Towards 3D printed microfluidic devices in α-alumina

3D-printing in microfluidics is a relatively new approach. However, most of the applications are printed in polymeric material, limiting the use in high temperature applications. This paper describes the first steps towards a 3D printed microfluidic device in α-alumina. This material could potentially be used in applications with temperatures up to 1000°C. In this paper we shortly discuss the history of 3D printing and microfluidics, the material properties of α-alumina, the theory on membrane deflection, and proposed structures to test this theory, gas-tightness, metal adhesion properties of α-alumina.