Table of Contents
Conceptualisation and multi-scale fabrication of new devices and tools for applications in life sciences, so researchers can answer complex biological questions and accelerate their scientific findings – with a special focus on 3D rapid prototyping, microfluidics and micropatterning technologies and their integration with Bioimaging.
Services
- Consultancy - Joint brainstorming sessions to discuss the scientific question, required features and how to better deal with possible constraints. The goal is to find the best feasible solution.
- On-demand Fabrication Requests - “From design to product” of requests submitted through GIMM’s Agendo with a short description and schematics.
- Training and Access – Prototyping equipment and microfabrication cleanroom.
Prototyping Equipment
FFF 3D Printers
The Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is an additive manufacturing process where a object is generated by the layer by layer deposition of a melted material — in this case a plastic filament.
BambuLab X1E (build volume (LxWxH): 256 × 256 × 256 mm; Max Hot End Temperature: 320℃; Max Build Plate Temperature: 110℃; Max Speed: 500 mm/s; Auto Bed-Levelling; Single-Extruder with AMS)
Creality3D CR-10S (build volume (LxWxH): 300 × 300 × 400 mm; Max Hot End Temperature: 250℃, Max Speed: 180 mm/s; Auto Bed-Levelling; Single-Extruder)
Flashforge Creator Pro 2 (build volume (LxWxH): 200 (Mirror mode: 80; Duplicate mode: 95) x 148 x 150 mm; Max Hot End Temperature: 240℃, Max Speed: 100 mm/s; Manual Bed-Levelling; Dual-Extruder)
MSLA Printer
Masked Stereolithography Apparatus (MLSA) printing uses a high-resolution LCD photomask and an UV LED array to cure thin layers of resin. Individual pixels are deactivated on the LCD to allow the UV LED light to pass through forming an image and the resulting layer.
Prusa SL1 (build volume (LxWxH): 120 × 68 × 150 mm; XY resolution: 47µm; 0.01 mm – 0.1 mm layer heights in Z)
Cutting Plotter
The cutting plotter can be use for microfluidics prototyping by structuring thin films with a sharp blade – a technique known as xurography. Films can be single or double side adhesive, opaque or transparent, and with smart properties (anti-fog, elastomeric, hidrophilic/hidrophobic, …).
GCC RX II-61 (max cutting width: 610mm; max material thickness: 0.8mm; max. cutting force: 600g; cutting speed: 3-1530 mm/s; XY resolution (software): 0.025mm)
Laser Cutter
The laser cutter can be used for the creation of customized enclosures, microfluidics assemblies, specialized slides, sample holders or other component housings for experiments. The system can cut or engrave on most organics or non-metal materials such as acrylic, wood and derivatives, glass, paper, etc.
Ten-High 4060 (60W CO2 10.64µm laser; Engraving Area: 400x600mm; Engraving Speed: 0-1000mm/s; Cutting Speed: 0-500mm/s; Cutting Thickness: up to 10mm(Acrylic); Resolution: 1500dpi; Accuracy:0.15mm)
CNC Milling Machine
CNC mills are the workhorse of any precision workshop, being used for subtractive manufacturing. These machines can perform operations simple tasks like drilling and face milling to complex operations such as 3D surface milling and thread milling, being suitable for a wide range of materials.
Sherline 18″ NexGen Milling Machine 5810 (3 axis with tilting headstock; tooling plate: 175 x 330 mm; Spindle runout of Morse taper: 12.7µm or less; max. travelling speed 9.3 mm/s; max. cutting speed (metal): 2.5 mm/s; high-torque 90V DC motor; spindle speed: 70-2800 RPM; Acessories: 25.4×50.8 milling vise; ¼” Drill Chuck; 3/8″ end mill holder; and, Mill Collet Set: 3, 4 and 6mm)
Microfabrication Cleanroom
Controlled environment used for the fabrication at micro- and nanoscale, such as microfluidics molds, chips, and micropatterned substrates with 3D nanostructures and molecular coatings. The cleanroom is designed to minimize contamination by dust, particles, and other contaminants that could affect the precision and quality of the microfabrication process. The cleanroom is equipped to perform MSLA 3D Printing, PDMS and xurography-based microfluidics chips assembly and substrate cleaning and micropatterning, including:
- UV-Ozone Photoreactor - Novascan - PSDP-UVT
- Plasma Cleaner - 150 watt 13.56MHz Tergeo-plus (O2 and Ar)
- Cutting Plotter - GCC RX II-61
- MSLA 3D printer - Prusa SL1
- Spin-coater - POLOS SPIN150i
- Laminar Flow Hood - MICROFLOW, M51423/2, BSC Class 2
- Ultrasonic bath - Elmasonics P180H
- Stereoscope - ZEISS Stemi SV 11
- Mini-centrifuge - LBX MC5000
- Drying oven with natural convection – Memmert UN30
- Mini-fridge, mini-freezer, Vacuum type desiccators, Lab Precision Scale, Hotplates, …
