Foldback (binder) clips, paper clips, hair grip, nail clippers. The common feature of these everyday spring-clip items is that their function depends on flexure, that is, the bending or deformation of an element of their construction. In engineering terms they are compliant mechanisms, converting and transmitting movements and forces by the deflection or elastic deformation of their flexible members rather than through the movement of joints alone as in rigid mechanisms. Miniaturised compliant mechanisms are finding applications in the growing area of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) involving components such as sensors, microsensors. microactuators. They have significant advantages with fewer parts, lower production costs, elimination of friction and high precision.