A REPORT

ON

IMPACT OF 3D PRINTING ON MICROFLUIDIC CHIPS AND DEVICES

BY

FARHAN SHAJAHAN 2020H1410015U ME. DESIGN

AT

BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
Dubai, U.A.E

(SEPTEMBER 2020 - DECEMBER 2020)

 A REPORT

ON

IMPACT OF 3D PRINTING ON MICROFLUIDIC CHIPS AND DEVICES

BY

FARHAN SHAJAHAN 2020H1410015U ME. DESIGN

Prepared in Fulfillment of the

Microfluidics Course

A PROJECT REPORT DONE AT

BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
Dubai, U.A.E

(SEPTEMBER 2020 - DECEMBER 2020)

2
 BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)

Dubai, U.A.E

Station: BITS Pilani, Dubai Location: Dubai

Duration: SEPTEMBER 2020 - DECEMEBER 2020
Date of Start: 16th OCTOBER 2020 Date of Submission: 30 OCTOBER 2020
Title of the Project: Impact Of 3D Printing on Microfluidic Chips and Devices

Student Name: Farhan Shajahan Student ID: 2020H1410015U

Discipline of Student: M.E Design Engineering
Name and Designation of Experts: Muhammed Alfas [Technical Support, PRECISE
Trading], Hans Fernandez [Additive Engineer, Immensa],
Name of the Faculty: Dr. Shashank Khurana
Key Words: Microfluidics, Microfluidic Chips, Microfluidic Devices, Stereolithography,
Selective Laser Sintering, Fused Deposition Modelling, Binder Jetting.
Project Areas: 3D Printing, Microfluidics, Microfluidic Devices
Abstract:
The following project is to discuss about the impact of 3D Printing brought about in the field
of Microfluidics. We have discussed about the different applications of Microfluidics that can
be brought to physical form with the help of 3D Printing and we have also shown an
example of how 3D Printing is done and an example of a 3D Printed model that allows flow
of fluids in a very small scale of approximately 1mm. The different types of 3D Printing is
discussed along with the two most preferred techniques being mentioned i.e.,
Stereolithography [SLA] and Selective Laser Sintering [SLS].

Farhan Shajahan Dr. Shashank Khurana

Date: 31-October-2020 Date: 31-October-2020

3
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Firstly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Prof. R. N. Saha, Director BPD who has given us an
opportunity to apply and understand our engineering concepts in a practical atmosphere.

I am grateful to Mr. Alfas, Technical Support Engineer - systems, for assisting me by providing the required
information about 3D Printing and Types of Additive Manufacturing.

Also, I would like to thank Mr. Hans, Additive Engineer, for helping and guiding me for doing projects
related to the 3D Printing in SLA.

My sincere gratitude to Dr. Shashank Khurana, our Faculty, for providing me with the opportunity required
for writing this report where I could showcase my skills in 3D Printing.

Farhan Shajahan
Date: 31-October-2020

4
 CONTENTS
Abstract
Acknowledgement
Table of contents
List of Figures
List of tables
Chapter 1 AN INTRODUCTION TO 3D PRINTING
1.1 WHAT IS 3D PRINTING............................................................................................................. 7
1.2 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF 3D PRINTING......................................................................... ...... 8
1.2.1 3D MODELLING.................................................................................................................. 8
1.2.2 FIXING OF 3D MODEL FOR 3D PRINTING OF PART.................................................... .. 9
1.2.3 3D PRINTING OF PART.................................................... ................................................10
1.3 WHAT IS MICROFLUIDICS......................................................................... ..............................11
Chapter 2 3D PRINTING AND MICROFLUIDIC CHIPS
2.1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................13
2.2 COMMONLY USED METHOD OF 3D PRINTING ...................................................................14
2.2.1 STEREOLITHIOGRAPHY.................................................... ..............................................14
2.2.2 SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING.................................................... ..................................14
2.2.3 BINDER JETTING 3D PRINTING.................................................... ..................................14
2.2.3 FUSED DEPOSITION MODELLING.................................................... ..............................15
2.2 3D PRINTING OF NOZZLE WHICH INVOLVES SMALL SCALE FLOWS ..............................15
Chapter 3 IMPACT OF 3D PRINTING IN MICROFLUIDICS
3.1 MULTIPLEXER .........................................................................................................................18
3.2 TESLA VALVE......................................................................... ..................................................18
3.3 MICROFLUIDIC MIXER.............................................................................................................19
3.4 SPIRAL MICROFLUIDICS......................................................................... ................................20
3.5 PICO MIX [MICROFLUIDIC CHIP]......................................................................... ...................20
3.6 ESCARGOT METHOD......................................................................... .....................................21
Chapter 4 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE SCOPE
4.1 CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................................................22
4.2 FUTURE SCOPE......................................................................... ..............................................22

