Skip to content
OSMS
One Stop Microfluidics Shop

MANUFACTURING

CNC Micromachining for Microfluidics

CNC micromachining cuts microfluidic channels directly into solid plastic with a tiny rotating tool. It bridges the gap between soft prototypes and injection-moulded production — and often makes the mould itself. Here is how it fits in.

What is CNC micromachining?

CNC (computer numerical control) micromachining uses micro-scale cutting tools to mill channels and features directly into a thermoplastic blank — COC, COP, PMMA or polycarbonate — with no mould required.

Where it fits in the journey

CNC is ideal for prototyping in a production-representative material and for pilot or bridge volumes (tens to thousands of parts) before committing to a tool. It lets you validate a design in the real material — see prototype to scale.

Strengths

  • Cuts real thermoplastics, unlike PDMS casting.
  • Good precision and fast turnaround.
  • No tooling cost and easy design iteration.

Limits

  • Per-part cost stays flat — no volume economics like moulding.
  • Surface roughness and minimum feature size are set by the cutting tool.
  • Enclosed, weaving 3D channels are harder than with 3D printing.

The link to injection moulding

CNC also cuts the precision metal moulds used in injection moulding, and CNC-machined parts validate a design before the tool is committed — making it a natural step on the road to volume.

Frequently asked questions

What is CNC micromachining in microfluidics?

Milling micro-scale channels and features directly into a thermoplastic blank with computer-controlled cutting tools, requiring no mould.

When should I use CNC machining for a microfluidic chip?

For prototypes in a production-representative material and for pilot or bridge volumes before investing in injection-mould tooling.

What materials can be CNC machined for microfluidics?

Thermoplastics such as COC, COP, PMMA and polycarbonate.

How does CNC machining relate to injection moulding?

CNC validates the design in the final material and is also used to cut the precision metal mould (tool) that injection moulding then uses for volume production.

Real material, fast

Need production-representative prototypes?

We CNC machine in COC, COP, PMMA and PC, then carry proven designs to moulding. Upload a design for a quote.

Submit a design →Book a 30-min call

Europe · North America · Singapore · Shipping worldwide

Reply by email within 1 working day · Tue / Thu 10:30–15:00 UK for calls