{"id":8324,"date":"2026-09-01T05:28:42","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T05:28:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/?post_type=news&#038;p=8324"},"modified":"2026-08-26T06:33:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T06:33:06","slug":"micro-3d-printing-for-microfluidic-applications","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/news\/micro-3d-printing-for-microfluidic-applications\/","title":{"rendered":"Micro-3D Printing for Microfluidic Applications"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><em>How Heidelberg University Conducts Research Using BMF Technology<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using the micro-3D printing systems from <a href=\"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/bmf\/\"><strong>Boston Micro Fabrication<\/strong><\/a> <strong>(BMF)<\/strong>, microfluidic applications made of composite polymers or ceramics can be manufactured with a resolution of up to <strong>2 \u00b5m<\/strong>\u2014enabling the creation of channels and tolerances that cannot be achieved with any other 3D printing technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Germany, the <strong>University of Heidelberg<\/strong> is among the institutions relying on this technology. This article explores how the IMSEAM Institute is using it for research, what components are being created, and why BMF was the only provider able to meet the requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Technology: DLP Microprinting with a Resolution of Up to 2 \u00b5m<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The BMF system is based on <strong>projection microstereolithography (P\u00b5SL)<\/strong>\u2014a printing process that combines a DLP engine, precision optics, and high-precision motion control. An entire layer is <strong>exposed to a UV flash<\/strong>\u2014which triggers rapid photopolymerization of the entire resin area. Continuous exposure is used to speed up processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Components are produced with a level of detail previously reserved for photolithography\u2014without a cleanroom, without a master model, and without a multi-step process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Three resolution levels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul-bullet\">\n<li><strong>2 \u00b5m series (microArch S230):<\/strong> Highest resolution, layer thickness 5\u201320 \u00b5m. For the finest channel structures and nanofluidic transitions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>10 \u00b5m Series (microArch S140\/S240):<\/strong> Build volume 94 \u00d7 52 \u00d7 45 mm. Most commonly used configuration for microfluidics research.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>25 \u00b5m Series (microArch S150\/S350):<\/strong> Largest build volume for multiple chips per print job.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"862\" height=\"598\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/am-pioneers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2.png?fit=862%2C598&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/am-pioneers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2.png?w=862&amp;ssl=1 862w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/am-pioneers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2.png?resize=300%2C208&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/am-pioneers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2.png?resize=767%2C532&amp;ssl=1 767w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 862px) 100vw, 862px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Image source:<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/bmf3d.com\/de\/ultra-high-resolution-3d-printers\/\"><em>https:\/\/bmf3d.com\/de\/ultra-high-resolution-3d-printers\/<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong>High-quality materials and an open system<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul-bullet\">\n<li><strong>BIO Resin \/ BMF MED:<\/strong> Biocompatible for medical and biological applications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CLEAR Resin:<\/strong> Transparent for optical detection chambers and flow visualization<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>HTL Resin \/ HT 200:<\/strong> High-temperature stable, chemically resistant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AL Ceramic:<\/strong> Ceramic material for mechanically demanding applications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Open material system:<\/strong> BMF allows third-party materials and extensive adjustments to printing parameters. Research institutions can qualify materials they have developed themselves on the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Case Study: The IMSEAM Institute at Heidelberg University<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Germany\u2019s oldest university conducts research using state-of-the-art printing technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Founded in 2022, the <strong>Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM)<\/strong> at Heidelberg University (founded in 1386, Germany\u2019s oldest university) develops new materials and technologies at the molecular level\u2014from the molecule to the function. Four research groups and two early-career research groups are working on materials development, organic electronics, environmental engineering, and medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IMSEAM operates <strong>three core facilities<\/strong>: the IMSEAM Core Facility for device fabrication and characterization, the facility for characterizing soft (bio)materials, and the <strong>Microfluidics Core Facility (\u00b5Flu CF)<\/strong>, headed by <strong>Dr. Sadaf Pashapour<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Core Facility supports research groups across the entire university\u2014from project design and chip fabrication to conducting experiments in <strong>biosafety laboratories<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why Conventional Photolithography Wasn\u2019t Enough<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The facility started with a maskless aligner for 2D geometries (1\u2013200 \u00b5m Z-height) and an interference profilometer for measuring the height of structures in the range of 1 \u00b5m to 2\u20133 mm. However, the process has a fundamental limitation: it can produce <strong>only straight walls<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">True 3D geometries\u2014channels on multiple planes, chambers with variable cross-sections, cavities within components\u2014cannot be realized with this method. This was the catalyst for the search for a 3D printer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cIn addition to this method, which can only produce straight walls, we also wanted to manufacture 3D geometries.