Klapperich Lab: Hot Press a Microfluidic Chip Base

Overview
Use a mechanical hot press to create the base to which a microfluidic chip with channels can be bonded.

Materials

 * Mechanical Hot Press
 * Zeonex beads
 * 2 Removable nickel plates

Procedure

 * 1) Set the temperature of Platen 1 and 2 of the Hot Press to be around 330&deg;F.
 * 2) Center a circular arrangement of Zeonex beads on one of the nickel plates.
 * 3) Place the nickel plate onto the bottom Platen of the Hot Press, and carefully place the other nickel plate on top without disrupting the arrangement of Zeonex beads.
 * 4) Pump the hydralic pressure handle until the platens touch and the pressure reading remains 0, and then wait 1 minute. This time allows the plastic to begin to warm and melt.
 * 5) Pump the hydralic handle until it reads 1000 psi.
 * 6) Hot press for 5 minutes.
 * 7) Remove and let cool.