scholarly journals Mail-order microfluidics: evaluation of stereolithography for the production of microfluidic devices

Lab on a Chip ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 1294-1301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony K. Au ◽  
Wonjae Lee ◽  
Albert Folch
Keyword(s):  
Soft Lithography ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Mail Order ◽  
The Cost

We explore the three-dimensional capabilities, resolution, and optical clarity of microfluidic devices fabricated by stereolithography using a mail-order service, and we compare the cost and prototyping speed of soft lithography with those of stereolithography.

A Very Low-Cost, Labor-Efficient, and Simple Method to Block Scattered Ultraviolet Light in PDMS Microfluidic Devices by Inserting Aluminum Foil Strips

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuo Wang ◽  
Peter Shankles ◽  
Scott Retterer ◽  
Yong Tae Kang ◽  
Chang Kyoung Choi
Keyword(s):  
Soft Lithography ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Aluminum Foil ◽  
Material Synthesis ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Micro Particles ◽  
Complex Shapes ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Opto-microfluidic methods have advantages for manufacturing complex shapes or structures of micro particles/hydrogels. Most of these microfluidic devices are made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by soft lithography because of its flexibility of designing and manufacturing. However, PDMS scatters ultraviolet (UV) light, which polymerizes the photocrosslinkable materials at undesirable locations and clogs the microfluidic devices. A fluorescent dye has previously been employed to absorb the scattered UV light and shift its wavelength to effectively solve this issue. However, this method is limited due to the cost of the materials (tens of dollars per microchip), the time consumed on synthesizing the fluorescent material and verifying its quality (two to three days). More importantly, significant expertise on material synthesis and characterization is required for users of the opto-microfluidic technique. The cost of preliminary testing on multiple iterations of different microfluidic chip designs would also be excessive. Alternatively, with a delicate microchannel design, we simply inserted aluminum foil strips (AFS) inside the PDMS device to block the scattered UV light. By using this method, the UV light was limited to the exposure region so that the opto-microfluidic device could consistently generate microgels longer than 6 h. This is a nearly cost- and labor-free method to solve this issue.

scholarly journals Rapid and Inexpensive Fabrication of Multi-Depth Microfluidic Device using High-Resolution LCD Stereolithographic 3D Printing

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Mohamed ◽  
Hitendra Kumar ◽  
Zongjie Wang ◽  
Nicholas Martin ◽  
Barry Mills ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Soft Lithography ◽  
Liquid Crystal Display ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Droplet Generator ◽  
Rapid Fabrication ◽  
Printing System

With the dramatic increment of complexity, more microfluidic devices require 3D structures, such as multi-depth and -layer channels. The traditional multi-step photolithography is time-consuming and labor-intensive and also requires precise alignment during the fabrication of microfluidic devices. Here, we present an inexpensive, single-step, and rapid fabrication method for multi-depth microfluidic devices using a high-resolution liquid crystal display (LCD) stereolithographic (SLA) three-dimensional (3D) printing system. With the pixel size down to 47.25 μm, the feature resolutions in the horizontal and vertical directions are 150 μm and 50 μm, respectively. The multi-depth molds were successfully printed at the same time and the multi-depth features were transferred properly to the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) having multi-depth channels via soft lithography. A flow-focusing droplet generator with a multi-depth channel was fabricated using the presented 3D printing method. Experimental results show that the multi-depth channel could manipulate the morphology and size of droplets, which is desired for many engineering applications. Taken together, LCD SLA 3D printing is an excellent alternative method to the multi-step photolithography for the fabrication of multi-depth microfluidic devices. Taking the advantages of its controllability, cost-effectiveness, and acceptable resolution, LCD SLA 3D printing can have a great potential to fabricate 3D microfluidic devices.

scholarly journals Three-Dimensional Printed Devices in Droplet Microfluidics

Micromachines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Ming Zhang ◽  
Qinglei Ji ◽  
Huiling Duan
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Droplet Formation ◽  
Droplet Microfluidics ◽  
Current Development ◽  
Three Dimensional Printing ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Novel Structures ◽  
Dimensional Printing

Droplet microfluidics has become the most promising subcategory of microfluidics since it contributes numerous applications to diverse fields. However, fabrication of microfluidic devices for droplet formation, manipulation and applications is usually complicated and expensive. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) provides an exciting alternative to conventional techniques by simplifying the process and reducing the cost of fabrication. Complex and novel structures can be achieved via 3DP in a simple and rapid manner, enabling droplet microfluidics accessible to more extensive users. In this article, we review and discuss current development, opportunities and challenges of applications of 3DP to droplet microfluidics.