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why BMF Was the Only Supplier That Met Our Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A typical test part was sent to four or five suppliers. The requirement was clear:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cOur challenge is to print narrow channels with walls as smooth as possible to prevent turbulence later on.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only BMF was able to produce the prototype part flawlessly. The decision was made to go with the <strong>microArch S140<\/strong> (10 \u00b5m)\u2014chosen over the top-of-the-line 2-\u00b5m model for budgetary reasons, but with impressive results:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cThis incredible machine delivers excellent results.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After installation: a one-week training session with a complete explanation of the system theory, followed by rapid support via a messaging channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Round-the-clock operation and international collaborations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The microArch S140 has been running around the clock since September 2023. Dr. Pashapour operates the system alone to be able to assign priorities as needed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cWhile the printer is running, I can prepare new projects, finish processing components, or attend to my other tasks.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About 20 researchers have already completed projects all the way to the finished chip. Collaborations are in place with the Technical University of Munich, the Leibniz Institute in Saarbr\u00fccken, and partners in Chile\u2014the facility has established itself far beyond the campus as a hub for microfluidics research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Components: What the System Does in Practice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul-bullet\">\n<li><strong>Microwells:<\/strong> 80 \u00b5m in diameter and depth, spaced 20 \u00b5m apart\u2014for trapping GUVs (Giant Unilamellar Vesicles)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Organoid chambers:<\/strong> 200 \u00b5m-wide chambers with 100 \u00b5m fluid inlets on both sides<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lattice structures:<\/strong> 100 \u00b5m-fine lattices for cell-induced deformation studies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hollow cubes:<\/strong> 150 \u00b5m cavities for coating with carbon nanotubes to enable 3D cellular activation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Particularly valuable: Printing directly onto a glass substrate\u2014for better optical analysis. The team would like software support for the micrometer-precise alignment of the glass plate; currently, a caliper is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The bottom line: The S140 meets the requirements for accuracy and precision every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"372\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/am-pioneers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/3-3.jpg?fit=372%2C424&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8319\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/am-pioneers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/3-3.jpg?w=372&amp;ssl=1 372w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/am-pioneers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/3-3.jpg?resize=263%2C300&amp;ssl=1 263w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Image: Organoid chambers with 100 \u00b5m flow inlets<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Outlook: Elastic Materials and the Path to 2-\u00b5m Resolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Pashapour would also like to use <strong>elastic materials<\/strong> in the future\u2014for example, for a synthetic lung as an \u201corgan-on-a-chip.\u201d An initial design was too complex for the microArch S140:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cWe sent that to BMF support. Perhaps the 100-micrometer struts can be produced with the 2-\u00b5m printer.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This highlights a key strategic advantage of the BMF portfolio: Designs that push the limits of the 10-\u00b5m system can be seamlessly scaled up to the 2-\u00b5m top-of-the-line model\u2014within the same system family, using the same materials and the same software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Applications of the BMF system in microfluidics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lab-on-a-chip for point-of-care:<\/strong> Integrated mixing chambers, capillary valves, and detection chambers in a single monolithic component\u2014no bonding, no cleanroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Organ-on-a-chip:<\/strong> Perfused tissue models, blood-brain barrier simulations, gut-on-a-chip with physiologically relevant shear stress\u2014and, in the future, elastic lung models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Droplet microfluidics:<\/strong> T-junctions and flow-focusing units for the synthesis of synthetic cells, nanoparticles, and emulsions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cell sorting:<\/strong> Dean-flow spirals, hydrodynamic traps, and microwells for controlled cell seeding and single-cell analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Microreactors:<\/strong> Optimized heat transfer, controlled residence times, and integrated mixing