Validation of Fluid Velocity in Zigzag Microchannels by 3D Printing (SLA)

Microfluidics is a technology that is currently booming, being interdisciplinary and offering excellent advantages, such as reduction of sample and reagent quantities, costs and analysis times. 3D printing (SLA) is an interesting solution due to its high resolution and precision in printing microchannels, reducing imperfections and roughness in printing the devices. This research presents the fabrication of three devices with microchannels, manufactured by additive manufacturing (SLA), in the form of zigzag; using 3 types of angles of 30^∘, 60^∘ and 90^∘, for the design of the microchannels. Where the main factors influencing the fluid velocity are channel shape, width, rounding, volume and minimum radius of the channel deposit. Along the channel geometry, the fluid velocity was analyzed, presenting heterogeneity in the distribution of these data, being necessary to separate them into blocks for their study. In the crests of the devices there was fluid retention, a very important factor for the mixing of samples and reagents since these are intended for use in biomedicine; specifically for the performance of different laboratory tests, to ensure more accurate results, and thus prevent, diagnose and treat various diseases.