A 3d Automated System For Accessible And Cost-effective Manufacturing With Generic Device Language And Fluid Simulation

Innovative 3D system streamlines manufacturing, offering accessibility and cost-effectiveness through a generic device language and fluid simulation for design.

The emerging technology of microfluidic devices, vital for biomedical applications and diagnostic tests, faces challenges in complex engineering, high costs, and limited standardization. Current methods demand skilled support. The lack of standardization hampers market growth. The University of Utah addresses these issues by combining semiautomated microfluidic chip design, specialized software, and 3D printing, aiming to simplify testing and validation to broaden user accessibility.

A 3D automated microfluidic design system, adapted from mature electronic design tools, enhancing accessibility through a generic microfluidic device language. It automates the design process, generates 3D layouts, and employs 3D printing for flexible, cost-effective manufacturing. The technology has a library of design components to simulate the fluid flow characteristics of various types of devices. The microfluidic design automation is made more accessible to non-specialists by developing a generic microfluidic device description language.

o Simplifies the microfluidic design process for non-specialists.

o Combines design, simulation, prototyping, and production in one integrated system.

o Optimizes 3D printing of microfluidic devices significantly reduces cost and improves manufacturing flexibility and turnaround time. 

Jonathan Tyler
801-587-0515
jonathan.tyler@utah.edu