5
Chapter 5 REFERENCES
5.1-5.23 ALL REFERENCES ..........................................................................................................23

LIST OF FIGURES
FIG 01 .............................................................................................................................................08
FIG 02 .............................................................................................................................................09
FIG 03 .............................................................................................................................................10
FIG 04 .............................................................................................................................................11
FIG 05 .............................................................................................................................................15
FIG 06 .............................................................................................................................................16
FIG 07 .............................................................................................................................................16
FIG 08 .............................................................................................................................................17
FIG 09 .............................................................................................................................................18
FIG 10 .............................................................................................................................................19
FIG 11 .............................................................................................................................................19
FIG 12 .............................................................................................................................................20
FIG 13 .............................................................................................................................................20
FIG 14 .............................................................................................................................................21
FIG 15 .............................................................................................................................................22

6
 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 WHAT IS 3D PRINTING?

3D printing, or added substance fabricating, is the development of a three-dimensional item from a CAD
model or an advanced 3D model. The expression "3D printing" can allude to an assortment of cycles where
material is saved, joined or hardened under PC control to make a three-dimensional article, with material
being added together, (for example, fluid particles or powder grains being melded), commonly layer by
layer.

The umbrella term added substance producing (AM) picked up notoriety in the 2000s, enlivened by the
subject of material being added together (in any of different ways). Conversely, the term subtractive
assembling showed up as a retronym for the enormous group of machining measures with material
expulsion as their regular cycle. The term 3D printing actually alluded uniquely to the polymer advances in
many personalities, and the term AM was bound to be utilized in metalworking and end use part creation
settings than among polymer, inkjet, or sound system lithography fans. Inkjet was the most un-recognizable
innovation despite the fact that it was imagined in 1950 and inadequately comprehended due to it complex
nature. The most punctual inkjets were utilized as recorders and not printers. As late as the 1970s the term
recorder was related with inkjet. Nonstop Inkjet later developed to On-Demand or Drop-On-Demand Inkjet.
Inkjets were single spout toward the beginning and now have a large number of spouts for imprinting in
each disregard a surface.

By mid 2010s, the terms 3D printing and added substance fabricating advanced faculties in which they
were substitute umbrella terms for added substance innovations, one being utilized in well-known language
by customer creator networks and the media, and the other utilized all the more officially by modern end-
use part makers, machine makers, and worldwide specialized principles associations. Up to this point, the
term 3D printing has been related with machines low in cost or in capability. 3D printing and added
substance producing mirror that the advances share the topic of material option or joining all through a 3D
work envelope under computerized control. Subside Zelinski, the proofreader in-head of Additive
Manufacturing magazine, brought up in 2017 that the terms are still frequently equivalent in easygoing
usage yet some assembling industry specialists are attempting to make a qualification whereby Additive
Manufacturing involves 3D printing in addition to different advancements or different parts of an assembling
process.
Different terms that have been utilized as equivalent words or hypernyms have included work area
fabricating, quick assembling (as the consistent creation level replacement to fast prototyping), and on-
request producing (which echoes on-request imprinting in the 2D feeling of printing). Such utilization of the
modifiers fast and on-request to the thing fabricating was novel during the 2000s uncovers the predominant
mental model of the long mechanical time where practically all creation producing included long lead times
for arduous tooling improvement. Today, the term subtractive has not supplanted the term machining,
rather supplementing it when a term that covers any evacuation technique is required. Coordinated tooling
is the utilization of particular intends to configuration tooling that is delivered by added substance
assembling or 3D printing techniques to empower snappy prototyping and reactions to tooling and
installation needs. Nimble tooling utilizes a practical and great strategy to rapidly react to client and market
needs, and it very well may be utilized in hydro-shaping, stepping, infusion forming and other assembling
measures.

