Micro-machining Characteristics using Focused Ion Beam

집속이온빔에 의한 미세가공 특성

It is difficult to machine below 10 micrometers by conventional machining methods, such as micro-EDM. However, ultra micro machining using focused ion beam(FIB) is able to machine to 50 nanometers. In addition, 3 dimensional structures can be made by a combination of FIB and CVD to the level of 10 nanometers. Die ＆ moulds techniques are better than one-to-one machining techniques in the mass production of ultra size structures, in regards to production costs. In this case, the machining precision of die ＆ moulds affects produced parts. Also, it is advantageous to machine die ＆ moulds to the 10 micrometer level by FIB technique rather than other techniques. In this paper, the grooving characteristics for die ＆ mould materials by FIB were carried out experimentally in order to compare the machining characteristics of FIB with conventional machining methods. The results showed that the machining parameters and the scanning path of FIB affects the precision. The machined width and depth of the groove varied depending on the required depth due to the redeposition of the sputtered ion material accumulating on both the bottom and the side of the wall.