Roll-to-Roll Processing of Fluidics Channels on Plastic Web

In this work, we demonstrate a continuous process, where fluidics device is rolltoroll manufactured. The metallic printing roll contains engraved channelstructures or channel structures are in Ni master which is wrapped on to the printing roll. Channels are printed into a cellulose acetate (CA) film. Subsequently CAfilm is bonded on the imprinted web in a laminate process, realizing sealed devices. In the experiments we have used a mechanically engraved cylinder for large channels and an electroplated Nishim for realizing small channels. Channel widths vary from 100 micron to 1 mm on the engraved cylinder and from 150 nm - 10 microns in the Ni shim. In the experiments the backing rolls were kept at room temperature. Channels are imprinted into 95 ?m thick cellulose acetate film using imprinting speeds up to 5 m/minute at 8 MPa pressure and 105 ºC temperatures. The imprinted channels were sealed using thermoplastic glue and laminating foil at 80 ºC temperature.