Rapid prototyping method for a microfluidics device

Abstract

The product design process can be described as a number of steps taken to turn an idea into a reality. One particular design process of creating a microfluidics device was studied and analyzed. A device containing channels for fluid flow presents a number of challenges for designers. The particular device in this study had a number of specifications, which include a small scale, a necessity to hold fluid, and a desire to control fluid flow. The overall process for developing this product can be broken into the idea, concept development, 3D CAD, simulations, 3D prototyping, assembly, and biochemistry testing. This is one process that has been completed and studied to identify certain design decisions related to this particular device. Further testing and future design iterations will be needed to prove the success of this particular device.