What would our world look like in 1D or 2D? We find it hard to imagine, because our visual everyday life takes place in 3D. In recent years, three-dimensionality has become more and more of a reality in the modern high-tech world. How do designers and engineers in medical technology use this new design freedom of three-dimensionality?
The merging of mechanical and electronic features enables further miniaturization. The magic formula: 3D-MID – Mechatronic Integrated Devices.
Mechatronics is a term coined by the Japanese company Yaskawa in 1969. A combination of the words “mechanics” and “electronics”.
3D-MID refers to components that enable the integration or combination of mechanical and electronic functions in one component. The result is a mechatronic component with increased functional density. Hearing aids are an impressive example of how 3D-MID technology has dramatically changed devices in the medical world.
HARTING has become one of the pioneers and market leaders in 3D-MID technology, also called 3D-Circuits. The company is located in the heart of the Swiss watch industry in Biel.
How 3D-MID works
The components are manufactured in a multi-stage process, for which HARTING combines the complete process chain under one roof. At the beginning, there is an injection-molded component consisting of raw materials with a special LDS additive. LDS stands for Laser Direct Structuring and was developed by the German company LPKF in the 1990s. In this process, the laser beam strikes the additive on the surface of the plastic component and activates it for the subsequent process. The third step involves chemical metallization of the component, in which the conductive metal particles are deposited only on the previously lasered and thus activated area. The result is a three-dimensional conductive track design, exactly on the layout designed by the designer. If required, the final process step is to assemble the finished metallized component with the appropriate electronic components, for example by means of soldering, conductive bonding or bonding.
HARTING is the only supplier worldwide to combine the entire process chain “in-house”, everything under one roof, and thus achieve the demanding “Made in Switzerland” quality.
A few application examples
Because of its flexibility, 3D-MID technology is used in a wide range of medical applications, from pacemakers to robotic surgical devices.
The 3D-Circuits technology also enables the development and production of miniature devices for the examination, diagnosis and monitoring of a patient, due to which invasive treatments can be reduced or replaced, which contributes to a significant optimization of the patient’s well-being.
The latest hearing aids and implants, as well as surgical and dental instruments, are an example of how 3D-MID technology can replace the larger, previous devices and instruments with significantly more compact units.
The micro actuators and miniature sensors developed and produced in 3D Circuits technology drive miniaturization such as:
- Hand diagnostics, including ultrasound and blood tests
- Scientific instruments for flow cytometry, DNA identification, pathogen detection and DNA sequencing.
- Medical imaging with small, precise modules for lens control and laser tuning
- Implantable devices
- Mobile miniature robots
- Micropumps and auto-injectors for drug delivery.
(Source: Jabil)
Outpatient facilities are taking over more and more treatments from hospitals.
As a result, the ease of use of the technology, as well as the comfort for the patient, has become an important criterion.
The conventional hydraulics for motion control are also being replaced step by step by mechatronic components. This makes them easier to operate, causes less noise, weighs less and is more compact. The three-dimensional circuits make optimum use of the limited space and increase power density.
The 3D Circuits features in brief:
● Miniaturization of medical devices
● A very large design freedom and high precision
● Simplification of products and optimized power density
● Development of cost-effective disposable devices
● Mobility of the devices due to weight reduction
In conclusion
HARTING’s 3D-MID technology is leading to new solutions that will shape the healthcare of the future.
It supports and accelerates the development and manufacture of medical devices, with complex, integrated electronics in ever smaller spaces.
About HARTING
With its focus on 3D-MID technology, the family-owned company is internationally synonymous with the pioneering miniaturization of components while retaining their full performance. The focus of the family-owned company is on the pioneering miniaturization of components while retaining their full performance capability by combining electronic and mechanical functions in a single component.
In addition, with its 3D Circuits, HARTING AG is a leader in the transformation of innovations into cost-efficient series production and stands for high delivery capability.
MID experience since 2003 and complete in-house production enable the interdisciplinary team to create intelligent production concepts and ensures optimized process times – which in turn reduces overall costs.
The company is located in the innovative heart of the Swiss watch industry in Biel and stands by the quality promise: Swiss Made 3D Circuits
