Our Business
The work of the Fluence Microfluidics Centre within the UK’s micro and nanotechnology network is directed at promoting and supporting the diverse range of opportunities enabled by microfluidic products and processes. Case histories illustrate the technical options and technology transfer from proof of concept to manufacture. Functions are being integrated (mechanical, optical, electrical, fluidic, biological, chemical etc) using hybrid materials of construction and combinations of top down and bottom up processing. Tools are supplied to develop microfluidic applications.
Polymer engineering provides a cost effective route to manufacture. “>Solutions are offered, in manufacturing process step reduction and assembly simplification; including self alignment of functions, integration of materials and devices to provide optical, electrical and fluidic interconnection, membranes for fluid flow control, surface interaction options and electronic control and communication.
Our business philosophy is to enable our customers to meet their critical business objectives by providing solutions for the design, fabrication and assembly of integrated microfluidic components and modules through state of the art polymer microengineering services.
This is achieved through the provision of
- proven micro and nanotechnology platforms derived from meeting the miniaturisation needs of the electronics, chemicals and life sciences industries
- Processes for product manufacture suitable for both rapid prototyping (no mould costs) to high volumes of disposables or multifunctional instrument consumables
- Polymer microengineering specialist services, reinforced through membership of the UK MNT Network and across Europe through INTEGRAMplus .
Fluence’s activities are focused on 4 related primary markets in which microfluidics will have an increasing role.
These are
- bioanalytical instrumentation,
- diagnostics
- hybrid polymer electronics
- process intensification
Fluence adds value in a number of ways, including the provision of
- Support to companies in the use of polymer based microfluidic components and sub-systems and packaged metal, silicon etc inserts.
- Application stimulation & support activities using a tool kit approach, proof of concept demonstration projects and case histories.
- Access to clean precision wet coating / dispensing and micro and nanostructure imprinting (replication by embossing also know as imprinting, micromoulding, LIGA etc).
- Access to expertise in micro and nanotechnology materials, processes and application development.
- A boost to supply chain opportunities through a network of companies to bring a product to successful manufacture.