uFluid chip experiment

thingiverse

This is a prototype digital microfluidic mixer, which operates using technologies outlined in resources such as Wikipedia's Digital Microfluidics page, Duke University's Microfluidics site, and Liquid Logic's Technology section. The functionality of the ABS-based device remains uncertain due to its hydrophilic nature that may require a catalyst for hydrophobic conversion. The provided .scad file enables customization of PCB and dielectric thicknesses. Potential materials for the bottom electrode include PCB, unicorn drawings on a conductive pen holder, while options for the dielectric layer are acrylic sheet, PCB, or printed dielectric (though thickness may be an issue). The top electrode alternatives are aluminum foil (Al foil), tin foil (Sn foil), un-etched PCB, and unicorn drawings on a conductive pen spacer. To use the design, customize it in .scad based on your chosen materials and their thicknesses. Then, print a holder and spacer. The spacer and electrodes are 2-symmetric, allowing rotation by 180 degrees but not 90 degrees. The boards are slightly taller than wide for ease of assembly. Create bottom and top electrodes using your preferred method, with provided UFDMixer.gcode for unicorn-based etch-resist pen or uFluidChip-Laser.gcode for laser-unicorn resist etch. Finally, assemble the device, connect it to an Arduino, and await open-source driver updates for programming.