Blogs
Measuring the Step Height Thickness of Non- Woven Conductive Films
Establishing and maintaining product quality throughout the production process is a common challenge of all manufacturers. How does an organization ensure the optimal output from their production lines, especially in real time? Key to this is strong non-destructive measurement practices that can take place at various points along the production process. The case study below is an example of how this was done at Saint-Gobain to measure the thickness and density of foam materials. They engaged with MTI's team of experts as their current direction was proving cost-prohibitive. Saint-Gobain's R&D organization, led by Dr. Mickael Boinet, found a solution [...]
Measurements with Capacitance Gage for Sub-Nanometer Thermal Expansion Characterization
MTI Instruments contracted an independent Metrology expert to test and verify the performance of a new high resolution capacitance gauge. The Accumeasure HD has passed in house testing where its performance was tested against a commercial laser interferometer (See Application Note). Optical Metrology Solutions (OMS) was chosen based on their extensive experience and proximity to MTI’s manufacturing plant. OMS was tasked with designing a challenging experiment to verify the accuracy and resolution of the MTI Accumeasure HD capacitance system that could also be encountered in a typical customer application. Their experiment explored the ability to measure sub-nonometer thermal expansion [...]
How Aircraft Operators Reduce Downtime While “Sweating the Assets”
In a recent article called “UPS Gives Old Jets New Life,” Bloomberg reports how United Parcel Service (UPS) is replacing the cockpit computers on its Airbus SE freighters in order to reduce downtime, increase productivity, and avoid large capital expenses. Known as “sweating the assets,” this business strategy is also benefitting the two aviation maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) organizations that are performing the computer upgrades. “Doing such work,” writes Bloomberg’s Thomas Black, “is a huge potential market.” As the article explains, UPS purchased flight computers for over 50 Airbus A300-600 jets some twenty years ago. However, the memory [...]
MTI Instruments’ PBS-4100+ Series Training Eligible for FAA Training Credit
MTI Instruments' PBS-4100+ Series Training Now Eligible for Credit Under William (Bill) O'Brien Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Awards Program ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MTI Instruments, Inc. (MTI Instruments), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mechanical Technology, Incorporated (OTCQB:MKTY), today announced that its training course on the PBS-4100+ engine vibration measurement and balancing system is now credit-eligible under the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) William (Bill) O'Brien Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Awards Program. With the new credit designation, MTI Instrument's course, "Vibration Analysis and Engine Balancing Using the PBS-4100 System," can earn an eligible individual up to 16 hours of credit towards AMT Awards issued through the FAA [...]
MTI’s Accumeasure HD Amplifier vs. Laser Interferometer
Achieving high resolution and accuracy for very small displacement measurements is generally an expensive and complex undertaking. The typical instrument of choice for achieving the accuracy required (picometer resolution with nanometer accuracy) is a laser interferometer. However, MTI Instruments Accumeasure D200HD Amplifier provides exceptional accuracy and stability while coming in at significant cost savings with ease of use. We decided to pit the AccumeasureHD vs a Laser Interferometer and compare results. Specifically, this comparison focuses on minimum expected resolution and the effects of noise on accuracy. Micro positioning applications include measuring the mask height of semiconductor wafers during lithography. The [...]
Wafer Backgrinding and Semiconductor Thickness Measurements
Wafer backgrinding is the first step in semiconductor packaging, the process of encasing one or more discrete semiconductor devices or integrated circuits (IC) for protection. Known also as wafer thinning or wafer lapping, backgrinding reduces wafer thickness to allow stacking and high-density IC packaging. Wafer thickness also determines package height, an important consideration as smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices become thinner. With MEMS, wafer thinning also controls the proof mass for devices such as accelerometers or the diaphragm thickness for pressure sensors. Etching the surface of the wafer produces the IC but grinding the backside is what produces [...]
The Growing Need for Industry 4.0 Testing and Validation Tools
Industry 4.0 means that manufacturers need to test and validate more sensors. MTI Instruments 1510A portable signal generator can help. Industry 4.0 is spurring a dramatic increase in the number of sensors that manufacturers need to install, test, validate, and maintain. Although these industrial sensors are packaged to withstand harsh environments, they’re still susceptible to performance-related problems. Whether it’s to support predictive maintenance, asset monitoring, or process automation, proper testing and validation is required to keep systems running smoothly. Otherwise, the data that sensors collect won’t enable the operators of smart factories to make the right decisions. Smart [...]
Silicon Carbide vs. Silicon in EV Power Electronics
Compare silicon carbide vs. silicon for electric vehicle (EV) power electronics and learn about SiC wafer measurement. As demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow, manufacturers are comparing two semiconductor technologies, silicon carbide and silicon, for power electronics applications. Silicon carbide (SiC) provides the high temperature resistance, low power consumption, rigidity, and support for smaller, thinner designs that EV power electronics need. Examples of SiC’s current applications include on-board DC/DC converters, off-board DC fast chargers, on-board battery chargers, EV powertrains, and automotive lighting for LEDs. According to Automotive World, SiC technology could also drive future EV innovations [...]
EV Batteries Need Thickness Gauging for Lower Costs and Higher Performance
EV batteries need to cost less and last longer. Until the e-mobility industry solves these challenges, electric vehicle (EV) adoption won’t match the hype that’s driven by Tesla, the established automakers, and a host of startups who are attracting investors. According to Axios, the expense of owning an electric vehicle will exceed that of owning a conventional one until EV batteries cost less than $100/KWh to produce. Unfortunately, the EV industry isn’t expected to hit that target for another ten years. Yet, there is some encouraging news. Less expensive and better performing EV batteries are just a few years [...]
Transducer Selection for High Resolution Applications
High resolution applications do not always require an interferometer. If you want to make accurate measurements in the micron to picometer range, then an MTI Digital Accumeasure D100 HD or D200 system may be what you need. Laser interferometers can sell for more than $15,000 and be difficult to setup. For example, you may have to buy additional optics to guarantee a good return signal since the laser beam must reflect off a mirror surface or precision retro reflector in order for the beam to re-enter the interferometer’s optics at less than a degree of reflection angle. The downsides [...]