7
1.2 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF 3D PRINTING

There are certain principles or steps, that are taken in order to 3D Print a design or component. The design
to be 3D Printed is undergone through various procedures starting from 3D Modelling and ending in the
production. So, we shall be discussing about some of the steps involved in the 3D Printing process in a
detailed manner. We shall be considering the case of a Multi-Purpose Jig designed for a client that does
the purpose of storing and holding important fasteners and this example is only taken to showcase the
various steps involved in the 3D Printing process. Here are the steps:

1.2.1 3D MODELLING
3D printable models might be made with a PC supported plan (CAD) bundle, through a 3D
scanner, or by a plain advanced camera and photogrammetry programming. 3D printed models
made with CAD bring about moderately less blunders than different techniques. Mistakes in 3D
printable models can be distinguished and remedied before printing. The manual demonstrating
cycle of planning mathematical information for 3D PC illustrations is like plastic expressions, for
example, chiseling. 3D checking is a cycle of gathering computerized information on the shape and
presence of a genuine item, making an advanced model dependent on it.

Computer aided design models can be spared in the stereolithography record design (STL), a true
CAD document design for added substance producing that stores information dependent on
triangulations of the outside of CAD models. STL isn't custom fitted for added substance fabricating
on the grounds that it creates huge document sizes of geography improved parts and cross section
structures because of the enormous number of surfaces included. A more current CAD document
design, the Additive Manufacturing File design (AMF) was acquainted in 2011 with take care of this
issue. It stores data utilizing bended triangulations.

Renders are also created for the purpose of showing people how the model would look when it is
3D Printed and gives a rough idea of the visual representation of the Model

FIG 01: 3D MODEL OF THE PART WITH THE DIMENSIONS MENTIONED.

8
FIG 02: RENDER OF THE 3D MODEL TO BE PRINTED [DONE FOR ARTWORK REFERENCE]

1.2.2 FIXING OF3D MODEL FOR 3D PRINTING OF PART:

Prior to printing a 3D model from a STL document, it should initially be analyzed for mistakes. Most
CAD applications produce mistakes in yield STL files, of the accompanying kinds:

• Openings;

• Faces Normal;

• Self-convergences;

• Commotion shells;

• Complex errors.

A stage in the STL age known as "fix" fixes such issues in the first model. Generally, STLs that
have been delivered from a model got through 3D filtering frequently have a greater amount of
these mistakes as 3D checking is regularly accomplished by highlight point securing/planning. 3D
remaking regularly incorporates errors.

When finished, the STL document should be prepared by a bit of programming called a "slicer,"
which changes over the model into a progression of flimsy layers and creates a G-code record
containing guidelines custom fitted to a particular kind of 3D printer (FDM printers).[43] This G-
code record would then be able to be printed with 3D printing customer programming (which stacks
the G-code, and uses it to train the 3D printer during the 3D printing measure).

Printer goal portrays layer thickness and X–Y goal in spots per inch (dpi) or micrometers (µm).
Commonplace layer thickness is around 100 μm (250 DPI), albeit a few machines can print layers
as dainty as 16 μm (1,600 DPI). X–Y goal is equivalent to that of laser printers. The particles (3D
9
specks) are around 50 to 100 μm (510 to 250 DPI) in diameter. For that printer goal, indicating a
work goal of 0.01–0.03 mm and a harmony length ≤ 0.016 mm create an ideal STL yield record for
a given model info file. Specifying higher goal brings about bigger documents without increment on
paper quality.