zones for chemical synthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sensor integration:<\/strong> Pressure chambers, optical detection windows, and electrochemical cells as integral structural components of the chip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The next step: Experience micro-3D printing at AM Pioneers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Would you like to <a href=\"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/bmf\/\">buy a micro-3D printer<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Feel free to contact us. AM Pioneers is an authorized partner of <strong>Boston Micro Fabrication<\/strong> in Germany and offers two options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/services\/\">3D Printing Services<\/a><strong>:<\/strong> From the CAD model to the finished chip\u2014including feasibility analysis and material consulting, without the need to invest in your own equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">System Purchase with Implementation: System selection, installation, and configuration\u2014just as the IMSEAM team from Heidelberg experienced it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Related Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Wpshw7CIf0c\">Video on the printing process (YouTube)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bmf3d.com\/de\/resource\/imseam-3d-printing-for-microfluidics\/\">User article: University of Heidelberg \u2013 IMSEAM (German)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bmf3d.com\/resource\/imseam-3d-printing-for-microfluidics\/\">User article: University of Heidelberg \u2013 IMSEAM (English)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>For an initial consultation about your requirements:<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/bmf\/\">am-pioneers.com\/bmf<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":8325,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false},"class_list":["post-8324","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Micro-3D Printing for Microfluidic Applications - AM Pioneers - Additive Fertigung und Metall-3D-Druck<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/news\/micro-3d-printing-for-microfluidic-applications\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Micro-3D Printing for Microfluidic Applications - AM Pioneers - Additive Fertigung und Metall-3D-Druck\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"How Heidelberg University Conducts Research Using BMF Technology Using the micro-3D printing systems from Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF), microfluidic applications made of composite polymers or ceramics can be manufactured with a resolution of up to 2 \u00b5m\u2014enabling the creation of channels and tolerances that cannot be achieved with any other 3D printing technology. In Germany, [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/news\/micro-3d-printing-for-microfluidic-applications\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"AM Pioneers - Additive Fertigung und Metall-3D-Druck\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/am-pioneers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/thumb-banner-4.jpg?fit=1270%2C667&ssl=1\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1270\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"667\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Micro-3D Printing for Microfluidic Applications - AM Pioneers - Additive Fertigung und Metall-3D-Druck","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/news\/micro-3d-printing-for-microfluidic-applications\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Micro-3D Printing for Microfluidic Applications - AM Pioneers - Additive Fertigung und Metall-3D-Druck","og_description":"How Heidelberg University Conducts Research Using BMF Technology Using the micro-3D printing systems from Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF), microfluidic applications made of composite polymers or ceramics can be manufactured with a resolution of up to 2 \u00b5m\u2014enabling the creation of channels and tolerances that cannot be achieved with any other 3D printing technology. In Germany, [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/news\/micro-3d-printing-for-microfluidic-applications\/","og_site_name":"AM Pioneers - Additive Fertigung und Metall-3D-Druck","og_image":[{"width":1270,"height":667,"url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/am-pioneers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/thumb-banner-4.jpg?fit=1270%2C667&ssl=1","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/news\/micro-3d-printing-for-microfluidic-applications\/","url":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/news\/micro-3d-printing-for-microfluidic-applications\/","name":"Micro-3D Printing for Microfluidic Applications - AM Pioneers - Additive Fertigung und Metall-3D-Druck","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/news\/micro-3d-printing-for-microfluidic-applications\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/news\/micro-3d-printing-for-microfluidic-applications\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/am-pioneers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/thumb-banner-4.jpg?fit=1270%2C667&ssl=1","datePublished":"2026-09-01T05:28:42+00:00","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/news\/micro-3d-printing-for-microfluidic-applications\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/news\/micro-3d-printing-for-microfluidic-applications\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/am-pioneers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/thumb-banner-4.jpg?fit=1270%2C667&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/am-pioneers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/thumb-banner-4.jpg?fit=1270%2C667&ssl=1","width":1270,"height":667},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/","name":"AM Pioneers - Additive Fertigung & Metall-3D-Druck","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/8324","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8325"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/am-pioneers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}