Micro-pump

Lead Division
Micro-fluidics, Division 10

Other Divisions Participating
Polymer processing, Division 4
Metals, Division 7
Assembly & Packaging, Division 6
Micro-sensors & actuators, Division 11

Summary
It is proposed to develop a “4M Micropump” drawing on expertise and technology spread across six 4M divisions. The micropump will have a very simple design produced using techniques that are appropriate for low cost production. The proposed micropump consists of a single plastic part, produced by micro-injection moulding, a single metal diaphragm and three PZT piezoelectric ceramic elements. All three PZT elements are glued onto the metal diaphragm, two of them forming the inlet and outlet active valves while the third is used to actuate the diaphragm. The valve seats, pump chamber and inlet/outlet interfacing channels are formed in the plastic body.

The modelling of the actuation unit will be performed by the Micro-Sensor&Actuator Division. The micro-injection moulding of the plastic part will take place in the Polymer Division. A critical interfacing step will be the gluing step of the metal diaphragm to the plastic body, and this will be undertaken by the Packaging Division. Reliability investigations will be carried out by the Metals Division and this will include consideration of how the actuation voltages to be applied to the PZT ceramics effect the lifetime of the actuated elements. Finally, the liquid flow characteristion of the assembled “4M Micropump” will be performed by the Microfluidic Division. Much of the investigations will be at the boundaries of the various divisions and so good collaboration is expected.

Micro injection moulding has been selected as a manufacturing technology as it is suitable for low cost, mass production. The target manufacturing cost for a single micropump is less than 4€ in production. If this target can be met there will be significant interest from many sectors including medical, pharmaceutical and energy and many new applications are expected. In this way it can be expected that a successful project will lead to further projects in collaboration with industry.

Status of this cross-divisional project
Completed.The Report arising from this deliverable is available to 4M Partners here.