Microfluidics hero image

Microfluidic
Cartridge &
Chip Manufacturing

Precision thermoplastic fabrication with Class 100K cleanroom assembly. From prototypes to high-volume production with scalable bonding solutions.

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Customer Challenges

Customers designing microfluidic cartridges need plastic layers, microchannels, embedded functional elements, and cleanroom assembly to work together without leaks, distortion, or inconsistent performance.

Layer Alignment

  • Two plastic layers must register accurately
  • Channels must stay open after bonding
  • Warpage can shift critical interfaces
  • Design must be manufacturable at volume

Bonding Integrity

  • Seals must hold without blocking channels
  • Thermal and ultrasonic windows can be narrow
  • Transparent devices need cosmetic control
  • Leak paths must be designed out early

Embedded Functions

  • Electrodes, membranes, sensors, or reagents must fit the cartridge stack
  • Interfaces need protection from process stress
  • Materials must remain chemically compatible
  • Assembly cannot introduce contamination

Scale & Traceability

  • Prototype choices must translate to production
  • Cleanroom packout must be repeatable
  • Flow and leak checks need defined criteria
  • Quality records must support customer validation

Fu Yu Strategic Approach

Our approach answers those customer challenges with DFM support, precision thermoplastic moulding, controlled bonding, functional integration, and verified cleanroom assembly.

DFM Before Tooling

We review gate placement, channel orientation, layer registration, bonding land, and interface risks before customers commit to tooling.

Precision Moulded Layers

Thermoplastic moulding controls channel geometry, optical areas, and mating surfaces so the bonded stack starts from stable parts.

Controlled Bonding Window

Thermal, ultrasonic, or solvent bonding is selected around material compatibility, seal strength, channel openness, and cosmetic needs.

Integration & Verification

Embedded electrodes, membranes, reagents, and sensors are protected through assembly, then verified through leak, flow, visual, and traceability checks.

Exploded microfluidic cartridge with two plastic layers and embedded electrodes
Microfluidic Chip StackTwo moulded plastic layers with channel geometry, bonded interfaces, and embedded functional traces for scalable cartridge production.

7-Step Process

From design to delivery, our comprehensive workflow ensures quality

01

Channel Design

Precision channel geometry optimization for fluid dynamics and manufacturing feasibility

02

Thermoplastic Moulding

High-precision injection moulding with material selection for optimal bonding compatibility

03

Surface Prep

Critical surface treatment protocols for maximum bond strength and reliability

04

Bonding Method

Selection and execution of optimal bonding technique based on application requirements

05

Functional Integrations

Integration of sensors, valves, and other components during bonding process

06

Leak / Flow Verification

Comprehensive testing protocols to ensure hermetic sealing and proper flow characteristics

07

Cleanroom Packout

ISO-certified cleanroom packaging and documentation for immediate deployment

Exploded microfluidic chip with two plastic layers and embedded electrodes
Practical

DFM Checklist

Top customer-facing DFM checks before tooling and scale-up.

Gate Placement

Gate and knit-line planning for clear channels and stable fill

Channel Orientation

Layer registration and channel direction matched to use case

Warpage Control

Flatness control so bonded layers seal without distortion

Membrane Interfaces

Membrane, electrode, sensor, and reagent interface planning

Optical Clarity

Material selection for transparency

Reagent Compatibility

Chemical resistance validation

DFM Checklist for Microfluidics

Design for manufacturability guidelines to ensure successful production scaling from prototype to high-volume manufacturing.

  • Channel width ≥50µm for injection moulding
  • Aspect ratio <3:1 for reliable demoulding
  • Draft angles 0.5-2° for vertical walls
  • Minimize sharp corners (R≥25µm)
  • Gate location away from critical features
  • Bonding area ≥2mm for reliable sealing

Risk Register & Mitigation

Common failure modes and our proven mitigation strategies for robust microfluidic device production.

LeakageHigh Risk

Mitigation: Optimized bonding parameters, leak testing protocols

DelaminationMedium Risk

Mitigation: Surface treatment, adhesion promoters

Channel CloggingMedium Risk

Mitigation: Surface coatings, optimized channel geometry

Optical ClarityLow Risk

Mitigation: Material selection, controlled processing

BiocompatibilityLow Risk

Mitigation: USP Class VI materials, validated processes

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