FIG 03: 3D MODEL CHECKED FOR ERROR AND FIXES. THE MODEL IS 100% PRINT
PERFECT

1.2.3 3D PRINTING OF PART:

In spite of the fact that the printer-created goal is adequate for some applications, more prominent
precision can be accomplished by printing a marginally curiously large form of the ideal article in
standard goal and afterward eliminating material utilizing a higher-goal subtractive process.

The layered structure of all Additive Manufacturing measures drives definitely to a step venturing
impact on part surfaces which are bended or inclined in regard to the structure stage. The impacts
unequivocally rely upon the direction of a section surface inside the structure process.

Some printable polymers, for example, ABS, permit the surface completion to be smoothed and
improved utilizing synthetic fume processes dependent on Acetone or comparable solvents.

Some added substance producing procedures are fit for utilizing various materials throughout
building parts. These methods can print in numerous tones and shading blends all the while, and
would not really need painting.

Some printing methods require interior backings to be worked for overhanging highlights during
development. These backings must be precisely eliminated or broken endless supply of the print.

The entirety of the marketed metal 3D printers includes cutting the metal part off the metal
substrate after statement. Another cycle for the GMAW 3D printing takes into consideration
substrate surface alterations to eliminate aluminum or steel.

10
 FIG 04: (RIGHT) 3D MODEL SET ON CURA SOFTWARE FOR PRINTING. (LEFT) 3D-PRNTED
MODEL
1.3 WHAT IS MICROFLUIDICS

Microfluidics alludes to the conduct, exact control, and control of liquids that are mathematically
compelled to a little scope (commonly sub-millimeter) at which surface powers rule volumetric powers.
It is a multidisciplinary field that includes designing, material science, science, organic chemistry,
nanotechnology, and biotechnology. It has viable applications in the plan of frameworks that cycle low
volumes of liquids to accomplish multiplexing, robotization, and high-throughput screening.
Microfluidics rose in the start of the 1980s and is utilized in the improvement of inkjet printheads, DNA
chips, lab-on-a-chip innovation, miniature drive, and miniature warm advancements.
Normally, miniature methods one of the accompanying highlights:

• Less volumes (μL, nL, pL, fL)

• Less size

• Low energy utilization

• Microdomain impacts

Ordinarily microfluidic frameworks transport, blend, discrete, or in any case cycle liquids. Different
applications depend on aloof liquid control utilizing fine powers, as hairlike stream adjusting
components, likened to stream resistors and stream quickening agents. In certain applications, outer
activation implies are moreover utilized for a coordinated vehicle of the media. Models are revolving
drives applying diffusive powers for the liquid vehicle on the uninvolved chips. Dynamic microfluidics
alludes to the characterized control of the working liquid by dynamic (miniature) segments, for example,
micropumps or microvalves. Micropumps gracefully liquids in a constant way or are utilized for dosing.
Microvalves decide the stream heading or the method of development of siphoned fluids. Regularly,
measures ordinarily completed in a lab are scaled down on a solitary chip, which improves proficiency
and versatility, and lessens test and reagent volumes.
11
Microfluidic structures incorporate micropneumatic frameworks, for example microsystems for the
treatment of off-chip liquids (fluid siphons, gas valves, and so forth), and microfluidic structures for the
on-chip treatment of nanoliter (nl) and picolitre (pl) volumes. Until this point in time, the best business
utilization of microfluidics is the inkjet printhead. Also, microfluidic fabricating progresses imply that
creators can deliver the gadgets in ease plastics and naturally confirm part quality.

Advances in microfluidics innovation are altering atomic science methodology for enzymatic
investigation (e.g., glucose and lactate examines), DNA examination (e.g., polymerase chain response
and high-throughput sequencing), proteomics, and in substance combination. The essential thought of
microfluidic biochips is to incorporate measure tasks, for example, recognition, just as test pre-
treatment and test readiness on one chip.

