Micromachining & microproduction - Precision in the micro range

Metals like titanium, stainless steel, or Nitinol (a nickel-titanium alloy) are valued for their mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and good workability. They are used in the production of miniaturized surgical instruments, stents, or active implants. Micromachining processes such as micro milling, laser processing, or micro-EDM are employed to create precise structures and high surface quality.

Glasses, especially borosilicate or quartz glass, are also widely used. Their chemical resistance, optical transparency, and dimensional stability make them ideal for microanalytical systems, especially in lab-on-a-chip applications. They are used to create microchannels, reaction chambers, or optical sensor structures and are structured using etching techniques or laser processes. 

In cryotechnology, temperature management and targeted cooling are being used in microfluidic systems for sample preservation or process control. 

Microfluidics is another central field, recognized as a key technology for point-of-care diagnostics and lab-on-a-chip systems. The integration of microstructured channels, valves, and sensors into compact formats enables chemical and biological analyses with minimal sample volumes. Another research focus lies on the development of miniaturized, highly sensitive sensors for continuous medical monitoring or therapeutic control. 

Quantum technologies are also increasingly being explored in micromanufacturing and medical technology. Initial approaches focus on quantum-based sensing, high-resolution imaging, or the precise control of photons or particles. These applications are currently in a transitional phase between basic research and industrial implementation.  

In addition, digitalization plays a pivotal role. Simulations, digital twins, and artificial intelligence (AI) are used to model, optimize, and monitor production processes in real time. AI-based methods help detect errors during production or enable adaptive process control that responds to material properties or environmental conditions. 

With an eye to the future, several trends are already apparent. These include the development of multifunctional materials – such as self-healing or conductive polymers – the establishment of hybrid manufacturing processes that combine additive and subtractive techniques, and the growing use of automated microfabrication systems in modular production environments. These developments aim to enhance process security, scalability, and flexibility while simultaneously reducing resource consumption and production cycles. Together, they represent the next step in the industrial implementation of microsystems technology in the medical sector. 

Micromachining technologies are already being applied in many areas of medical technology. Microstructures in implants are used to improve tissue integration or enable controlled drug release. In sensor technology, miniaturized measurement systems are employed to continuously monitor physiological parameters - for example during postoperative care or in the treatment of chronic conditions. In diagnostics, microfluidic systems are of particular importance, as they enable localized and real-time analysis directly at the point of care. 

Examples from hospitals show how these technologies have become part of everyday clinical practice. They illustrate how hospitals, laboratories, and manufacturers benefit from microsystems innovations by improving efficiency and quality of care. One practical example is the use of lab-on-a-chip systems that allow for rapid diagnoses with minimal sample volumes, such as blood analysis or pathogen detection. In medical devices, micromechanical sensors in implants and wearables are used to continuously track vital signs, enabling close patient monitoring. Manufacturers, in turn, benefit from the ability to integrate complex functions into extremely compact devices, saving space and opening new design and application possibilities.