Patent ID: 7867405
Filing Date: 2011-01-11
Classification: B05B

Abstract:
1. A process for producing a multiplicity of microfluidic arrangements from a plate-shaped composite structure comprised of two plates which are two-dimensionally and fixedly joined to each other and which have generally planar surfaces, and a multiplicity of recurring groove structures, the dimensions of which are within a micrometer range and which form flow channels disposed in a surface of at least one of the plates which is joined to a facing surface of the other of the plates, comprising the steps of: producing the groove structures of the plate-shaped composite structure so that they are continuously joined to each other in at least one direction from one edge to an opposite edge of the plate-shaped composite structure, before mechanical machining, at least partially filling the groove structures of the plate-shaped composite structure with a filling medium such that at least openings or portions of the groove structures to be opened by mechanical machining are filled with the filling medium, the filling medium being selected so that it will not be removed from the groove structures either by the mechanical machining itself or by aids used during mechanical machining, wherein the plate-shaped composite structure is mechanically machined along lines which extend between the groove structures so that thereafter the microfluidic arrangements in the composite structure are individually or group-wise separated from each other, and removing the filling medium from the groove structures of the microfluidic arrangements after said mechanical machining.