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A study on the limits and advantages of using a desktop cutter plotter to fabricate microfluidic networks

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Abstract

In this paper, we focus on characterizing the limits of xurography, or patterning with a razor blade, of a pressure-sensitive double-sided adhesive. This is a rapid, inexpensive technique to fabricate robust microfluidics devices. Straight, curved and square serpentine as well as zigzag channels of different dimensions are studied. General guidelines are provided to assess feasibility of a particular geometry a priori. The mechanics of the cut are explored with the aim at identifying the bottlenecks that limit the maximum resolution achieved in xurography of adhesive films. A number of advantages and disadvantages of this technique compared to other common fabrication techniques are also provided.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Alicia Werner, Emily Wakefield and Madison Oldham of the Creative Inquiry program of Clemson University for discussion regarding the gradient generator.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Multiscale Manufacturing Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA

    Monsur Islam, Rucha Natu & Rodrigo Martinez-Duarte

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  1. Monsur Islam
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  2. Rucha Natu
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  3. Rodrigo Martinez-Duarte
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Correspondence to Rodrigo Martinez-Duarte.

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Islam, M., Natu, R. & Martinez-Duarte, R. A study on the limits and advantages of using a desktop cutter plotter to fabricate microfluidic networks. Microfluid Nanofluid 19, 973–985 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-015-1626-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-015-1626-9

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