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FAQ
What is PDMS and why is it widely used in microfluidics?
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a silicon-based organic polymer prized for its optical transparency, gas permeability, and ease of fabrication. As highlighted in Whitesides’ seminal review, PDMS is ideal for rapid prototyping and flexible design, making it a foundational material in microfluidics. Today, its unique properties support a wide range of applications—from diagnostics and cell culture to organ-on-a-chip systems, liquid biopsy, and drug discovery. That’s why HiComp has industrialized PDMS manufacturing—to meet the growing demand for high-quality, scalable production.
Should I fabricate PDMS chips in-house or outsource production?
If you have cleanroom access and are in the early prototyping phase—where fast iteration outweighs quality—then in-house fabrication is recommended. However, if you’re preparing for clinical validation, commercialization, or scaling up production, outsourcing becomes essential. HiComp brings deep manufacturing expertise, industrial-grade quality, and reliable scalability—ideal for transforming your designs into successful, production-ready products.
What is an integrated mold, and how do you ensure quality and consistency in PDMS production?
What are the typical steps involved in fabricating a PDMS microfluidic chip in a lab?
PDMS fabrication typically involves mold preparation, mixing and curing, bonding, and surface treatment. The step-by-step process outlined on Protocols.io is widely used in research labs. At HiComp, we follow this established workflow for small-volume runs—but enhance it with industrial-grade molds, ultra-pure materials, and ISO-certified cleanroom protocols to ensure precision, reproducibility, and scalability.
How can the surface of PDMS be modified to improve performance?
PDMS surfaces can be modified using plasma treatment, chemical coatings, or UV exposure to enhance hydrophilicity and biofunctionality. These techniques—detailed in a ScienceDirect review—are essential for improving flow dynamics and cell compatibility. At HiComp, we go further with advanced plasma systems, proprietary covalent bonding, and precision micro-dispensing, delivering application-ready surfaces at industrial scale.
How fast can you deliver PDMS chips after design confirmation?
For ready-to-produce designs, our standard lead time is approximately 3 weeks, plus 1 week for shipping.
We also offer express fabrication options for urgent projects and provide regular progress updates.
For an accurate timeline based on your design and quantity, please consult with our project manager.
An integrated mold is a closed, reusable tool—unlike traditional SU-8 masters—that incorporates both microfeatures (e.g., channels) and macrofeatures (e.g., through-holes, reservoirs) into a single design. This eliminates manual punching and alignment, significantly improving accuracy, yield, and scalability. At HiComp, all fabrication is handled in-house by trained technicians in ISO-certified cleanrooms. With over 1 million PDMS chips delivered, our process is engineered for high repeatability, multi-layer capability, and industrial-grade consistency.
Can I scale from PDMS to injection molding for mass production?
Yes—but the transition from PDMS to injection molding is complex. It typically requires redesign, new mold development, material testing, and system revalidation. At HiComp, we deliver PDMS chips with injection molding–level quality and support your transition with proven expertise. Our recommendation: begin PDMS volume production while initiating injection molding development in parallel. This ensures a smooth handoff and gets your product to market faster—years ahead of the competition.
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ) for PDMS chip production?
We don’t enforce a strict MOQ—orders as small as one chip are welcome. However, please note that a one-time setup fee applies for mold layout, and unit pricing will be higher for low-volume runs compared to batch production.
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