Microfluidic Chip Alignment Platform
Aligns the upper and lower layers of a microfluidic chip to within 10 µm before sealing, with two microscopes viewing two alignment marks and an X-Y-rotation lower stage.
For PDMS/PDMS, PDMS/glass, PDMS/PMMA and PMMA/PMMA chips.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Configured during quote
- SKU family
- WHM-0041
- Shipping box
- 300.0 × 300.0 × 200.0 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Lab Equipment
- Build notes
- PDMS/PDMS, PDMS/glass, PDMS/PMMA, PMMA/PMMA
The Microfluidic Chip Alignment Platform lines up separately prepared upper and lower chip layers before they are sealed, holding the alignment error within 10 µm. Two microscopes view alignment marks at two locations, which reduces the error that comes from aligning at a single point, while an X-Y-rotation lower stage and a Z-axis upper stage set the relative position of the layers.
It handles PDMS/PDMS, PDMS/glass, PDMS/PMMA and PMMA/PMMA chips, including chips with 3D structures for organ-on-chip work, and other tasks that need precise alignment. The two USB microscopes (30–300X) display on a computer, where on-screen ruler lines mark the alignment position, and a backlight lights the chip for viewing.
The platform aligns the layers and brings them into contact; it does not bond them. For plasma bonding, the aligned layers are treated in a separate plasma cleaner, returned to the platform and brought together with the upper stage's Z-axis knob. A computer and a plasma cleaner are not included.
How It Works
The upper chip layer is held on the upper stage, which moves in Z, and the lower layer on the lower stage, which moves in X, Y and rotation. With the channel faces toward each other, the upper stage is lowered until the layers are about 1 mm apart without touching.
Two USB microscopes on X-Y-Z brackets show the chip on a computer, lit by a backlight. The on-screen ruler lines are first set on the upper layer's alignment marks with the microscope brackets' X and Y knobs. The microscopes are then refocused on the lower layer, and its marks are brought onto the same lines with the lower stage's X, Y and rotation knobs. Checking two marks at once reduces the error that comes from aligning at a single point and keeps the alignment error within 10 µm.
The platform does not bond the chip. For plasma bonding, the aligned layers are removed for treatment in a separate plasma cleaner, returned to the platform and brought into contact with the upper stage's Z-axis knob, quickly and gently, within about one minute.
Features & Benefits
Automation Level
- manual
Brand
- ConductScience
Research Domain
- Analytical Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
Alignment Accuracy
- Within 10 µm
Chip Materials
- PDMS/PDMS
- PDMS/glass
- PDMS/PMMA
- PMMA/PMMA
Microscopes
- 2 USB microscopes with illumination, focus and image capture
Magnification
- 30–300X
Microscope Positioning
- X, Y and Z travel 20 mm; 1 mm scale; 0.1 mm mechanical precision
Upper Stage
- 90 × 95 mm; Z travel 10 mm; 1 mm scale; 0.1 mm mechanical precision
Lower Stage
- 85 × 95 mm; X and Y travel 6.5 mm; 0.01 mm adjustment precision
Lower Stage Rotation
- 360° coarse rotation (±5°); 10′ fine rotation precision
Illumination
- Backlight (with power plug) and microscope lights
Instrument Weight
- 4.4 kg
Operating Environment
- 5–40 °C; relative humidity below 80%
Shipping weight
- 15.0 lb
Shipping box
- L: 300.0 cm
- W: 300.0 cm
- H: 200.0 cm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viewing | Two microscopes (30–300X) on a computer screen, viewing two alignment marks | Aligning by eye, or at a single point | Two-point viewing reduces the error that comes from local, single-point alignment. |
| Positioning | Lower stage X/Y with 0.01 mm adjustment precision, 360° coarse and 10′ fine rotation; upper stage 10 mm Z travel | Placing layers by hand | Controlled offset and angle correction. Hand adjustment of micron-scale channels is difficult, slow and prone to X-Y offset. |
| Alignment accuracy | Within 10 µm | Hand alignment | Keeps the channels and structures on the two layers in register. |
Compared with aligning chip layers by eye or by hand, the platform adds two-point microscope viewing and controlled X, Y, Z and rotation adjustment, holding the alignment error within 10 µm. It aligns only: plasma bonding needs a separate plasma cleaner.
Practical Tips
Keep the platform on a stable, level bench in a clean, dry, ventilated room, away from heat, steam, direct sunlight, dust and corrosive gases.
For pairs with a PDMS layer, mount the PDMS layer on the upper stage and the PDMS, glass or PMMA layer on the lower stage. Place the structures to be aligned as close to the Z axis as possible.
Why: Structures near the Z axis shorten the alignment.
Clean the channel faces of both layers and cover them with clear protective film before loading. Peel it off just before plasma treatment.
Lower the upper layer until the layers are about 1 mm apart, close but not touching, before focusing.
Why: A larger gap makes the marks harder to see and means refocusing the microscopes many times.
After plasma treatment, bring the layers into contact quickly and gently, within about one minute.
Why: Squeezing the layers can shift the structures out of alignment, and waiting too long lets the plasma treatment lapse, weakening the bond.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Microfluidic chip alignment platform
- 2 USB microscopes, each with data cable, instructions and software installation CD
- Backlight with power plug
- User manual
- Warranty card, qualification certificate and quality inspection report
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for setup and operational guidance.
Can this platform bond the chip layers?
No. It aligns the layers and brings them into contact, but it does not bond them. For plasma bonding, the aligned layers are treated in a separate plasma cleaner (not included) and brought together on the platform within about one minute.
What alignment accuracy can it achieve?
The alignment error is held within 10 µm, using two microscopes that view two alignment marks and an X-Y-rotation lower stage.
Which chip materials does it support?
PDMS/PDMS, PDMS/glass, PDMS/PMMA and PMMA/PMMA chips. For pairs with a PDMS layer, the PDMS layer goes on the upper stage.
How large are the stages?
The upper stage is 90 × 95 mm and the lower stage is 85 × 95 mm.
How fine is the positioning?
The lower stage moves 6.5 mm in X and Y with 0.01 mm adjustment precision and rotates 360° (coarse, ±5°) with 10′ fine-rotation precision. The upper stage travels 10 mm in Z.
Do I need a computer?
Yes. The two USB microscopes display on a computer through their software, which provides the ruler lines used to line up the marks. A computer is not included.
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