Direct Comparison of 3D Printed and Conventionally Produced Microfluidic Devices

Microfluidic devices are currently produced mainly by the expensive and time-consuming process of photolithography. Previous research done by this laboratory has shown that it is possible to produce microfluidic devices using a MakerBot 3D printer. This research evaluated the effectiveness of the 3D printed design method in comparison to the conventional lithography methods. First a variety of devices were designed, followed by their fabrication by the two methods described above. Following fabrication, the flow of the devices was compared qualitatively through use of optical microscopy. During the fabrication process a comparison of length of time necessary to produce the devices as well as the cost of device production was recorded and compared. It is believed that the method of 3D printing devices will be able to significantly reduce device cost and time of fabrication, while maintaining similar flow quality.