From micro‐ to nano‐machining – towards the nanometre era

Abstract

Manufacturing industry worldwide is at a turning point in seeking greater competitiveness. High precision manufacturing offers better quality and reliability for conventional products, but also makes possible entirely new products, especially where mechatronics, miniaturization and high performance are important. Describes the main ultra precision machining processes and illustrates how cutting and grinding have been stretched into the nanotechnology regime, especially for advanced ceramics, glasses and opto‐electronic materials.