A developing application territory for biochips is clinical pathology, particularly the prompt purpose of-
care analysis of illnesses. Moreover, microfluidics-based gadgets, fit for persistent examining and
constant testing of air/water tests for biochemical poisons and different risky microbes, can fill in as a
consistently on "bio-smoke caution" for early notice.

Microfluidic innovation has prompted the making of amazing assets for scientists to control the total cell
climate, prompting new inquiries and revelations. Numerous assorted preferences of this innovation for
microbiology are recorded underneath:

• General single cell considers including development

• Cell maturing: microfluidic gadgets, for example, the "mother machine" permit following of
thousands of individual cells for some ages until they pass on.

• Microenvironmental control: going from mechanical climate to substance climate

• Exact spatiotemporal focus angles by joining different compound contributions to a solitary

gadget

• Power estimations of follower cells or limited chromosomes: objects caught in a microfluidic

gadget can be straightforwardly controlled utilizing optical tweezers or other power producing
techniques

• Keeping cells and applying controlled powers by coupling with outer power age techniques, for
example, Stokes stream, optical tweezer, or controlled distortion of the PDMS
(Polydimethylsiloxane) gadget

• Electric field joining

• Plant on a chip and plant tissue culture

• Anti-infection opposition: microfluidic gadgets can be utilized as heterogeneous conditions for

microorganisms. In a heterogeneous climate, it is simpler for a microorganism to develop. This
can be helpful for testing the increasing speed of advancement of a microorganism/for testing
the improvement of anti-infection obstruction.
12
 CHAPTER 2: 3D PRINTING AND MICROFLUIDIC CHIPS

2.1 INTRODUCTION:
Microfluidic chips are designed gadgets that permit the exact steering and control of little fluidic
streams to scale down research facility techniques. These mind-boggling gadgets are regularly
tailor‐made for a particular application, with the aim of quick evaluation and a low utilization of the
two reagents and samples.1 The little size makes them alluring for use in a research center
climate, yet in addition in point‐of‐care (POC) settings. In a perfect world, the client doesn't need to
be an authority and the arrangement doesn't need a lot of outer gear. For a gadget to satisfy these
needs, a self‐contained plan of operational highlights is advantageous.

3D printing has been progressively utilized for the creation of microfluidic contributes the most
recent couple of years as the innovation enormously lessens the time expected to change from an
idea to a chip. In any case, it is just with the incorporation of utilitarian administrators, for example,
valves and sensors, that 3D‐printed chips really become a suitable option in contrast to
conventional creation techniques, for example, SU‐8 forming.

Valves, being the most essential administrators, have been made by printing two overlaying
adaptable chambers such that pneumatic incitation of one causes its avoidance into the upper
chamber, closing off liquid stream. The valves were shown in a liquid exchanging framework that
permits the robotized steering of liquids to cell culture chambers. A more essential plan with a
similar working guideline was first detailed by the Quake bunch in 2000, which at the time actually
actualized multilayer delicate lithography as gathering method. Following this, few gatherings
exhibited 3D‐printed siphoning components that could be incorporated into the plan itself and were
incited either pneumatically, or by hand, not needing any equipment control. Integrating valves and
siphons into chips improves the cycle of fluid taking care of as well as adds to a computerized way
to deal with microfluidics and along these lines high‐throughput screening.

Further incorporating sensors into the chips allows a proper response to interior boosts. An as of
late revealed strain sensor has had the option to give an on‐line readout of the contractile quality of
tissues, empowering the appraisal of heart tissue reaction to explicit drugs. Further ongoing models
incorporate a temperature‐dependent glowing layer and the consolidation of electrochemical
components to assess glucose levels.

Extra usefulness can be added with components that empower on‐chip blending of liquids, the age
of liquid slopes and microdroplets. At long last, the survey takes a gander at the reconciliation of
fluidic highlights impersonating the capacity of electrical segments. An assortment of administrators
has been depicted, including fluidic diodes, capacitors, and semiconductors that act along these
lines to their electrical partners.

