Microfluidic Valves, Pumps and Flow Regulators Made by Photopolymerisation: Compliance, Sealing and Cycle Life

Photopolymer microfluidic valves, pumps and flow regulators are active mechanical-fluidic components, so geometric resolution alone does not qualify them. This review focuses on compliance, sealing, pressure-flow behaviour, actuation threshold and cycle life in printed devices. Published stereolithographic valves and pumps demonstrate that monolithic flow control is feasible, while broader microfluidics reviews define integration and material constraints. The engineering challenge is to separate leakage caused by seat geometry from leakage caused by material compliance, creep or particulate contamination, and to distinguish a one-time actuation demonstration from durable regulation. Qualification is organised around pressure-dependent deformation, cracking/opening pressure, reverse leakage, flow resistance, hysteresis and repeated cycling, with fluid compatibility and conditioning reported as state variables. The result is an evidence framework for transferring an active fluidic component rather than merely transferring a channel geometry.

ER-333 · Version 0.4.