scholarly journals Study of Microchannels Fabricated Using Desktop Fused Deposition Modeling Systems

Micromachines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Muhammad Asif Ali Rehmani ◽  
Swapna A. Jaywant ◽  
Khalid Mahmood Arif
Keyword(s):  
Soft Lithography ◽  
Fused Deposition Modeling ◽  
Complex Geometry ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Fused Deposition Modelling ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
Micro Features ◽  
Helical Microchannel

Microfluidic devices are used to transfer small quantities of liquid through micro-scale channels. Conventionally, these devices are fabricated using techniques such as soft-lithography, paper microfluidics, micromachining, injection moulding, etc. The advancement in modern additive manufacturing methods is making three dimensional printing (3DP) a promising platform for the fabrication of microfluidic devices. Particularly, the availability of low-cost desktop 3D printers can produce inexpensive microfluidic devices in fast turnaround times. In this paper, we explore fused deposition modelling (FDM) to print non-transparent and closed internal micro features of in-plane microchannels (i.e., linear, curved and spiral channel profiles) and varying cross-section microchannels in the build direction (i.e., helical microchannel). The study provides a comparison of the minimum possible diameter size, the maximum possible fluid flow-rate without leakage, and absorption through the straight, curved, spiral and helical microchannels along with the printing accuracy of the FDM process for two low-cost desktop printers. Moreover, we highlight the geometry dependent printing issues of microchannels, pressure developed in the microchannels for complex geometry and establish that the profiles in which flowrate generates 4000 Pa are susceptible to leakages when no pre or post processing in the FDM printed parts is employed.

scholarly journals A Numerical Study of Sub-Millisecond Integrated Mix-and-Inject Microfluidic Devices for Sample Delivery at Synchrotron and XFELs

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3404
Author(s):  
Majid Hejazian ◽  
Eugeniu Balaur ◽  
Brian Abbey
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Liquid Jets ◽  
Mixing Efficiency ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Time Required

Microfluidic devices which integrate both rapid mixing and liquid jetting for sample delivery are an emerging solution for studying molecular dynamics via X-ray diffraction. Here we use finite element modelling to investigate the efficiency and time-resolution achievable using microfluidic mixers within the parameter range required for producing stable liquid jets. Three-dimensional simulations, validated by experimental data, are used to determine the velocity and concentration distribution within these devices. The results show that by adopting a serpentine geometry, it is possible to induce chaotic mixing, which effectively reduces the time required to achieve a homogeneous mixture for sample delivery. Further, we investigate the effect of flow rate and the mixer microchannel size on the mixing efficiency and minimum time required for complete mixing of the two solutions whilst maintaining a stable jet. In general, we find that the smaller the cross-sectional area of the mixer microchannel, the shorter the time needed to achieve homogeneous mixing for a given flow rate. The results of these simulations will form the basis for optimised designs enabling the study of molecular dynamics occurring on millisecond timescales using integrated mix-and-inject microfluidic devices.

scholarly journals Simulation of Thermal and Electric Field Distribution in Packaged Sausages Heated in a Stationary Versus a Rotating Microwave Oven

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1622
Author(s):  
Wipawee Tepnatim ◽  
Witchuda Daud ◽  
Pitiya Kamonpatana
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Distribution ◽  
Electric Field ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Development Stage ◽  
Microwave Oven ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Plastic Package ◽  
Heating Uniformity ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Good Agreement

The microwave oven has become a standard appliance to reheat or cook meals in households and convenience stores. However, the main problem of microwave heating is the non-uniform temperature distribution, which may affect food quality and health safety. A three-dimensional mathematical model was developed to simulate the temperature distribution of four ready-to-eat sausages in a plastic package in a stationary versus a rotating microwave oven, and the model was validated experimentally. COMSOL software was applied to predict sausage temperatures at different orientations for the stationary microwave model, whereas COMSOL and COMSOL in combination with MATLAB software were used for a rotating microwave model. A sausage orientation at 135° with the waveguide was similar to that using the rotating microwave model regarding uniform thermal and electric field distributions. Both rotating models provided good agreement between the predicted and actual values and had greater precision than the stationary model. In addition, the computational time using COMSOL in combination with MATLAB was reduced by 60% compared to COMSOL alone. Consequently, the models could assist food producers and associations in designing packaging materials to prevent leakage of the packaging compound, developing new products and applications to improve product heating uniformity, and reducing the cost and time of the research and development stage.

