A Classification and Coding System for Micro-Assembly

This paper presents the development of a standard classification and coding system for micro-scale assembled devices that can link micro-assembly concepts and technologies to the attributes of the assembly components and their interrelationships that define the assembled device/product. The proposed system is based on an n-digit coding of both individual parts as well as the assembly. The coding scheme identifies a form code, a material code and a process code for both parts and the assembly and then partitions each into the relevant attributes. A specific example of coding of the parts of a miniature spin bearing has been considered to illustrate the applicability of the coding system.