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Dynamics of Capillary-Driven Flow in 3D Printed Open Microchannels.
Robert K Lade1, Erik J Hippchen1, Christopher W Macosko1
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities , 421 Washington Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis Minnesota 55455, United States.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|March 10, 2017
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) printing enables microchannel fabrication, but surface roughness and shape impact flow dynamics. This study reveals how printing methods affect capillary filling and flow behavior in 3D printed microchannels.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Fluid Dynamics
- Manufacturing Engineering
Background:
- Microchannels are crucial components in microfluidic devices, micromolding, and flexible electronics.
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers rapid prototyping and design flexibility for microchannel fabrication.
- Surface characteristics of 3D printed components can significantly alter fluid behavior within microchannels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of different 3D printing techniques on microchannel surface properties and capillary-driven flow.
- To analyze the impact of surface roughness and channel morphology on flow dynamics across various time scales.
- To establish guidelines for mitigating 3D printing effects on microchannel performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of open microchannels using four distinct 3D printing methods: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering, and Multi Jet Modeling.
- Evaluation of microchannels based on surface roughness, morphology, and capillary filling efficiency.
- In-depth analysis of capillary-driven flow dynamics in FDM and SLA printed microchannels over short, intermediate, and long time scales.
Main Results:
- Surface roughness induces intermittent flow due to contact line pinning.
- 3D printed channel cross-sectional geometry reduces expected filling velocities.
- A notable delay in the onset of Lucas-Washburn dynamics was observed in 3D printed microchannels.
- Flow dynamics are demonstrably influenced by printing technology, orientation, dimensions, and liquid properties.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing introduces unique challenges to microchannel fluid dynamics, primarily through surface roughness and geometric variations.
- Understanding and accounting for these printing-induced effects are critical for designing reliable 3D printed microfluidic devices.
- This research provides foundational insights and practical considerations for optimizing 3D printed microchannels for specific applications.