The ongoing change to coordinate printing of components accompanies remarkable focal points for
the plan of components, as measured plans of valves and siphons can be reused in computerized
drawings. Simultaneously, the cycle of gadget advancement is accelerated, as 3D printing takes
into consideration the quick testing, adaption, and fast prototyping of different plans.

This survey covers the ongoing headways in 3D‐printing utilitarian components for stream control
and synthetic and mechanical detecting. Additionally, it gives an outline of conceivable future
advancements of this quickly developing field and an update to past surveys on this theme.
13
2.2 COMMONLY USED METHODS OF 3D PRINTING:
There are four commonly used methods or types of 3D Printing that are followed today and we
shall be looking at four types of them. The purpose of talking about these fur types of 3D Printing is
so that we can analyze how each is beneficial for the use of the Microfluidics field (Although we are
planning to focus more on the SLA or stereolithography technique.):

2.2.1 STEREOLITHIOGRAPHY [SLA]

Stereolithography (SLA), first portrayed and licensed by Hull in quite a while, an
UV laser or comparative light source to instigate polymerization in a photosensitive
gum. The light source is either a single‐point laser that enlightens each and every
voxel autonomously or a Digitized micromirror‐array gadget (DMD) that permits
the relieving of a whole layer at the same time. Endless supply of one layer, the
relieved sap is gone up or down to oblige the following layer. Two‐photon
polymerization (2PP) is a particular adaptation of lithography‐based 3D printing.

One of the benefits of stereolithography is

• Speed and accuracy of the 3D Print.
• utilitarian parts can be made inside a day.
• The period of time it takes to create a solitary part relies on the intricacy of
the plan and the size.
• Printing time can last anyplace from hours to over a day.
• Models and plans made with stereolithography are sufficiently able to be
machined and can likewise be utilized to make ace examples for infusion
forming or different metal projecting cycles.

2.2.2 SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING [SLS]

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is an added substance fabricating (AM) procedure
that utilizes a laser as the force source to sinter powdered material (ordinarily
nylon or polyamide), pointing the laser naturally at focuses in space characterized
by a 3D model, restricting the material together to make a strong structure. It is like
particular laser liquefying; the two are launches of a similar idea yet vary in
specialized subtleties. SLS (just as the other referenced AM strategies) is a
moderately new innovation that so far has chiefly been utilized for fast prototyping
and for low-volume creation of segment parts. Creation jobs are growing as the
commercialization of AM innovation improves. It is not used for printing parts that
require accuracy [even though metal parts are printed using the similar technology
] , because in laser sintering technique, printing of holes and circular openings can
be difficult due to the process involved [laser sintering that involves particles of
PA12 to merge after sintering can cause heating and thus create parts that are just
a precise model that compromises on the dimensions]. However, it is a type of 3D
Printing technique used for mass production of items and objects that require just
precision and products with final look and feel.

2.2.3 BINDER JETTING 3D PRINTING

This is least popular type used and is used for 3D Printing parts kept normally in
showcase and still models. Although the technique is similar to SLS [advantage

14
 being that the printer has in build capability to color the model], it is least preferred
as the finished part crumbles at times if not baked properly.

2.2.4 FUSED DEPOSITION MODELLING

Otherwise called intertwined statement demonstrating/melded fiber manufacture
(FDM/FFF), this strategy takes care of a thermoplastic to a warmed spout to store
a liquid plastic in a layer‐by‐layer style. The material converges with the past layer
and chills off to its strong state. Multimaterial prints are conceivable and permit the
utilization of an alternate material for conciliatory purposes.

Out of the four types, we prefer using the Stereolithography Technology because of the Accuracy
brought about by the system when it comes to the 3D Printing process and as a result, we shall be
showing one of our 3D Prints which was very accurate with the hole diameter as well as the overall
dimensions of the part with original.

