MEMS
Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is the technology of the very small, yet not within the realm of Molecular nanotechnology.
MEMS devices refer to mechanical components on the micrometre size and include 3D lithographic features of various geometries. They are typically manufactured using planar processing such as semiconductor photolithography. These micro devices generally range in size from a micrometre (a millionth of a metre) to a millimetre (thousandth of a metre. They are fabricated using modified silicon fabrication technology (used to make electronics), molding and plating, electro discharge machining (EDM), and other technologies capable of manufacturing very small devices.
Companies with strong MEMS programs include both large companies and small companies. The larger firms specialize in developing a large volume of inexpensive core components for large end market such as automobiles and electronics. The successful small firms provide value in innovative solutions and absorb the expensive of custom fabication with high sales margins.
Common applications are the inkjet printers on many home and office desks, which uses MEMS actuators to deposit the ink on the paper; the accelerometers in modern cars used to deploy airbags in collision accidents; car tire pressure sensors; and small motion sensors. The DLP video projection technology is a MEMS device. MEMS sometimes go by the names micromechanics, micro machines, or micro system technology (MST). MEMS technology is used for optical switching technology for data communications.
Finite element analysis is an important part of MEMS design.