Towards synthesis of micro-/nano-systems: the 11th International Conference on Precision Engineering (ICPE) August 16-18, 2006, Tokyo, Japan

At the beginning of the 21^st century, manufacturing industry is faced with new challenges stemming from globalization and the need for environmental sustainability. The progress of micro-/nano technology means that precision engineering is now considered to be one of the core disciplines necessary for coping with the sometimes severe requirements of new product and system development. From basic research to practical applications, advanced process-technological methods for the design and synthesis of micro-/nano-systems are becoming more and more important. This collection of papers, presented at 11^th International Conference on Precision Engineering, includes high-quality papers for industrial and scientific sources, discusses leading-edge technologies and forecasts future trends. Topics covered include but are not limited to:

• advanced manufacturing systems;

• ultra-precision- and micro-machining;

• nanotechnology for fabrication and measurement;

• rapid prototyping and production technology;

• new materials and advanced processes;

• computer-aided production engineering;

• manufacturing process control;

• planning and scheduling for production and

• CAD/CAE/CAM.

Taken together, this volume is an up-to-date source of knowledge, a basis of further work for researchers and scientists, and also a good reference for graduate students in studying ideas and techniques related to precision engineering.