganz, Battenfeld Dr Thomas Pearce, UWE Dave Tolfree, Technopreneur Donna Bibber, MTD Stu Kaplan, Makuta Kari Monkkonen, Imtec C-K Jen (CNRC)

Business Discussion/Event Review

Medical Device Technology 2006

The event was attended by a number of members of the group who suggested that miniaturisation of devices was becoming a priority of many manufacturers but the demand for such devices is yet to be realised. A case of technology push versus market pull which needs to be addressed through targeted marketing and supply of information to device designers to make them aware of the benefits of micromoulding technology.

MNT Measurement Club Meeting

Dr Ben Whiteside provided a summary of the main areas raised at the recent MNT measurement club meeting at NPL. The topic of the meeting was metrology for microsystems technologies which aimed to raise current measurement issues and discuss possible solutions and standards.

The main problems with current techniques are posed by complex 3-dimensional microstructures such as high aspect ratio features due to the fact that the methods adopted were designed for the study of surface properties. Some solutions and the introduction of new measurement standards were discussed. See the short presentation in full by clicking on the link below.

DTI High Impact Investment Grant Award

The Centre for Micro and Nano Moulding was recently awarded a grant to help provide open access to equipment and expertise for companies nationwide, as a recognised node on the MNT network. Peter Manser was recently appointed as the Industry Associate for this activity and he provided an interesting overview of strategies for the year ahead.

MNT Activities in Yorkshire and Humberside

Dr Malcolm Butler, representing Yorkshire Forward, described current MNT activities in the region and how academic ability could be exploited to provide commercial success.

Process/Technology developments

Cimatron micromilling software introduction

Tony Grew gave a very entertaining presentation showing how Cimatron have developed CADCAM software specifically for the micromilling process.

Babyplast micromoulding hardware introduction and overview

Steve Lacey provided a useful overview of Babyplast hardware and described how the problems encountered when implementing a micromoulding process have been overcome. He also demonstrated the suitability of the hardware for twin shot moulding applications.

In-process measurement of micromoulded component features

Dr Ben Whiteside gave a brief overview of previous work performed at the University of Bradford over the past few years. He then went on to describe current research areas in on-line metrology and visualisation of polymer flows during cavity filling.

Future meetings

Wednesday 15th June 2006
Wednesday 11th November 2006