Abstract
Concepts of microfactories consisting of microdevices made by micromachine technologies are discussed. A microfactory is a small production system whose size is very small with respect to the dimensions of the small products. Typical examples of microfactories are classified according to production types. Microfactory systems have a great possibility to innovate the production systems of small products by making the best use of the inherent properties of the systems such as miniaturized facilities, mobility and flexibility. The microfactory saves energy, manufacturing space and mineral resources with decreasing size of the factory facilities.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 5 August 1996 / Accepted:19 August 1996
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kawahara, N., Suto, T., Hirano, T. et al. Microfactories; new applications of micromachine technology to the manufacture of small products. Microsystem Technologies 3, 37–41 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s005420050052
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s005420050052