Computer-aided design techniques available

The introduction of computers to many companies allows proprietary software to be used for layout design. Spreadsheet, mathematical modeling and computer-aided design (CAD) techniques are available and greatly assist the design process, and have added to the resources available to planners. However, the traditional scale models described above will still be useful to present the result to management and shop floor personnel. 

An elastomeric stamp or mold with relief structures on its surface is the key to soft lithographic techniques (see Sect. 3.2). As a result, the utility of these techniques is often limited by the availability of appropriate masters. In general, the masters are fabricated using photolithography. Chrome masks are available commercially from custom fabricators,but the time required for vendors to produce a chrome mask from a design presented in a computer aided design (CAD) file can be weeks, and they are expensive ( 300 per square inch for features larger than 20 pm, and 500 - 1000 per square inch for features between 1 and... 

Gaining from this technique requires skill with computer aided design (CAD) software, as well as the availability of a rapid prototyping machine (Exhibit 42.1). Therefore, you may need the help of someone who is versed and knowledgeable in this arena and its associated technologies. 

---