Disruptive low-cost automated 3D-printing platform to propel industrial microfluidics research

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Microfluidics are a fast-growing enabler of _in vitro_ diagnostics, environmental sensing and monitoring and other R&D-intensive markets. The global market for microfluidic technologies will grow at a CAGR of 23.2% to reach £38.7Bn by 2024\. Successful commercial development of complex microchannel configurations currently relies on micro-forming production of prototype parts. However, this is tailored to large series manufacturing and ill-suited to rapid iterative design-test-prototype cycles. This drives up industry costs and stifles innovation. It also impedes reaching strategic UK objectives to consolidate international leadership in advanced diagnostics, biomedical device manufacturing, and other key strategic sectors. To address this, Rapid Fluidics (RF) have developed a unique process that employs widely available additive manufacturing (AM) equipment to print complex microfluidic chips at a fraction of the time and cost assumed by industry today. In the project, RF will automate the process to maximise accuracy and time/cost benefits to users under the supervision of an industry-leading test client. Once validated, the platform will also be used to explore novel AM resin formulations with functional benefits for users in biological sciences applications and improved sustainability. By boosting industrial R&D efficiencies, the technology will facilitate innovation in key strategic sectors. It has the potential to directly save more than £95Mn and 25,000 tonnes of CO2-eq by 2028\.There is no change to the overall public description.