With the CAD and CAM configured, it's time to prototype the microfluidic droplet generator on the CNC machine. To demonstrate how one can maximize the precision when using a entry-level CNC, three droplet generators with different geometries was designed and configured for machining on a single microfluidic chip.

The video demonstrates the process of CNC prototyping a microfluidic chip using the desktop CNC which includes mounting the 1 mm thick acrylic, setting the work coordinates, loading appropriate g-code files, changing tools, zeroing the z-axis, and removing the chip. Depending on the CNC & controller, the physical steps may differ but the concepts will remain the same.

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Reference Speeds and Feeds:

0.1 mm End Mill
Channel Depths: 0.1 mm
Spindle Speed: 20,000 RPM
Cutting Feedrate: 50 mm/min
Ramp Feedrate: 100 mm/min
Plunge Feedrate: 25 mm/min
Max Stepover: 0.05 mm
Max Stepdown: 0.05 mm
Ramp: Plunge

0.3 mm End Mill
Channel W x D: 0.5 mm x 0.2 mm
Spindle Speed: 20,000 RPM
Cutting Feedrate: 200 mm/min
Ramp Feedrate: 333 mm/min
Plunge Feedrate: 50 mm/min
Max Stepover: 0.30 mm
Max Stepdown: 0.1 mm
Ramp: Plunge

1 mm Drill Bit
Hole Depths: 1.0 mm
Spindle Speed: 20,000 RPM
Plunge Feedrate: 1000 mm/min
Cycle Type: Deep Drilling
Peck Depth: 0.5 mm
Min Pecking Depth: 0.5 mm
Dwell: 0 s

1/8" (3.175 mm) End Mill
Profile Depth: 0.9 mm
Spindle Speed: 11,000 RPM
Cutting Feedrate: 1000 mm/min
Ramp Feedrate: 333 mm/min
Plunge Feedrate: 100 mm/min
Repeat Finish Pass: Checked
Ramp: Unchecked