Channel calibration plate (for microfluidics) EXPERIMENT

WARNING – Doing this with FFF printing is super challenging. 
Resin printing is most much better for forays into microfluidics endeavours than FFF printing.

This is a calibration plate for diagonally printed microfluidic channels with square cross section.

Results: https://www.flickr.com/photos/65091269@N08/33350575853/in/dateposted-public/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/65091269@N08/33319189164/in/dateposted-public/

Sidelengths of the five holes on right border:
model values: 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.25
actual values: (still to work out)

1a) Print the part:

Recommended settings for reproducability:

• plastic: transparent PET-G (preferably)
• layer thickness low: 0.05mm = 50µm (preferably)
• print speed slow: 30mm/s (preferably)
• infill: use EXACTLY 100% !
• use a brim (zero distance skirt)

1b) Post processing:

Just cut off the brim making the piece flat.
!! Do not clean the channels !!

2) Use a flat-bed-scanner at high-resolution (1200dpi is good) to scan the part.

Put a brightly colored background (red translucent)
with size reference (e.g. 5mm grid paper) behind the part !!

Save as lossless*.png files.
A flatbed-scanner is much better for this purpose than camera because:

• orthogonal projection
• known resolution
• guaranteed sharpness in makro range which is challenging for cameras

3) Post images as a make !!

Mention:

• your type of printer
• your print settings and the slicer you used
• scanner dpi setting

Thingiverse's (unasked for) auto image processing may mangle the image badly
(change dpi) so uploading to a proper image hoster and linking is a pro.
Optional: 4) Work out the hole sizes with the size reference grid
(or from counting pixels)

1. Graph the deviations from targeted values.

Note that the holes may get slightly obstructed on the overhanging side.
Ignore those obstructions.

Motivation:
“Simple and Versatile 3D Printed Microfluidics Using Fused Filament Fabrication”
(Cardiff University) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299940698_Simple_and_Versatile_3D_Printed_Microfluidics_Using_Fused_Filament_Fabrication

Details: http://sci-nanotech.com/index.php?thread/33-cheap-fdm-printed-microfluidics-for-dna-origami/&postID=138&s=3f752f61ecb25eb3f6cf6b15b3aadbc88dfce0c7#post138

Print Settings

Printer Brand: Ultimaker
Printer: Ultimaker
Rafts: No
Supports: No
Resolution: fine: 0.05mm = 50µm
Infill: 100%
Notes:

• transparent PET-G
• 30mm/s
• brim / contacting skirt for stability

Post-Printing

Just cut off the brim making the piece flat for scanning.
Do not clean the channels! <<

Category: 3D Printing Tests


Very interesting related video: Special resin printer for microfluidic circuits.