Graham Webster, Director, Plastic IT
For many OEMs, the trend towards miniaturisation presents challenges in the design and manufacturing process. All industry sectors that manufacture parts or features on the precision to micro scale must be in a position to verify the integrity of design once a part has been manufactured. Analysis of internal and external geometries becomes more and more difficult as part and feature size reduces. Here, Graham Webster of knowledge-based consultancy Plastic IT looks at the issues facing OEMs, and analyses a new technological innovation that addresses many of the issues surrounding the measurement and verification of micro injection moulded thermoplastic components.
The Part Verification Playing Field
Across industry, it is fair to say that there is a trend towards miniaturisation, with sectors such as medical, aerospace, automotive and electronics leading the way. So saying, the modern-day manufacture of parts and components involves 3D integration of 3D micro parts, smaller and smaller parts and features with ever- decreasing tolerances being the order of the day.