The Liberalization of Microfluidics: Form 2 Benchtop 3D Printing as an Affordable Alternative to Established Manufacturing Methods

• Published in: Physica status solidi. A, Applications and materials science Applications and materials science, 2020-07, Vol.217 (13), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Heidt, Benjamin, Rogosic, Renato, Bonni, Silvio, Passariello-Jansen, Juliette, Dimech, David, Lowdon, Joseph W., Arreguin-Campos, Rocio, Steen Redeker, Erik, Eersels, Kasper, Diliën, Hanne, van Grinsven, Bart, Cleij, Thomas J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3-D printers; 3D printing; Form 2; Formlabs; Microfluidics; Open channels; Printers; Production methods; Prototyping; Three dimensional printing
• ISSN: 1862-6300; 1862-6319
• DOI: 10.1002/pssa.201900935

In laboratory environments, 3D printing is used for fast prototyping of assays and devices. Stereolithographic (SLA) 3D printers are proven to be the best choice for most researchers due to their small feature size, which is achieved by selectively curing liquid resin using a laser with a small focal point and then forming consecutive layers out of cured polymer. However, in microfluidic applications, where the limits of these machines are reached, the final results are influenced by many factors. In this work, the Form 2 SLA printer is tested to show how to achieve the best printing results for the creation of microfluidic channels. Several test structures are designed and printed with embedded and open channels in different orientations, sizes, and resins. Embedded channels significantly under perform when compared with open surface channels in terms of accuracy. Under the best printing conditions, 500 μm is the limit for embedded channels, whereas the open surface channels show good accuracy up to widths and depths of 250 μm. Herein, the Form 2 SLA printer is analyzed in terms of the creation of microfluidic channels. Several test structures are designed and printed with embedded and open channels in different orientations, sizes, and resins. The results of the study indicate that the printer is used for both embedded (500 μm) and open surface channels (250 μm).