The Importance of Dimensional Traceability in Microfluidic Systems
Elsa Batista,
João Alves e Sousa,
Fernanda Saraiva,
André Lopes,
Vania Silverio,
Rui F. Martins,
Luis Martins
Affiliations
Elsa Batista
Metrology Department, Instituto Português da Qualidade, 2829-513 Caparica, Portugal
João Alves e Sousa
Metrology Department, Instituto Português da Qualidade, 2829-513 Caparica, Portugal
Fernanda Saraiva
Metrology Department, Instituto Português da Qualidade, 2829-513 Caparica, Portugal
André Lopes
UNIDEMI, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Vania Silverio
INESC Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias, INESC MN, 1000-029 Lisboa, Portugal
Rui F. Martins
UNIDEMI, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Luis Martins
LNEC—Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil, 1700-066 Lisboa, Portugal
Dimensional measurements are fundamental in microfluidic device manufacturing and performance. The main focus of this study is the measurement of the connection port sizes in microfluidic devices and components and, accordingly, the possible existence of fluid leaks determined using the flow rate error. The sizes associated with three different microfluidic systems were determined using laser interferometry and through an optical measuring instrument, with metrological traceability to national length standards. It was possible to infer the method with the greatest accuracy and lowest measurement uncertainty for characterizing this kind of system. In conclusion, the results of this work directly address the current lack of dimensions measuring methods of microfluidic components by providing a comprehensive comparison of different protocols, ultimately suggesting a preferred option for immediate application within the microfluidic industry.