2.3 3D PRINTING OF A NOZZLE THAT INVOLVES SMALL SCALE FLOWS

So, we tried to 3D Print a small sized diesel injector nozzle using the SLA Technology. The flow of
diesel flow takes place through a diameter of 1.93 mm. One of the nozzles was broken as a result
we decided to 3D Print the part as original part was not available in the market. Hence, I decided to
3D Print the model to see the Accuracy of the SLA Technology.
The first step is to take the spare 3D Model of the part. So, I pulled out another nozzle from the
assembly and took the measurements using the Vernier Calliper. Now I will show an image of the
part that is broken and the main dimensions of the part to be 3D Printed followed by the Render.

FIG 05: BROKEN PART AND THE PART WE HAVE TAKEN FOR MEASUREMENT

15
FIG 06: DIMENSIONS OF THE SMALL SIZED DIESEL INJECTOR NOZZLE

FIG 07: DESIGN AND RENDER OF THE DIESEL INJECTOR NOZZLE

16
Now we 3D Printed the part in FORMLABS Form 2 3D Printer which uses the SLA Technology to
3D Print a part or a model. And we checked the dimensions of the model and found out that the
hole diameter as well as overall dimensions were perfect with negligible errors without causing
prevention to the flow of fuel. Here is the final result of the 3D Printed Part.

FIG 08: 3D PRINTED MODEL OF THE SMALL SIZED DIESEL INJECTOR NOZZLE

Note:
The build plate size of the Form 2 3D Printer is 145 × 145 × 175 mm. And the overall dimensions of
the nozzle are 14.117 x 26.833 x 29.850 mm.
After testing in FDM, the nozzle was not printing properly and it failed in layer height of 0.1 and
0.2mm. 0.05mm can print but not recommended as the printer will take time, and sometimes
overheating can take place in the Filament at nozzle of the 3D Printer.

17
 CHAPTER 3- IMPACT OF 3D PRINTING IN MICROFLUIDICS

A microfluidic gadget is a little chip that permits fluid to move through it, which is helpful in
numerous applications, including clinical diagnostics. They are ordinarily produced using glass,
plastic, or paper to encourage the progression of liquids to the ideal area.

What makes a gadget "microfluidic" is that liquid stream material science works diversely for this
little scope. This considers things like liquid division, tallying, and other cool impacts. Low pollution
and water snugness are extra contemplations for these sorts of gadgets.

In the accompanying, we'll take a gander at a couple of various kinds of microfluidic chip structures
utilizing an assortment of 3D printing procedures:

3.1 Multiplexer:
Most pneumatically activated components require subordinate control tubing, thusly forcing
broad associations with the control equipment. This "world‐to‐chip" interface issue was
handled by a few examination bunches by utilizing multiplexers. Fluidic multiplexers permitted
the command over numerous valves with a couple of control channels. Practically equivalent to
the way incorporated circuits (ICs) have improved the preparing intensity of microchips, this
plan of channels progressed the intricacy of microfluidic frameworks, empowering effective
upscaling and a higher throughput.37 While some have utilized pH‐responsive hydrogel
valves38 or shape memory composite control elements,39 these nonpneumatic methods of
control were difficult to execute, vague to the ideal use‐case, and did not have the normal
versatility.40 This part shows the working standard of multiplexers dependent on traditional
photolithography or carving strategies and how the hidden instrument was applied to
3D‐printed frameworks.

FIG 09: PNEUMATIC MULTIPLEXER [3D PRINTED]

3.2 Tesla Value

An example of a 3D printed microfluidic gadget is the Tesla valve. The Tesla valve is a sort of
single direction valve imagined by Nikola Tesla in 1920.

The Tesla valve has no moving parts and just permits liquid to go ahead. This can be
especially useful when combined with a siphon to make a high-effectiveness water siphon. In
microfluidics, this can be utilized to guarantee that liquid just descends the channel without
generous misfortunes.

18
 In their work on a lithographic Tesla siphon, the user can utilize a valve as a feature of a
siphon framework coordinated onto a microfluidic chip.

