Miniaturization of components, motors, and drives has become critical in industries such as medical, aerospace, and consumer electronics. Yet the need for smaller technology is hitting a physical wall. Are there limits to miniaturization? How are companies overcoming these limits? 

We’ll explore these questions during two free webinars on Sept. 18 and 19 that reveal the future of miniaturization. Attendees will learn how leading suppliers of motors, drives, electronics, and electromechanical components are innovating to support the design and engineering of smaller, portable, and more flexible products. 

You’ll hear from experts involved in the  miniaturization of components as well as experts in the manufacturing of miniature components.

The webinar on day one, The Components Make Miniaturization Possible, will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 2:00 pm Eastern.

The webinar on day two, Miniaturization – It’s All About the Manufacturing, will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 2:00 pm Eastern.

Webinar Day One: The Components Make Miniaturization Possible

The free webinar will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 2:00 pm Eastern.

This webinar will look at the components the make miniaturization possible. We’ll look at drives, microprocessors, and other electromechanical parts that make up miniature tools.

The webinar will include the panelists, Carlos Bielicki, VP of sales and marketing at Performance Motion Devices,
and Matt Mowry, drylin product manager at igus.

Why the need for miniature components?

There are a number of reasons miniaturization is becoming critical. “Whether it is for medical, life sciences, or many other applications, system developers desire miniaturization for several reasons including lower cost, space constraints, lighter weight, and portability,” said Carlos Bielicki from Performance Motion Devices.

For miniature component to be successful, they must meet high performance requirements. “The classic way to achieve reduced system sizes is to use smaller components such as semiconductors and highly integrated modules,” said Bielicki. “For this approach to be successful, however, the smaller components need to be able to support the feature and performance requirements of the applications. Fortunately, that is a fundamental characteristic of electronics – they keep getting smaller and more powerful.”

There are a number of ways to produce miniature components. “At igus, we use Injection molded linear plain bearings that make a smaller footprint than recirculating ball bearings,” said Matt Mowry from igus. “Special igus extrusions for rail guides that are more compact than ball bearing shafting or support shafts. Such as drylin N and drylin W.”

For miniaturization to work, a wide range of components must be reduced in size. “Compact, miniature lead screws and miniature stepper motors allow for the miniaturization of actuator assemblies, and our lead screw stepper motors allow for the elimination of couplings, decreasing the length of the assembly,” said Mowry.

Webinar Day Two: Miniaturization – It’s All About the Manufacturing

The free webinar will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 2:00 pm Eastern.

This webinar will explore the design and engineering efforts behind manufacturing innovations. We’ll look at materials, components, and manufacturing processes that are making miniaturization gains possible. Learn how leading molders, fabricators, and 3D printers are revolutionizing the design and manufacture of miniaturized parts and devices.

The webinar will include the panelists John Kawola, CEO of Boston Micro Fabrication, A.J Pruitt, technology manager at Accumold, and Brent Hahn, SVP at Isometric Micro Molding.

As technology improves in the medical industry, the need for miniaturization increases. “Over the years, advances in technology have created the need for smaller, portable, and wearable medical devices,” said Brent Hahn, SVP at Isometric Micro Molding. “Procedures are becoming less invasive in part due to the rapidly growing robotic surgery market.”

Innovations in manufacturing are required to keep up with the constant pressure for smaller and smaller products. “Manufacturers are pushing boundaries by creating smaller components with intricate features that demand precision, expertise at the micron level, and mastery in miniaturization techniques,” said Hahn. “Moreover, there is a greater emphasis towards cost-effective manufacturing methods, with OEMs transitioning from traditional techniques like machining and labor-intensive assemblies to other methods including micro injection molding and automated assembly.”