Zyvex’s Automated Micro/Nano-Assembly Capabilities
(Automated Tools)

Summary

Zyvex’s Automated Tools mission is to enable automated manipulation & assembly of micro, nano, and molecular scale components, for applications ranging from research to high volume manufacturing. To accelerate your time-to-market for micro- and nanoscale systems, Zyvex provides the following capabilities:

• Automated precision assembly of millimeter- and microscale components into unique systems (hybrid assembly)
• Automated manipulation of nano- and molecular scale components for research and development of novel structures
• Microscale grippers, actuators, connectors, and automated systems
• Contract application development for precision automated assembly and manipulation techniques

Background

Micro/Nano Automation Development

Zyvex is developing automated manipulation and assembly of micro, nano, and molecular scale components, for applications ranging from research to high volume manufacturing. The program was initiated to develop the capabilities outlined above.

The current capital equipment reality is that very high precision in assembly equipment demands a very high cost premium, and ever more elaborate schemes are required to assure system accuracy. Further, the macro schemes currently employed cannot deliver massively parallel processing. No firm has yet developed a cost effective solution to this macroscale model, but microscale tooling has the potential to deliver a cost effective solution.

Two related and often-quoted assumptions are: 1) That the world of precision automation will require higher and higher accuracy, and 2) That the world of precision automation will require an ability to handle smaller and smaller parts. These assumptions and realities result in the point that many small/ precision parts are “too expensive to make,” thus significantly postponing their market introduction.

Advanced microassembly techniques present manufacturers with the opportunity to rapidly bring complex microscale devices to market, by assembling heterogeneous sub-assemblies into unique systems. These same techniques, when automated and optimized for high-throughput and parallel processing, can then be employed to achieve a very low cost per part.
Zyvex was formed to become the leading worldwide supplier of tools, products, and services that enable adaptable, affordable, and molecularly precise manufacturing. As the first molecular nanotechnology company, we have a responsibility to provide the tools necessary to carry out research and product development. Zyvex has begun commercialization of its microassembly capabilities and tooling, to provide these capabilities in various products and services.

Your success is our number one priority. We’re here to help you exploit the capabilities of automated micro/nano assembly for development and sale of novel products. We offer access to our applications development engineers, use of our growing application development lab, installation, user training, technical support, and a variety of application notes for the system. As a Zyvex customer, you will always have immediate access to our latest tools and sample capabilities.

Zyvex also works closely with various partners to meet the growing micro/nano manufacturing needs of the global market. Utilizing the recently launched Zyvex Partner Program, we develop products, develop techniques and processes, manufacture systems, and distribute and support systems worldwide. Our micro/nano assembly capabilities and systems help you quickly bring new products to market.

What is micro/nano-manufacturing?

The Zyvex definition of micro/nano manufacturing is: The precision assembly and handling of components smaller than 3mm, and requiring assembly accuracies ±10 µm - ±1Å.

What is automated micro/nano-manufacturing?

Automated micro/nano assembly is the process of performing micro/nano assembly operations using a software-controlled robotic system. The robotic system consists of robotics, a graphical user interface, end-effector tooling, system software, and any required peripheral tooling or sub-systems.

How is automated micro/nano-assembly useful?

By employing automated micro/nano-manufacturing systems and techniques:

• Current precision manufacturing operations can be accomplished at a significantly lower cost
• Novel new systems can be manufactured (that cannot be manufactured using conventional manufacturing equipment and techniques)
• Ongoing micro/nano scale research can be conducted at much higher throughput
• The flexibility and versatility of robotic manipulation facilitates numerous scientific experiments (e.g., nanostructure research, materials testing, micro-and nano positioning and assembly)

What capabilities do you offer for automated micro/nano assembly?

To accelerate your time-to-market for micro and nano-scale systems, Zyvex provides the following capabilities:

• Automated precision assembly of millimeter and micro-scale components into unique systems (hybrid assembly)
• Automated manipulation of nano- and molecular-scale components for research and development of novel structures
• Automated data collection, storage, and mining
• Micro and nanoscale end effectors such as grippers, probe tips
• Micro and nanoscale actuators such as linear and rotational steppors
• Micro and nanoscale connectors
• Complete automated systems
• Contract application development for precision automated assembly and manipulation techniques.

