Characterization of a Custom-Made Digital Light Processing Stereolithographic Printer Based on a Slanted Groove Micromixer Geometry

Abstract

A custom-made stereolithographic printer using a digital light processing optical (DLP) system based on a digital micromirror device (DMD) was characterized. Several sizes of slanted grooved micromixers (SGM) were produced and typical dimensions were measured and compared to nominal values. The results show that the developed SLA printer is precise enough to be used for prototyping of larger microfluidic devices. The lateral geometries of the smallest printed micromixer designs deviated less than 20 μm from the nominal values and related feature depths deviated for less than 15 μm. However, further modifications are needed in order to improve the repeatability, accuracy, and printing resolution.