Modular 3D Printed Microfluidic Systems: Design with Manufacturability in Mind
Noah Malmstadt,
Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science,
University of Southern California
Traditional approaches to microfluidic fabrication and modeling have relied on custom fabrication work flows that often focus on limited runs of one-off devices. This has led to a high cost that has limited the adaption of microfluidic systems for real-world applications. We have been developing an alternate approach to microfluidic fabrication that focuses on manufacturing modular components which are then assembled into microfluidic analytical systems. Each component can be manufactured in large production runs and the resulting manufacturing tolerances can be analyzed statistically. We have developed a stochastic model that uses these tolerances to facilitate a full design workflow that allows for us to specify the operational envelop of the completed system. This approach also allows for the direct incorporation of off-the-shelf electronic and mechanical components, providing functionality at low cost and using parts with well documented performance characteristics. While our current manufacturing workflow is based on stereolithographic 3D printing, this approach can easily be adapted to other low-cost manufacturing techniques, including injection molding, embossing, and machining.
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