FROM AIRBAGS TO PRINTERS

Silicon could save your life. If you are ever unfortunate enough to crash your car – and lucky enough to drive one with an "airbag" – your safety and well-being may depend on a micromachined silicon sensor detecting the deceleration in time. This is just one example of where tiny mechanical components made from silicon, such as gear wheels and cantilever beams, are beginning to have an impact on everyday life. Other areas where micro machined silicon components are becoming big business include ink-jet printers and pressure sensors for measuring blood pressure.