Proceedings of the 1st CIRP Seminar on Micro and Nano Technology

The present Proceedings of the 1st International CIRP Seminar on Micro and Nano Technology is the result of a CIRP initiative taken by the Working Group on Micro/Nano Technology established in 2002. The CIRP initiative is a recognition of the large potentials that micro/nano technology has in improving/enhancing many of the existing products and in forming the basis of a long range of new next generation of products. Micro and nano technology are common phrases used to describe phenomena, components, products etc. related to small dimensions, usually based on functioning principles that integrate different scientific disciplines. Initiatives worldwide show the increasing focus from governments and industry because of the large potential of these technologies. The exploitation of the large potential, however, depends on the ability to industrially manufacture the products and make them accessible to a large group of customers. Therefore, product development and manufacture is very essential. Therefore this 1st CIRP Seminar represents an important milestone for design and industrial manufacture of products based on micro and nano technology. The Proceedings cover mostly new, interesting micro/nano manufacturing technologies but includes also important contributions concerning new product concepts.