Cost effective micro-system assembly automation

Assembly represents an important part of the total product cost, not least for micro-systems. Fundamental differences between the assembly of usual-size and micro-system products are shown, as well as their consequences on automation and equipment. The newness of micro-assembly makes it difficult to apprehend, due to lack of experience, references and tried-and-tested techniques. A new approach is proposed in this paper, consisting in comparing micro-system assembly with the well-known assembly of small usual-size products