Micromilling: a Method for Ultra-rapid Prototyping of Plastic Microfluidic Devices

Overview

Journal Lab Chip

Publisher Royal Society of Chemistry

Specialties Biotechnology
Chemistry

Date 2015 Apr 24

PMID 25906246

Citations 136

Authors

David J Guckenberger

Theodorus E de Groot

Alwin M D Wan

David J Beebe

Edmond W K Young

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This tutorial review offers protocols, tips, insight, and considerations for practitioners interested in using micromilling to create microfluidic devices. The objective is to provide a potential user with information to guide them on whether micromilling would fill a specific need within their overall fabrication strategy. Comparisons are made between micromilling and other common fabrication methods for plastics in terms of technical capabilities and cost. The main discussion focuses on "how-to" aspects of micromilling, to enable a user to select proper equipment and tools, and obtain usable microfluidic parts with minimal start-up time and effort. The supplementary information provides more extensive discussion on CNC mill setup, alignment, and programming. We aim to reach an audience with minimal prior experience in milling, but with strong interests in fabrication of microfluidic devices.

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