First 3D printer launched for sealed microfluidics

Microfluidics company Dolomite, unveiled the first commercially available 3D printer for sealed microfluidics at MD&M West last week.

The company’s Fluidic Factory, which utilises cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) from Topas Advanced polymers was demonstrated at the show in Anaheim California.

Dr. Omar Jina, Dolomite’s chief commercial officer said: “We gave careful consideration to a range of materials for our breakthrough 3D fluidics printer and selected Topas COC due to the unique properties and benefits it offers over other polymers, making it ideal for microfluidics in biology and medical environments. It is the polymer most frequently requested by biologists and has won acceptance in the microfluidics industry.”

The Fluidic Factory is designed for ultimate ease of use, rapid prototyping of fluidically-sealed devices such as chips, sensor cartridges, fluid manifolds, valves, connectors, and medical devices. The 3D printer uses Topas 8007S-04, a standard injection moulding grade for high-performance medical and optical applications.

The company says that its commercially available 3D printer for fluidically-sealed devices offers rapid, easy, and reliable printing of microfluidic devices at an economical cost. It uses intelligent software and innovative hardware which ensures reliable sealing of fluidic paths, allowing the creation of precise channel geometries and various features.

Users can choose a design from the selection in the Fluidic Factory's Design Library, or create and print their own  device using virtually any CAD software.