Microscale Computed Tomography (μCT) Imaging of Leak Pathways for Optimized Leak-Free 3D Printed Fluidics.

ABSTRACT: 3D printing is a highly attractive method for manufacturing micro- and millifluidic devices due to fast fabrication times and a low barrier to entry. Of the common 3D printing methods, fused filament fabrication (FFF) is the most accessible but is also susceptible to leakages when using default printer settings. Here, we combine microscale computed tomography (μCT) X-ray imaging with bulk leak testing to understand the fundamental structural reasons why leakages occur, and the effect of optimizing print parameters. In contrast to previous recommendations, we show that the amount of infill can be reduced as required, with print bodies being intrinsically porous, regardless of infill. Instead, we find that it is solely the channel wall quality that determines whether leaks will occur. In kee

SUBMITTER: Leeder R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12624528 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature