Microfluidic Precision Fabrication
Micron-scale precision laser ablation (channels down to 50 microns / 0.002"), micro-channel milling, and bonded lab-on-a-chip cartridge fabrication in optical polycarbonate, PMMA, and cyclic olefins.
Microfluidic Precision Fabrication Capabilities & Quality Standards
Cold-Pulse Laser Micro-Ablation & High-RPM Micro-Milling
Fabricate intricate capillary networks, droplet generators, serpentine mixers, and optical detection windows in PMMA, COP/COC, polycarbonate, PDMS molds, and fused silica with ±0.002" (50 microns) tolerance.
Eliminate $25,000+ Injection Mold Tooling During R&D
Iterate fluidic channel geometries directly from CAD in 24–48 hours with zero minimum order quantities before scaling to clinical pilot batches.
Thermal Fusion Bonding, Luer Ports & Interferometry QA
Turnkey multi-layer chip lamination, pressure-tested up to 100 PSI with sub-micron channel profilometry verification via our Microfluidic.tech division.
Compatible Materials & Alloys
All Specs →Certified mill-traceable metals and engineering substrates processed in-house:
Typical OEM & Custom Applications
Industries →- ✓ Point-of-Care (POC) Diagnostic Blood & Saliva Cartridges
- ✓ Micro-Droplet Generators & Single-Cell Encapsulation
- ✓ Capillary Electrophoresis & DNA Analysis Arrays
- ✓ Organ-on-a-Chip & Biomimetic Flow Cells
- ✓ Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Sensor Housings
Engineering Tolerances & Capability Matrix
| Material & Grade | Thickness / Envelope | Feature / Geometry | Standard Tolerance | Process & Assist Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optical Polycarbonate (PC) | 0.1mm - 3.0mm | Micro-channels (50 microns - 500 microns) | ±0.002" (±50 microns) | Cold UV ablation with zero thermal melt lip |
| Cast Acrylic (PMMA) | 0.2mm - 6.0mm | Reagent wells & flow ports | ±0.002" (±50 microns) | Optical clarity polished sidewalls |
| Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) | 0.1mm - 2.0mm | Droplet generator nozzles | ±0.002" (±50 microns) | Bio-inert low autofluorescence diagnostic substrate |
| Borosilicate Glass / Fused Silica | 0.15mm - 1.5mm | Capillary channels & vias | ±0.002" (±50 microns) | Crack-free picosecond micro-machining |
* Tighter non-standard tolerances available upon engineering review. Contact our quality department for specific GD&T and First Article Inspection (FAIR) requirements.
Frequently Asked Technical Questions
What laser wavelength is utilized for microfluidic channel fabrication?
We utilize cold UV (355nm) and ultrafast picosecond laser architectures. These wavelengths achieve direct photochemical bond breaking (photoablation) rather than thermal melting, guaranteeing crisp vertical channel walls without burrs, melt beads, or thermal distortion in optical plastics.
Can Lumicision produce multi-depth channels and through-hole vias?
Yes. Our CNC laser micromachining systems feature calibrated 3D z-axis profiling, enabling stepped channel depths, multi-tier fluidic networks, capillary stops, and through-hole fluid inlet/outlet vias in a single fixtured setup.
Are parts suitable for medical diagnostics and cell sorting?
Absolutely. All microfluidic components are manufactured under our 9-year ISO 9001:2015 quality management system and PEO Certificate of Authorization (C of A) using virgin optical-grade materials compatible with fluorescence imaging, PCR thermal cycling, and biological reagent flow.
What CAD file formats are preferred for microfluidic fabrication?
We accept DXF, DWG, STEP, and vectorized PDF files. For multi-depth micro-channels, color-coded CAD layers indicating target depth in micrometers (µm) or 3D STEP solid models are ideal.
Engineer-Reviewed Fast-Track RFQ
Unlike automated black-box algorithms that reject complex tolerances or overcharge for simple bends, every file uploaded to Lumicision is reviewed by a senior fabrication engineer—with a 24 to 48-hour guaranteed quote response time.
