06. Micromechanical gears
Electron microscopy

Two planetary gear components from a miniature electrical motor. The parts were made from a reservoir of an acrylic liquid, which was polymerized in the areas where computer-guided lasers were aimed at it.

Planetary gears comprise a series of gears around a central (sun) gear, allowing all the gears to share an axis. Coloured scanning electron micrograph, Magnification: x30.