The medical industry relies on a range of imaging solutions, with Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) devices like smart pills and real-time optical bio-imaging systems allowing for more fine-tuned and accurate examinations. These technologies rely on precision mirrors and glass components that have a high degree of clarity, dimensional integrity, and accuracy. In this blog post, we’ll explore why glass is ideal for medical MEMS devices, and how Swift Glass provides exceptional accuracy for machined glass components.
Why Glass Is the Ideal Substrate for Medical MEMS
Glass wafers offer superior results when paired with the right machining processes. For example, glass has excellent biocompatibility characteristics, in which the material’s inertness ensures the products won’t degrade, corrode, or break down due to exposure to bodily fluids and tissue. High-quality glass substrates offer additional unique advantages compared to silicon, including:
- Optical transparency. Glass can provide greater clarity and support clearer imaging. Glass is highly transparent in the visible light spectrum, and also features transparency characteristics in the ultraviolet light spectrum.
- Airtight enclosure capabilities. Manufacturers can create MEMS enclosures with glass wafer packaging while benefiting from their thermal stability and reliability over time.
- Better biocompatibility and chemical inertness. Glass with pure fused silica is more chemically resistant and can withstand exposure (and immersion) in many acids and organic chemicals.
Swift Glass produces precision MEMS components and ultra-thin glass wafers from quartz, fused silica, and borosilicate materials, including Borofloat®, SCHOTT, and more.
Micromachining Methods: CNC, Laser, and Ultrasonic
Creating miniature or microscoping glass components requires extremely precise manufacturing techniques. CNC, laser, and ultrasonic micromachining techniques can each produce parts for MEMS, but each technique offers different advantages.
Swift Glass’s New Laser Cutter: Micro-Level Accuracy for MEMS
Our facility has invested in new laser micromachining equipment to create medical MEMS components with precision-drilled holes. This laser can drill holes in sizes from 50 μm to 50 mm for microfluidics, and we can accommodate parts as thin as 50 μm for cutting-edge sensors. With this new technology, we can quickly and reliably fulfill complex orders with drilling speeds of 30 mm per second in glass that is 0.5 mm thick.
Learn more about our extremely accurate laser cutting services for optical and medical applications that require micron-level accuracy and reliable production speed. Our photonics laser delivers custom shapes with fewer defects and clean edges without burrs or scratches.
CNC Glass Micromachining
Swift Glass can use 2-axis and 3-axis CNC machining to deliver parts with tight tolerances (within 0.01 inches). With CNC machining stations, we are able to produce components up to 0.3 mm thick.
Ultrasonic Glass Micromachining
Ultrasonic glass micromachining processes use vibrating soft steel and nickel tools to direct a slurry of abrasives against glass surfaces. The vibration direction and frequency shape the glass. This process is particularly ideal for fine, fragile components, and the slower technique of scraping excess material off the glass surface doesn’t cause internal stress or breakage.
Diamond Wire Saw Micromachining Prep
Swift Glass’s diamond wire saw equipment is integral to the micromachining of glass for Medical MEMS devices by providing the high-precision slicing capability necessary to create ultra-thin, defect-free substrates. Our wire saw minimizes kerf loss and prevents surface chipping, which is critical when working with delicate materials like the borosilicate and fused silica often used in micro-sensors and drug delivery systems. The versatility of our saws allows for both custom prototyping of medical components and high-volume production.
Swift Glass: Your Partner for Medical-Grade Glass
Swift Glass is your one-stop partner for precision-machined glass components for MEMS devices and medical imaging technology. Our company is ISO 9001:2015 certified, and we routinely invest in new technologies to increase our micromachining capabilities and quality management processes. Contact us today to learn more.
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