01. Microtechnique: Micro-propeller
Electron microscopy

This micro-Propeller is made entirely by computer-aided lasers. The specifications of the propeller were entered into a computer. A reservoir of an acrylic liquid was then solidified by the light from the computer-controlled laser. The beam caused the liquid's molecules to polymerise and solidify as it passed through, building up the propeller in layers around 1 micrometre thick. This process allowed tiny components to be made cheaply and accurately. This propeller was made in 1998. The technique has since been improved to give far greater precision. Coloured scanning electron micrograph, Magnification: x30.