Case Study: Zyvex Corporation achieves rapid MEMS design and a miniaturized SEM prototype with Altair FEA tools

Zyvex engineers use finite-element analysis to build microscopically small devices

Zyvex Corporation, a pioneer in molecular nanotechnology based in Richardson, TX, develops MEMS-based microassembly tools and 3D microstructures for aerospace, healthcare and electronics. Facing long microfabrication cycles and the complexity of designing compliant, de-tetherable microconnectors and microgrippers at micron and sub-micron scales, Zyvex turned to Altair for advanced CAE support, using Altair’s HyperMesh/HyperView tools within the HyperWorks suite to drive their FEA-driven design process.

Using Altair HyperMesh for focused meshing and Altair HyperView for visualization and virtual design review, Altair enabled Zyvex to accelerate development, reduce costly fabrication iterations, and validate complex 3D electrothermal and electrostatic models. The work supported commercially released Zyvex Microgrippers with features as small as five microns and a prototyped SEM micro-column with a footprint under one square centimeter and a 30 nm beam focus, demonstrating measurable reductions in development time and increased design confidence thanks to Altair’s tools.

Zyvex Corporation

Zoran Jandric

Mechanical Engineer