Internal Microchannel Manufacturing Using Stereolithographic 3D Printing

Abstract

Internal channels are one of the most interesting structures to implement in microfluidics devices. Unfortunately, the optical technologies typically used in microfluidics, such as photolithography or reactive ion etching, are unable to generate these structures by only allowing surface structuring. Stereolithographic 3D printing has emerged as a very promising technology in internal microchannel manufacturing, by allowing a layer-by-layer structuring in volume performed by a laser that photopolymerises a liquid resin. Recent advances in laser technologies have reached resolutions of tens of micrometres. The high resolution of this type of printer, which a priori would allow the fabrication of channels of the same dimensions, may pose a problem by impeding the evacuation of uncured resin. In this chapter, the compromise between size and resin evacuation will be evaluated to find the optimal diameter range in which unobstructed and accurate microchannels can be obtained.

Real-Time Structural Analysis Based on Machine Learning for Custom Product Design: A Case Study of Orthopedic Fixator Product

“…The ability to be able to make visualization of special products according to customer requirements quickly [1] [2], and high ability adjustment in complex processes [3], is a big leap in the industrial world. Increasing efficiency and process collaboration will involve more reliable and accurate digital information systems [4] [5].…”