Challenges to a micromanufacturing industry in Ireland. (17th July 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bates, Andrew M.; Hughes, Donal; Hussey, Martin; Connolly, Patrick T.
• Is Part Of: International journal of nanomanufacturing. Volume 1:Number 4(2007)
• Page Start: 537
• Page End: 544
• Publication Date: 2007-07-17
• Subjects: micromanufacturing -- Ireland -- nanomanufacturing -- microtechnology -- high technology manufacturing -- high tech manufacturing; Nanostructured materials industry -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-9392

Abstract

Micromanufacturing is a manufacturing technology platform, inspired by a global pursuit to produce miniaturised products and parts or products and features. This industrial sector is an area of rapid growth with high market share forecast for the future, however, at the moment very few Irish companies are creating microparts or working with microtechnology manufacturing methods. Despite this, many see micromanufacturing as having significant potential for high added-value products that can offset the loss of many traditional areas of manufacturing to other low-cost locations. Confidential interviews were carried out with 19 companies located in Ireland, selected from an industry network for micromanufacturing. The challenges companies faced in implementing microtechnology were discussed across the full range of areas necessary to bring a product to market. The results provide a summary of the various challenges faced by an industry trying to move towards high technology manufacturing methods.