The microfluidics field is at a critical crossroads. The vast majority of microfluidic devices are presently manufactured using micromolding processes that work very well for a reduced set of biocompatible materials, but the time, cost, and design constraints of micromolding hinder the commercialization of many devices. As a result, the dissemination of microfluidic technology-and its impact on society-is in jeopardy. Digital manufacturing (DM) refers to a family of computer-centered processes that integrate digital three-dimensional (3D) designs, automated (additive or subtractive) fabrication, and device testing in order to increase fabrication efficiency. Importantly, DM enables the inexpensive realization of 3D designs that are impossible or very difficult to mold. The adoption of DM by microfluidic engineers has been slow, likely due to concerns over the resolution of the printers and the biocompatibility of the resins. In this article, we review and discuss the various printer types, resolution, biocompatibility issues, DM microfluidic designs, and the bright future ahead for this promising, fertile field.

中文翻译：

---

微流控的数字制造。

微流体领域正处于关键的十字路口。目前，绝大多数微流体装置是使用微模制工艺制造的，该工艺对于减少的一组生物相容性材料非常有效，但是微模制的时间，成本和设计约束阻碍了许多装置的商业化。结果，微流体技术的传播及其对社会的影响处于危险之中。数字制造（DM）是指一系列以计算机为中心的过程，这些过程集成了数字三维（3D）设计，自动化（加法或减法）制造和设备测试，以提高制造效率。重要的是，DM能够廉价地实现不可能或很难成型的3D设计。微流体工程师对DM的采用进展缓慢，可能是由于担心打印机的分辨率和树脂的生物相容性。在本文中，我们回顾并讨论了各种打印机类型，分辨率，生物相容性问题，DM微流体设计以及这一有前途的沃土领域的光明前景。