To evaluate the ability to maintain the dimensions of the microfluidic channels during manufacturing, polystyrene, polycarbonate and PMMA were molded using electroformed nickel tooling. Melt and mold temperature, flow direction (i.e., impingement and parallel flow), backing material for the tooling, and vacuum venting were systematically varied to determine their effects on channel depths and widths. Replication of channel depths depended on melt viscosity and was enhanced by mold and melt temperature, but replication of channel widths depended on cooling and the ability fill the channels. Impingement flow provided better replication of channels widths. Backing material and vacuum venting had no effect on replication.
展开▼