FIG 10: THE TESLA VALVE

3.3 Microfluidic Mixer

A microfluidic mixer is a gadget that causes liquids streaming inside to blend more than they in
any case would. Given the stream properties of little fluid streams, this is typically a test.

Having a particular gadget committed to blending takes into consideration little amounts of
costly meds to be produced. In a survey by Anton Enders and his group, a few distinct kinds of
microfluidic calculations are looked at utilizing the MultiJet 3D printing technique.
Pros
• Can consolidate little amounts (microliters) of liquids together in a controllable way.
• Can play out a weakening stepping stool (various weakening) in a little impression.
Cons:
• Long Geometry and complex Designed model needs sufficient mixing

FIG 11: MICOFLUIDIC MIXER

19
3.4 Spiral Microfluidics
This technique, created by specialists at North Carolina State University, utilizes criminal metal
ink to draw microfluidic structures.

Basically, a flimsy layer of gallium metal is imprinted onto a surface. Subsequent to setting, the
surface is typified in another polymer layer poured over it. After the polymer cements, the
criminal metal ink can be eliminated utilizing dissolvable strategies (HCl). Then again, it tends
to be eliminated by utilizing an electrical field to drive the metal out over the long run.

FIG 12: SPIRAL MICROFLUIDICS

3.5 Pico-Mix [Microfluidic BioChip]

Pico-Mix™ is a microfluidic biochip that empowers the dependable expansion of a fluid reagent
into picodroplets. After the infusion of reagents into the picodroplet, Pico-Mix™ has a special
undulating microfluidic channel that advances the fast blending of parts inside the picodroplet.

The ideal info picodroplet volume is around 300 pL, and the yield picodroplet volume goes from
350 pL to 400 pL which is viable with Sphere Fluidics' Pico-Sort™ item.

Pico-Mix™ biochip encourages earlier brooding of picodroplets before the expansion of test
reagents or substrates.

FIG 13: PICO-MIX Microfluidic Biochip which can be 3D Printed using SLA Technology.
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3.6 ESCARGOT Method [Multilayer Complex Microfluidic Geometries]
Multilayer or complex microfluidic calculations, including segments like blenders and valves,
are periodically hard to make. Fortunately, analysts at Wageningen University and the
University of Castilla-La Mancha built up the ESCARGOT technique, which takes into account
complex three-dimensional microfluidic structures to be made alongside installed non-3D-
printed materials, whenever wanted.

This strategy includes printing an ABS layout that is typified in PDMS. In the wake of restoring,
the format is taken out utilizing dissolvable extraction. The cycle has numerous utilizations,
including an installed warming component for specific warming of liquid over a specific territory
of the microfluidic gadget.

Fig 14: ESCARGOT 3D Printed Working Model .

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 CHAPTER 4 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE SCOPE

4.1 CONCLUSIONS
Hence from the report, we have seen that 3D Printing technology has extended in sch a way that it
can be beneficial in the field of Microfluidics. I have observed from the following design that for
small scale designs of the order of 50 x 50 x 50mm size, it has to be printed using the SLA in-order
to get the accuracy and to print a model of size larger than 100mm, it can be printed either on FDM
or SLA. We have first tried 3D Printing a device that allows small scale flow of fluid to see the
accuracy of the 3D Printing and then we have seen applications that are beneficial to Microfluidics
which has been achieved with the help of 3D Printing.

4.2 FUTURE SCOPE

Future uses of 3D printed microfluidic innovation plan to improve the goal of the 3D printed
materials. This should, thus, improve the stream qualities and fall well inside the ideal microfluidic
range. Momentum research is progressing in this domain.

Extra applications incorporate extending the utilization to other 3D printable materials, for example,
organic materials. In general, the future for microfluidics looks negligible, however beneficial things
come in little bundles

FIG 15: 200 μm SIZED TAJ MAHAL WHICH SHOWS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BRINGING
MANY MORE MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES USING THE TECHNOLOGY.

22
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