RAPID prototyping, LASER welding, POLYMERS, DEGREES of freedom, and MICROMACHINING
Abstract
We report on a novel rapid prototyping approach for the manufacturing of highly individualized lab-on-chip (LoC) cartridges from generic polymer parts by laser micromachining and laser welding. The approach allows an immediate implementation of microfluidic networks, components, and functionalities into an existing LoC platform without the need for an expensive and time-consuming fabrication of production tools like molds or masks. We comprehensively describe the individual process steps of the rapid prototyping procedure including a wet-chemical treatment for an easy and effective surface polishing of laser micromachined polymer parts. For laying out, we introduce a generalized diagrammatic description of microfluidic functional units in order to design application-specific cartridges for molecular diagnostic workflows. We demonstrate the usability of our prototyped cartridges by performing microfluidic experiments within. Due to the use of generic polymer parts, our rapid prototyping approach combines a high degree of freedom with an intrinsic compatibility to an established and highly developed LoC system. By enabling an experimental testing within one day, the rapid prototyping procedure shortens development cycles and boosts the evolution of microfluidic networks as well as the implementation of novel microfluidic components and functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
An effective development platform for custom lab-on-a-chip and lab-on-a-foil solutions has been regarded as a missing element for wider adoption of microfluidic technologies in everyday life. We have used a direct laser structuring device combined with CAD-CAM software and have developed an efficient, fast, and precise procedure for rapid prototyping of widely accessible contemporary materials utilized for flexible microfluidics. Utilization of an ultra-short pulsed laser has enabled us to predict and control the laser ablation process on thin low-temperature co-fired ceramics and Kapton foil. We have demonstrated an agreement between the theoretic predictions and experimental data on ablation rates, paving the way to a fully predictive manufacturing process. Our procedure enables an independent control of microfluidic channel shape, depth, and lateral dimensions down to 10 µm, while maintaining an exceptional process quality achieved by a parametrically optimized laser output at single-picosecond pulse durations. Our novel rapid prototyping solution features short turnover times, minimum material waste, no chemical procedures, and a single-step process free of heat-effects. We demonstrate the improvements to the structuring process on a known difficult-to-manufacture herringbone mixer structures inside a micro-mixer chip application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
This article presents a novel sensor for detecting and measuring angular rotation and proximity, intended for rapid prototyping machines. The sensor is based on a complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR) driven by a conductor-backed coplanar waveguide (CBCPW). The sensor has a planar topology, which makes it simple and cost-effective to produce and accurate in measuring both physical quantities. The sensor has two components, a rotor and a stator: the first of these (the CSRR) can rotate around its axis and translate along the plane normal to the ground of the CBCPW. A detailed theoretical and numerical analysis, along with a circuit model, of the unique sensor design is presented. The proposed sensor exhibits linear response for measuring angular rotation and proximity in the range of 30°–60° and 0–200 μm, respectively. Another distinctive feature of the rotation and proximity sensor is the wide frequency band of applicability, which is an integral part of its novel design and is implemented through various dielectric material loadings on the CSRR. In the prototype of the proposed device, the stator (CBCPW) is fabricated on a 0.508-mm-thick RF-35 substrate, whereas the CSRR-based rotor is fabricated on TLY-5 and RF-35 substrates. The angular rotation, proximity, operating band selection, and sensitivity are measured using a vector network analyzer and are found to be good matches to the simulated and theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
RAPID prototyping, CHEMICAL engineering, INTEGRATED software, CHEMICAL processes, COMPUTER software, INDUSTRIAL applications, and DYNAMIC simulation
Abstract
With ongoing digitalization, fast simulation of process dynamics offers new opportunities for model‐based control schemes. This is eased by the availability of high‐level, open‐access, easy‐to‐use software able to simulate and optimize chemical processes, making rapid prototyping possible also for the chemical engineer. In this study, the capabilities of the Python‐based open‐source software package Pyomo towards industrial application is illustrated in modeling and comparing different control schemes for a simple Williams‐Otto process. It is shown how to simulate the process dynamics and how to compute optimal control trajectories for minimizing waste and maximizing yield. Two approaches to setpoint tracking are compared: one based on proportional‐integral feedback control and one based on optimal open‐loop control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Emergence of advanced digital technology has opened up new perspectives for design and production in the field of dentistry. Rapid prototyping (RP) is a technique to quickly and automatically construct a three-dimensional (3D) model of a part or product using 3D printers or stereolithography machines. RP has various dental applications, such as fabrication of implant surgical guides, zirconia prosthesis and molds for metal castings, maxillofacial prosthesis and frameworks for fixed and removable partial dentures, wax patterns for the dental prosthesis and complete denture. Rapid prototyping presents fascinating opportunities, but the process is difficult as it demands a high level of artistic skill, which means that the dental technicians should be able to work with the models obtained after impression to form a mirror image and achieve good esthetics. This review aims to focus on various RP methods and its application in prosthodontic dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
This paper presents a new control algorithm development approach for induction machines by using model-based design and a systematically built model architecture implemented in MATLAB/Simulink. The model architecture follows a three-layer structure, and it is developed according to the principle of functional decomposition and the needs of reusability and expandability. The first model layer consists of elementary model and algorithm components, the second contains a machine simulation model and a field-oriented control (FOC) algorithm, built upon the first layer's components, and the third realises the executable models by connecting the models and algorithms defined in the second layer. Furthermore, rapid control prototyping (RCP) is discussed as an experimental validation method, and an experimental setup with RCP is also introduced. The application of the presented methods is demonstrated by simulations as well as by experiments, and by using a control algorithm based on FOC as an example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Marantos, Charalampos, Siozios, Kostas, and Soudris, Dimitrios
IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology; Sep2020, Vol. 28 Issue 5, p1831-1845, 15p
Subjects
THERMOSTAT, VIRTUAL prototypes, RAPID prototyping, COMPUTATIONAL complexity, and CUSTOMIZATION
Abstract
Recently, a new generation of systems with integrated computational and physical capabilities, also known as CyberPhysical Systems (CPSs), has been introduced. The control of these systems often results in very high-order models imposing great challenges to the analysis and design problems. In the context of this paper, a decision-making mechanism for these systems is proposed. Moreover, we introduce a virtual prototyping framework for the physical implementation and customization of these orchestrators. For evaluation purposes, the introduced solution is applied to design a low-cost smart thermostat in a microgrid environment. Experimental results highlight the superiority of introduced orchestrator, as it achieves comparable performance to state-of-the-art relevant decision-making approaches, but with considerable lower computational and storage complexities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
LOW temperatures, CHEMICAL vapor deposition, TECHNOLOGY, RAPID prototyping, LIQUID crystal displays, FLEXIBLE electronics, and SILICON solar cells
Abstract
A Corial Inductively Coupled Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition (ICP‐CVD) system has been investigated to produce un‐doped and doped μ‐Si layers, as well as insulators, leading to a general capability of performing N and P type TFTs. This enables to develop rapid prototyping of TFTs. Resistivity of layers and TFT issues from ICP‐CVD have been electrically characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
