Investigating the capability of low-cost FDM printers in producing microfluidic devices

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the possibilities of using 3D printing by fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology for developing micro-fluidic devices by printing a benchmark test part. A low-cost desktop printer is evaluated to compare the minimum possible diameter size, and accuracy in the microchannel body. Design/methodology/approach: The parts were designed using SolidWorks 2016 CAD software and printed using a low-cost desktop FDM printer and Polylactic acid (PLA) filament. Findings: Desktop 3D printers are capable of printing open microchannels with minimum dimensions of 300 μm width and 200 μm depth. Research limitations/implications: Future works should focus on developing new materials and optimizing the process parameters of the FDM technique and evaluating other 3D printing technologies and different printers. Originality/value: The paper shows the possibility of desktop 3D printers in printing microfluidic devices and provides a design of a benchmark part for testing and evaluating printing resolution and accuracy.