Non-Conventional Technologies Selection

Micro-engineering is nowadays a key industrial area with applications is a wide range of products and sectors. The need for a multiplicity of products fostered the development of several processes and combinations of processes in the world of micro-engineering. There are different feasible alternatives to produce the same kind of product. The manufacturing cost is usually the decision factor to select the best alternative among them. But cost is affected by dozens of factors and if not properly modelled causes controversy in so complex decisions. In this chapter, the application of process-based cost modelling is proposed as the engine to identify the best performance spaces for each alternative, using its potential for sensitive analysis of uncertain and/or critical parameters. To illustrate the approach, a case study is developed analyzing four alternatives for the production of a light diffuser with micro-features imbibed, involving micro-injection molding, hot-embossing, micromachining, and powder-injection molding.