Micromilling: a method for ultra-rapid prototyping of plastic microfluidic devices
David J Guckenberger1, Theodorus E de Groot, Alwin M D Wan
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
Lab on a Chip
|April 24, 2015
Summary
This tutorial review guides practitioners on using micromilling for microfluidic device fabrication, comparing it with other methods and offering practical "how-to" advice for beginners.
Area of Science:
- Engineering
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microfluidic devices are crucial for various scientific applications.
- Traditional fabrication methods can be costly and time-consuming.
- Micromilling offers a potential alternative for rapid prototyping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a practical guide for using micromilling in microfluidic device fabrication.
- To compare micromilling with other common plastic fabrication techniques.
- To assist users in selecting equipment and tools for efficient microfluidic part production.
Main Methods:
- Review of micromilling protocols and techniques.
- Comparative analysis of fabrication methods (micromilling vs. others).
- Focus on practical aspects of equipment selection and operation.
Main Results:
- Detailed insights into micromilling for microfluidic applications.
- Technical and cost comparisons between micromilling and alternative methods.
- Guidance on achieving usable microfluidic parts with reduced effort.
Conclusions:
- Micromilling is a viable and accessible method for microfluidic device fabrication.
- The review empowers users with minimal milling experience to adopt this technique.
- Practical considerations for equipment, tools, and setup are addressed.
