Mechanical Testing of Miniature Parts, Techniques, and Methods: A ‎Review

Abstract

Micro component testing has become increasingly popular over the last twenty years, largely due to the reduction in system and device sizes. The continuous evolution of technologies such as medical and bioengineering, microelectromechanical systems, and aerospace has imposed an imperative need to improve mechanical testing methods for small components. These industries need intricate and complex parts, which require improving the methods of testing to accommodate such small sizes. The latest review examines the current methods and techniques of mechanical testing of micro components, regarding their adaptation to incredibly small components. More than one hundred studies in this field were summarized and reviews the recent developments in the field of micro component testing, in addition to focusing on the methods and techniques used. In addition, highlighting future challenges and research paths that contribute to the development of these technologies were highlighted. These insights offer valuable guidelines for researchers, engineers, and technologists working in precision manufacturing, such as micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), electronics, semiconductors, and biomedical device development. Future work can focus on destructive and non-destructive testing methods, associated with computational modeling.