Microfluidic devices are used in many healthcare, biological, and medical applications. They also have growing uses in environmental analysis and food and agriculture research. Researchers want to accelerate the design and manufacturing process, but they also want more design freedom and production methods that support greater complexity, especially with the tiny channels through which fluids are injected and evacuated. This makes the possibility of 3D printing microfluidic devices an attractive one.
3D printing can produce intricate parts, but not all 3D printers can create small components with fine features and tight tolerances at the required resolution and desired speed. BMF’s Projection Micro Stereolithography (PµSL) technology can 3D print microfluidic devices with 3D channels as small as 10 µm and high aspect ratios.
Below is a compilation of 3D printed microfluidic devices fabricated on BMF’s microArch printers:
Valve for a Gene Sequencer
Gene sequencers are used to determine to order of the four DNA bases for medical and biological research. This valve is part of a gene sequencer. Here are the specs for this valve:
- Printer Model – microArch S140
- Dimensions – 24.5mm x 28.3mm x 22m
- Resolution – 10 µm
- Tolerance – ±0.025mm
- Minimum Internal Tube Diameter – 0.2mm
- Features – integrated forming, complex internal channels, internal screw threads
A Heat Exchanger for Blood Cooling
Heat exchangers for blood cooling are medical devices used to reduce body temperature. Like many medical devices, heat exchangers are also getting smaller and smaller. It is very easy and economical to produce medical heat exchangers through 3D printing. Here are the specs for this heat exchanger:
- Printer Model – microArch S140
- Dimensions – 30mm x 20mm x 22mm
- Resolution – 10 µm
- Tolerance – ±0.025mm
- Features – integrated forming, complex internal channels for heat exchange
