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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Micro and Precision Engineering Research Group		 K.U.Leuven
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Micro and Precision Engineering Research Group - Home

* News & events

Speed record:
1.2 million rpm on air bearings

 Press release: 6 May 2010
On national television: VTM evening news, 7 May 2010
More detailed and scientific info

* Micro-engineering

Micro-engineering stands for all activities in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). Designing of hybrid microsystems combining sensors, actuators, and local intelligence is the main research item. Topics of interest include microproduction technologies, micro-actuator technologies, as well as applications of microsystems.

From the side of production technologies, research is mainly focused on micro-electro-discharge machining (micro-EDM), more specifically for machining silicon and technical ceramics. Besides, also micromilling of ceramics is investigated. Both techniques allow the manufacturing of complex three-dimensional microstructures and are not bound to crystal orientations as in the case of certain photolithographic techniques.


Figure 1: Micropropeller produced by EDM, diameter 1 mm.

Investigated actuator technologies include shape memory alloy, piezoelectric, and electromagnetic micro-actuation.

Application oriented research topics include medical applications, advanced writing tools, and a microturbine for electric power generation. The medical applications include an implantable system for delivery of liquid drugs, a bending actuator for a self-propelling endoscope for intervention in the colon, and endoscopic tools and optical systems.
* Precision engineering

Precision engineering research is founded on a long tradition in air bearing design. Current activities concentrate on the design and development of high-speed electro-spindles, using passive and active air bearings. New grinding methods (HSC, ELID) combine an accurate surface shape control with high removal rates, high surface quality, and no sub-surface damage. This requires sub-micron tracking control of the motion of the tool relative to the workpiece. Therefore, a stiff and accurate positioning system based on a piezoelectric stepping principle with a hybrid position, speed and force control is being developed.


Figure 2: The piezostepper.
* Contact
prof. dr. ir. Dominiek Reynaerts
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Division PMA
Celestijnenlaan 300B, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
Tel: +32 16 322640
Fax: +32 16 322987
* Events
PowerMEMS workshop,
11th Int. Workshop on Micro and Nanotechnology for Power Generation and Energy Conversion Applications

Nov 15 - Nov 18, 2011, Seoul, Republic of Korea

PowerMEMS workshop,
10th Int. Workshop on Micro and Nanotechnology for Power Generation and Energy Conversion Applications

Nov. 30 - Dec. 3, 2010, Leuven, Belgium

4M Conference,
Int. Conf. on Multi-Material Micro Manufacturing
17th - 19th November 2010
Cardiff, UK

Symposium "Ultra-Precision Positioning Systems - Piezo drive systems as an enabling technology for future automation, biomedical, manufacturing and metrological applications"
November 17, 2008
Leuven, Belgium
K.U.Leuven - Claim Copyright © Katholieke Universiteit Leuven | Comments on content:
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URL: http://www.mech.kuleuven.be/micro/index.en.html