A study on the limits and advantages of using a desktop cutter plotter to fabricate microfluidic networks

In this paper, we focus on characterizing the limits of xurography, or patterning with a razor blade, of a pressure-sensitive double-sided adhesive. This is a rapid, inexpensive technique to fabricate robust microfluidics devices. Straight, curved and square serpentine as well as zigzag channels of different dimensions are studied. General guidelines are provided to assess feasibility of a particular geometry a priori. The mechanics of the cut are explored with the aim at identifying the bottlenecks that limit the maximum resolution achieved in xurography of adhesive films. A number of advantages and disadvantages of this technique compared to other common fabrication techniques are also provided.

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