Experimental and Computational Analyses of a Microfluidic Chip Fabricated Through Computer Numerical Control Micromilling of Stressed Polystyrene Sheets
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The presented work describes a rapid microfluidic chip fabrication method utilizing the shrinking properties of stressed polystyrene sheets alongside the robust milling automation capabilities of a computerized numerical controller. The work described a rudimentary method to fabricate functional microfluidic chips within an hour and without the need of expensive laboratory equipment or a cleanroom environment. The corresponding research of this thesis determined the quantification of the geometrical shrinking properties of stressed polystyrene sheets based on geometrical features engraved onto the polymer substrate. An analysis of variance was performed, which provided empirical evidence that the shrinking properties of stressed polystyrene sheet differs based on the features engraved onto the polymer substrate. An image processing algorithm was developed and used to confirm the appropriate functionality of the fabricated microfluidic chips. The completed work highlights potential solutions towards overcoming the manufacturing challenges of microfluidic chips for widespread commercialization.