Research On The Microchannel Fabrication Technology Based On Fused Deposition Sacrificial Layer Process

This article gives out the research on a new microchannel fabrication technology supported by Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2013QNA4007). Aiming to solve the current problems of the microchannel fabrication technology, a new method based on fused deposition sacrificial layer process is proposed. Some experiments are taken out to choose a sacrificial layer material with better deposition effect, and simulation is made to optimize the nozzle structure. Furthermore, relationship between parameters of fused deposition process and deposition quality is expounded through experiment. At last, a method of fabricating microfluidic by microchannel fabrication technology is proposed, application of microfluidic is introduced through experiment and simulation as well.In chapter1, background and significance of the microchannel fabrication technology and fused deposition technology are introduced, and current research and development trend are reviewed. Both advantages and disadvantages of the technology are taking into consideration. At last, the main content and framework of this dissertation are proposed,In chapter2, based on a new microchannel fabrication process, components of microchannel fabrication devices are introduced. Meanwhile, fused deposition device can be divided into four parts:nozzle structure, temperature control system, air pressure system and3D motion system. To fabricate a microchannel, four steps are required:pouring, forming, demolding and post-processing.In chapter3, different sacrificial layer materials are compared through experiment, such as sucrose, single-crystal sugar, modified paraffin and maltitol. Result shows that maltitol is the best as a sacrificial layer material. The simulation result of speed and pressure are established to investigate different type of nozzle structures.In chapter4, effect of the process parameters on microchannel molding is analyzed. And three factors affecting the molding shape of microchannel such as jetting speed, deposition shape and curing shape are proposed. With theoretical analysis, relations between three factors and the cross-sectional area of sugar filaments are revealed. Meanwhile the shape of sugar filaments and that of microchannel can be regarded as unchanged.In chapter5, a microfluidic with PDMS based on fused deposition sacrificial layer process is fabricated. And2D microfluidic is analyzed by simulation and experiment, while3D microfluidic is investigated through experiment.In chapter6, conclusions of this dissertation are summarized and further research works are forecast.