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Nowadays, the prototypes of microfluidic systems are generally produced via micromilling of thermoplastic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The main limitations are the design of micro tools with diameters D ≤ 50 μm adapted for each application, and the understanding of the machining process itself. The objective of this research work is to contribute to mastering the process of PMMA micromilling with tool diameters D ≤ 50 μm on a 3-axes precision milling machine. For this purpose, the process design must include the complete process chain-from the CAD/CAM data up to the final structure geometry. The main requirements are the manufacture of microfluidic structures with R a < 60 nm on the groove bottom and a top burr overhang h 0 < 3 μm. Based on the experimental results, milling parameters were established and the influence of the tool geometry on the burr formation was determined. Finally, CAD/CAM machining strategies were recommended.Keywords Micromachining . Micromilling . Lab-on-chip . Ultra-small micro end mill

Several kinds of glossiness pattern can be seen on the surface of porcelain stoneware tiles right after the polishing process, as a function of the kinematics performed by the polishing heads. For the newest generation of industrial polishing trains, where a transverse oscillation is included, there is still a great need for literature about the resulting patterns. This paper intends to find the spatial distribution of time under polishing analytically using the kinematics equations involved in the polishing process. The measured values of glossiness collected from three polished tiles are also presented. The importance of adopting a good kinematics for the polishing process has been highlighted, and the equations developed herein are useful tools for further attempts at optimizing the polishing process.