IE 531
MESO-SCALE MANUFACTURING

Course Description

Meso-scale processing techniques for fabricating microfluidic devices, especially microchannel process technology. Introduction to microlamination and techniques for lamina patterning, registration and bonding.

Topics

• Overview of Microchannel Process Technology (MPT)
• MPT fabrication challenges
• Microlamination
• Microchannel arrays
• Dimensional control in microlamination
• Overview of icrochannel Process Technology (MPT) shape variation effects and sources
• Lamina and device characterization
• New microlamination processes
• Microreactor-assisted nanomaterial processing

Learning Outcomes

The student, upon completion of this course, will be able to:

• Explain the need for meso-scale manufacturing.
• Contrast and compare meso-scale manufacturing methods as compared with other microfabrication methods.
• Identify and use appropriate terminology associated with microlamination.
• Document a microlaminated design.
• Select appropriate material and processing conditions/techniques needed to manufacture a MECS device.
• Contrast and compare the various microlamination architectures available for MECS devices in terms of advantages and disadvantages.
• Assess the manufacturability of a microlaminated design.
• Produce a simple microlaminated structure.
• Critically review material processing literature for arrayed microchannels and identify opportunities for future research.