Micro/nano technology challenges and training opportunities

The modern micro/nano technology (MNT) challenges require new engineering knowledge and skills. In micro-engineering and micro-systems technologies most of the product developments are material or process centred. However, most of the available engineering materials for MNTs and Micro-Electro-Mechanical systems (MEMS) processes will not be able to meet the manufacturing demands for 3D high-aspect-ratio nano/micro structures and high precision. Thus, to broaden the range of micro-engineering products the introduction of new specific materials is necessary as well as study of the process capabilities that are reasonably compatible with the batch-fabrication. Some practical guidelines for characterisation of the micro structured surfaces and features achievable by the particular processes are presented in the paper. The purpose of the presented information is to assist the design and manufacturing engineers in specifying the essential requirements for such surfaces, including material and dimensional/geometrical properties using appropriate standards. On the other hand the paper summarises some data concerning required knowledge about material morphology, synthesis and processing which is necessary for defining the technological capabilities. This information could assist the development of various processing chains and the evaluation of the resulting final product quality. The paper concerns the most important feature in the content of the training and education programmes in master level of higher education courses that will enhance the knowledge and skills of the MNT engineers in terms of the global challenges.