CONCORD, Mass., Feb. 16, 2005 – SolidWorks Corporation today began offering its customers access to a new service to more quickly, easily, and affordably design and test more sophisticated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), microdevices, and microscopic mechanical parts.

SolidWorks Corporation has joined forces with Microfabrica Inc., the leader in microdevice fabrication, and MOSIS, the leader in low-cost integrated circuit prototyping via multi-project runs, to offer the new service, called EFAB™ Access. It is the first service to provide the tools to quickly and economically design and prototype 3D MEMS and microdevices.

EFAB Access is based on Microfabrica's breakthrough technology for manufacturing complex 3D microdevices by depositing many metal layers with micron precision. The service for the first time allows companies, universities, research labs, and individuals to use 3D mechanical design software to design and manufacture MEMS and microdevices as part of a single solution. SolidWorks® software is the recommended design software for EFAB Access and enables viewing of 3D micro geometry as it will appear when fabricated in layers.

EFAB Access enables designers and engineers to create “true 3D” devices in at least four times as many layers as traditional MEMS processes allow. In addition, these devices are made from conventional engineering materials such as nickel and copper – not just silicon.

EFAB Access leverages MOSIS's unique multi-project run fabrication process, which aggregates multiple, typically unrelated projects from multiple designers on the same wafer. Normally, each customer requires a wafer dedicated to a single device, driving the cost beyond the reach of many organizations.

“There are virtually unlimited applications for making devices, components, and systems smaller, lighter, more mobile, and less power-hungry,” said Adam Cohen, executive vice president, technology, and CTO, of Microfabrica. “Components for cell phones and other mobile electronic devices are being forced to become smaller and smaller, and the principle holds true across a surprising range of industries. Without SolidWorks software and EFAB Access, MEMS are traditionally two-and-one-half-dimensional devices at best, with limited applications. EFAB Access enables the fabrication of true 3D devices, and SolidWorks powers the process on the front end by enabling full 3D design – as well as design analysis with COSMOSWorks® integrated analysis software.”

MEMS are defined as devices having features in the range of several microns that combine electrical and mechanical functions for an expansive range of innovative applications in communications, consumer products, military/aerospace systems, information technology, automotive, biotech, chemical/industrial, and more. Applications include wireless components and systems, motion and pressure sensors, inkjet printer cartridges, drug delivery devices, flat screen displays, valves, and pumps. MEMS markets are expected to reach $5.4 billion in 2005, according to the Dublin-based Research and Markets research firm.

EFAB Access participants will submit their designs to MOSIS, which will prepare the wafer layout for Microfabrica. MOSIS has initially scheduled three EFAB Access runs in 2005, and the deadline to submit designs for the first multi-project run is March 21, 2005. For specific requirements, pricing, and additional information, visit www.efabaccess.com or www.mosis.org/efabaccess.

One of Microfabrica's customers, Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], is using the EFAB process to develop RF filters for aerospace applications at its Missiles and Fire Control business in Orlando, Fla. Using Lockheed Martin's specifications, Microfabrica Inc., designed a millimeter-wave bandpass filter using SolidWorks 3D mechanical design software and met the company's goals of reduced mass and increased performance.  

Microfabrica has done similar work for the Air Force Research Laboratory's Antenna Technology Unit.

“Smaller can indeed be better, and that doesn't just apply to cell phones,” said Jeff Ray, SolidWorks chief operating officer. “For the first time, small devices can be powerful, yet sophisticated and geometrically complex. In conjunction with Microfabrica and MOSIS, SolidWorks software can help engineers when they cross into the microdevice world using the same design tools and principles as in the macro world. We hope to help lead the MEMS market just as we have the 3D mechanical design market.”