Who are the typical users of automated micro/ nano assembly?

Firms engaged in precision assembly and manufacturing of miniature components, biomedical companies and labs engaged in the manipulation and testing of bio-materials, scientific laboratories in academic, government, and corporate research facilities. Particularly, nanotechnology researchers that characterize, manipulate, assemble, and test micro/nano structures.

How does Zyvex micro/nano automation capabilities and products compare to other automation tools?

Zyvex micro/nano automation solutions provide unique solutions to problems faced by the newest generation of researchers and precision/ small form factor component manufacturers. Our micro grippers and micro actuators provide a previously unavailable capability for small component assembly and manipulation; in a previously unheard of form factor. Researchers and manufacturers demand integrated system solutions, so we are offering capabilities and systems that:

• Cost significantly less money than conventional automated manufacturing systems
• Consume dramatically less floor space in valuable manufacturing facilities
• Provide first-ever microgripper and microactuator functionality

Zyvex integrated micro/nano automation capabilities combine robotic actuation, computer control, MicroEffectors tools, and NanoEffector™ tools.

What are MicroEffectors and NanoEffectors™?

Zyvex offers a growing variety of MicroEffectors and NanoEffectors™ for use as robotic end effectors with Zyvex micro/nano automation systems. These end effectors are the critical interface between the robotic actuation system and the work being carried out.

What different types of MicroEffectors™ and NanoEffectors™ are available?

Zyvex MicroEffectors and NanoEffectors™ fall into five general categories:

• Ultra-sharp probes
• Optical end effectors
• Microgrippers
• Thermal sprayers for use with electron beam deposition
• Micro actuators

Custom applications or requests for specific designs are welcome. We are eager to work with users to develop new MicroEffector and NanoEffector™ designs.

Can the MicroEffectors™ NanoEffectors™ be easily changed?

Zyvex Micro/NanoEffectors™ are designed to be quick-swappable. Each Micro/ NanoEffector™ simply plugs into a standard connection socket on the robotic actuator. No special tools are needed for installing or changing NanoEffectors™.

What are Micro/ NanoEffectors™ made of?

Micro/NanoEffectors™ are constructed from a variety of materials to suit the particular application for which they are intended. Materials can be vacuum compatible or non-magnetic.

What are sample carriers and what are the different designs?

Sample carriers can form the foundation for micro and nanotechnology experiments, and can serve as workholder substrates for assembly and manipulation. Researchers and manufacturers have very diverse needs for component handling and assembly. Zyvex’s sample carrier designs are designed to suit these diverse needs. All sample carriers can be easily transferred to and from the automation systems.

Zyvex sample carriers fall into four general categories:

• TEM grid based sample carriers (transferable to standard TEM sample rods)
• Microfabricated sample carriers made from various materials with special physical features (e.g., molecularly flat surfaces, sample material trays, alignment troughs, separation grids, intersecting channels, coated surfaces)
• Microfabricated sample carriers made from various materials with special electrical features (e.g., electrical traces or wires, electrodes, bond pads, inductive coils)
• Custom applications or requests for specific designs are welcome. We are eager to work with users to develop new sample carrier designs

Can the sample carriers be cleaned and reused?

Yes, the sample carriers can be cleaned in a solvent such as acetone and reused.

How long will the sample carriers last?

The sample carriers are made of metal, silicon, or a combination of both (depending on the application). These materials are very durable and will be useful for many experiments if cleaned and stored properly.

Can the sample carriers be heated?

Yes, the sample carriers can be heated up to 500 degrees Celsius.

Do the sample carriers have special handling instructions/precautions?

Depending on the application, the sample carriers may need to be handled with tweezers by users wearing latex gloves. In this case, sample carriers should be stored in the special containers. No other special procedures are needed. However, certain samples on the carriers may require special handling (as determined by the user).

For more information, please contact sales@zyvex.com.

back to top