We would like to know what is the best option for creating wax patterns on different types of papers, for microfluidic applications. Most literature has quoted inkjet printers modified for wax printing, mostly using a xerox printer. We would like to know if there is a good quality, high resolution wax printer for the same.
Other better options for hydrophobic channel preparation are also welcomed.
We are currently writing a proposal so budget we can allot accordingly.
As far as I know, only Xerox is offering wax printers (Solid Ink Printers). They are using colored wax for printing anyway, and hence do not have to be "modified" for your purpose. The price should be around 500 EUR.
Rohan
Thermal transfer label printers use wax and wax-resin ribbons. They have good resolution (300 or 600 dpi) with well defined edges. They are inexpensive, highly productive and simple to operate. Normally they are set up for flexible materials (films and papers) but semi-rigid pieces, 1 or 2 mm thick, can be printed too. We have demonstrated them for conductive inks on microfluidic devices. Reach out directly if you wish to learn more or get examples.
Dear Taylor,
Can you plz recommend a suitable thermal transfer label printer that can be used for microfluidic? Thank you in advance
Hello Le Minh
The choice of printer for scoping work is relatively open. There are small printers about the size of a shoe box used for printing a few address labels now and then, to to the industrial versions that must work 24/7 in factories.
Scoping might be done on a borrowed printer.
If you know TT is a technology you want to use for serious research, then one of the industrial printers from Zebra, Sato, Honeywell or the like, is best as they have more process adjustments. We use Zebra ZT600 series for printed electronics - these are the best of Zebra's range, and Zebra loaned us a printer when we started out, and lends us printers for trade events.
The biggest variables to consider are the thickness of wax you wish to deposit and the smoothness of the paper.
The ink thickness on ribbons ranges roughly from about 3 to 6 micron. If you work gravimetrically, say 3 to 6 gram/square meter.) Paper that is suitably absorbent, might have 50% open space.
Transfer depends on contact between the paper surface and the ink. Nearly all paper for labels is coated to be smooth. Large pore filter paper has poor transfer. So I success scoping first. Also, print quality with unusual combinations is related to researcher determination.
Of course, it is not necessary to fill all the voids in the paper - just coating all the fiber surfaces may be enough. And you can print the same image several times ove top to build up the wax.
So after printing to get the shape, heating above the wax melting point can make that happen.
Finally, we can support the assembly of printers specifically to match ink and paper, especially if you are trying to make prototypes for commercial evaluation, selecting the most appropriate printing, ink and paper technologies. We partner with The Sabreen Group, Inc. (www.sabreen.com) for doing this.
Best regards
Dene
If you get this you can use black to learn how to get the designs you want printed. Black is good, because you can see it all. There are also white and clear ribbons. White is usually the thickest. Clear you can see through of course. If you try these, the surface wetting with your fluid may vary.
And if you want a sample to try, here at Metallograph we will print examples from files that people like you send us, so you can get to work quickly - no purchasing, and no learning to print until you believe it is worthwhile.
Write to me at [email protected]
Or visit www.metallograph.tech
Dene
- Badges
- Science topic