Dolomite launches first 3D printer for microfluidics

Leader in microfluidics development, Dolomite, has unveiled the first commercially available 3D printer for sealed microfluidic devices.

The Fluidic Factory utilises cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) developed by plastic manufactuer, Topas Advanced Polymers.

The 3D printer is designed to enable rapid prototyping of fluidically-sealed devices such as chips, sensors, valves, connectors and medical devices. The Fluid Factory will use standard injection moulding from Topas, with Topas COC in particular being recognised as the industry standard in microfluidics and diagnostics due to its clarity, purity, superior chemical resistance and UV transparency.

“We gave careful consideration to a range of materials for our breakthrough 3D fluidics printer and selected Topas COC due to the unique properties and benefits it offers over other polymers, making it ideal for microfluidics in biology and medical environments,” said Dr. Omar Jina, Dolomite’s chief commercial officer. “It is the polymer most frequently requested by biologists and has won acceptance in the microfluidics industry.”

The 3D printer lets users choose a design from a preset library, or they can print their own design using a range of CAD software. The Fluidic Factory aims to let users benefit from a wide range of applications such as drug development, education, chemical synthesis and analytical and biomedical assays.

The 3D fluidic printer will be demonstrated at the K 2016 exhibition which runs Oct. 19-26, in Düsseldorf, Germany.