MICROFLUIDICS MANUFACTURING
Creating the smallest parts to make the biggest difference
PRECISION MICROFLUIDIC MANUFACTURING FOR ADVANCED FLUIDIC SYSTEMS
Microfluidics works with fluid manipulation at the micro level. With this emerging technology, it calls for extensive knowledge of two fields: fluidic physics and micro-engineering. All this to help OEMs develop devices with microscopic footprints and micro-channels measuring to micrometers wide.
Controlled Fluidics specializes in microfluidic engineering and crafting custom micro and submillimeter plastic components. Compared to glass or silicon, plastics offer better biocompatibility, strength (despite size), and easier implementation within systems. With the additional capability to hold tolerances of ±0.0005 µin or better, we ensure precision in every project, catering to the most minuscule operations that save on operating space and cost.
Trust our deep expertise in microfluidics fabrication to craft microscopic components and assemblies for intricate operations.
Microfluidic Engineering & Development
Our highly advanced teams and machines specialize holding tight tolerances though milling and turning submillimeter plastic components.
Our facilities are one-stop shops. We handle inspection, assembly, and shipment for streamlined convenience and quicker product launches.
MANY RESINS & MATERIALS AVAILABLE
You won't have to wait to receive some plastics with us, so you get back that precious time for other tasks. We typically have many plastics in stock for a quick start. For resins/materials we don't immediately have, our partners at Quantum can source those quickly for our customers.
While microfluidic manifolds can be made from several different plastics, we recommend the following for the process:
- COC/COP
- Acrylic (PMMA)
- PEEK
- ULTEM®
- PTFE (Teflon®)
ADVANCING MICROFLUIDIC TECHNOLOGY
We process directly from 3D printed and virtual models. Thanks to our partners at Flow Circuits, we give customers the option to reduce testing and streamline the microfluidic production process. All with plastic bonding options for complex internal geometries to provide turnkey solutions.
We offer also precision micromachining services of features down to 50 µin with 3D surfacing of those critical features. We meticulously use our advanced CNC machines and techniques to create smooth, consistent micro channels with finishes as low as 2 RA.
REAL-WORLD MICROFLUIDIC APPLICATIONS
While several industries benefit from microfluidic devices and manifolds, we find these applications are most common.
AEROSPACE & AERODYNAMICS
Aerodynamic Flow Control
Micropower Generators
Micropropulsion
Astrobiology
Space Exploration
PHARMACEUTICAL & CHEMICAL
Drug Development, Screening, & Delivery
Chemical Synthesis, Screening, & Analysis
Microfluidizers
Micromixers
RESEARCH & DIAGNOSTICS
Molecular Diagnostics
"Lab on a Chip" Devices
Microreactors
Cell Analysis & Separation Processes
Theronostics
BIOMEDICAL
Synthetic Biology & Tissue Engineering
Cell Cultures & Cell Sorting
"Organ on a Chip"
Point-of-Care Technologies
In Vitro & Fertility Aid
Regenerative Medicine
ELECTRONICS, IT, & COMPUTING
Microelectronics Including Microprocessors & Microchips
Cooling Systems
Semiconductors
Flexible Electronic Systems
3D Printers
MICROFLUIDIC FABRICATION ARTICLES
Peruse some of our related written works on microfluidics trends and their plastics relationships.
Microfluidic Manifolds Podcast: Expert Insights on Design & Applications
In this podcast, gain valuable insights into when and how microfluidic manifolds are used, the materials best suited for their construction, and the specialized processes involved in their fabrication. Discover how these components are revolutionizing applications in life sciences, medical devices, and beyond.
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Micro Manufacturing By Tom Rohlfs
MicroMachining Techniques & Assemblies As assemblies and products continue to demand more compact arrangements, micromachining only gets bigger in popularity. Controlled Fluidics is a world class manufacturer of micro machined plastic components. We have the capabilities to produce micro components (in large or small quantities) to customers’ specifications and hold to tolerances of +/- .0005…
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WHAT IS A BONDED MANIFOLD? By Tom Rohlfs
What is a bonded manifold? What they are, why they’re important, and how to tell if you need one *Updated November 10, 2023 If you’ve spent time on our website, you have likely encountered the term “bonded manifold.” But what exactly are those, and do you need one? The field of fluidics often requires smaller…
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Podcast: Multilayered Bonded Plastic Manifolds in Fluidic Systems By Tom Rohlfs
Listen to our podcast episode on multilayered bonded plastic manifolds as we dive into how they improve fluidic design, reduce leak points, and streamline complex system integration.
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Problem Solving with Difficult Plastic Parts By Tom Rohlfs
At Controlled Fluidics, we pride ourselves on solving our customers’ problems, no matter the challenge. Sometimes that means figuring out how to manufacture complex plastic parts involving tight tolerances, complicated geometries, and unstable materials. In fact, we have pushed the boundaries of plastic machining to help our customers design and create some of the world’s…
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Plastic Manifold Design (Podcast) By Tom Rohlfs
In this podcast, Tom Rohlfs talks with John Maher about the plastic manifold design process. He explains what customers should expect when they work with a manifold manufacturer through the design process. John Maher: Hi, I’m John Maher. I’m here today with Tom Rohlfs, President and Principal Engineer at Controlled Fluidics, a plastics machining company…
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CHOOSING THE BEST PLASTICS FOR BONDED MANIFOLDS By Tom Rohlfs
The Best Plastic Resins & Materials For Creating Bonded Manifolds Edited for clarity and format on March 28, 2024 Bonded manifolds offer a variety of benefits. Ease of design flexibility means manufacturers like Controlled Fluidics can create intricate channels in almost any configuration. Controlled Fluidics’ low-pressure bonding technology means channels retain their shape throughout…
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Why Choose Plastic Machined Parts Over Metal Components By Tom Rohlfs
Metal Vs Plastics A Comparison of Material Advantages & Disadvantages Each material needed for a product needs careful consideration and comparison before making any final decisions. We weigh the pros and cons of plastic and metal to ensure you make the right decision for your next project. When your manifold or precision component project is…
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