Analysis of the Applicability of Design for Microassembly Theory to Biomedical Devices

Abstract

Abstract. This paper describes the application of design for microassembly (DµFA) theory to the designing and assembling of biomedical microdevices in order to cope with the market-specific requirements of the biomedical sector which can be seen as one of the most complex industrial areas for microassembly applications. It is shown how DµFA can support the move from the research laboratory to industrial fabrication. The benefits of applying DFµA theory to the development of a biomedical microdevice are clearly shown, i.e. savings in cost and time achieved in the early design stages. Therefore a practical case study containing a minifluidics blood separation device is introduced providing insight into the process of guiding the design process of microproducts.