Application and Research of Digital Technology in Optimal Design of CNC Floor Boring and Milling Machine

2012 ◽  
Vol 429 ◽  
pp. 111-115
Author(s):  
Zhen Long Leng ◽  
Jin Feng Yang ◽  
Qun Ping Liu ◽  
Xun Deng
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Optimal Design ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Milling Machine ◽  
Machine Model ◽  
Digital Modeling ◽  
Key Technologies ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Interference Checking

This paper focuses on application of the three-dimensional digital modeling, numerical analysis and optimization, digital control and other key technologies which provide technical support for the design and development in CNC floor boring and milling machine manufactruing. The three-dimensional digital modeling, digital assembly, interference checking help to eliminate some hidden trouble before processing and assembly. Numerical simulation reduces the cost and shortens the cycle of designand manufactruing in the optimal design of the machine. This technique has been successfully applied to a CNC Floor Boring and Milling Machine Model, which has been running for three years and achieved satisfactary economic result.

scholarly journals A structure-exploiting numbering algorithm for finite elements on extruded meshes, and its performance evaluation in Firedrake

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3803-3815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gheorghe-Teodor Bercea ◽  
Andrew T. T. McRae ◽  
David A. Ham ◽  
Lawrence Mitchell ◽  
Florian Rathgeber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Performance Evaluation ◽  
Finite Elements ◽  
Aspect Ratio ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Data Layout ◽  
Element System ◽  
Continuous Galerkin ◽  
Performance Penalty ◽  
The Cost

Abstract. We present a generic algorithm for numbering and then efficiently iterating over the data values attached to an extruded mesh. An extruded mesh is formed by replicating an existing mesh, assumed to be unstructured, to form layers of prismatic cells. Applications of extruded meshes include, but are not limited to, the representation of three-dimensional high aspect ratio domains employed by geophysical finite element simulations. These meshes are structured in the extruded direction. The algorithm presented here exploits this structure to avoid the performance penalty traditionally associated with unstructured meshes. We evaluate the implementation of this algorithm in the Firedrake finite element system on a range of low compute intensity operations which constitute worst cases for data layout performance exploration. The experiments show that having structure along the extruded direction enables the cost of the indirect data accesses to be amortized after 10–20 layers as long as the underlying mesh is well ordered. We characterize the resulting spatial and temporal reuse in a representative set of both continuous-Galerkin and discontinuous-Galerkin discretizations. On meshes with realistic numbers of layers the performance achieved is between 70 and 90 % of a theoretical hardware-specific limit.

scholarly journals Micropipette-Based Microfluidic Device for Monodisperse Microbubbles Generation

Micromachines ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 387
Author(s):  
Carlos Toshiyuki Matsumi ◽  
Wilson José da Silva ◽  
Fábio Kurt Schneider ◽  
Joaquim Miguel Maia ◽  
Rigoberto E. M. Morales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electric Fields ◽  
Microfluidic Device ◽  
Soft Lithography ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Average Diameter ◽  
Internal Diameter ◽  
Medical Diagnostic ◽  
Average Size

Microbubbles have various applications including their use as carrier agents for localized delivery of genes and drugs and in medical diagnostic imagery. Various techniques are used for the production of monodisperse microbubbles including the Gyratory, the coaxial electro-hydrodynamic atomization (CEHDA), the sonication methods, and the use of microfluidic devices. Some of these techniques require safety procedures during the application of intense electric fields (e.g., CEHDA) or soft lithography equipment for the production of microfluidic devices. This study presents a hybrid manufacturing process using micropipettes and 3D printing for the construction of a T-Junction microfluidic device resulting in simple and low cost generation of monodisperse microbubbles. In this work, microbubbles with an average size of 16.6 to 57.7 μm and a polydispersity index (PDI) between 0.47% and 1.06% were generated. When the device is used at higher bubble production rate, the average diameter was 42.8 μm with increased PDI of 3.13%. In addition, a second-order polynomial characteristic curve useful to estimate micropipette internal diameter necessary to generate a desired microbubble size is presented and a linear relationship between the ratio of gaseous and liquid phases flows and the ratio of microbubble and micropipette diameters (i.e., Qg/Ql and Db/Dp) was found.

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