The Microfluidics Laboratory focuses on the design, fabrication, and experimental investigation of microscale fluid systems, enabling precise manipulation of liquids, particles, and biological samples within micro‑channels and lab‑on‑a‑chip platforms. The laboratory supports advanced academic research and specialized engineering applications involving micro‑scale flow characterization, soft‑lithography prototyping, and multi‑phase transport phenomena, and the following equipment are available in this laboratory.
1. UV Photopolymer Resin 3D Printer
Description:
This photopolymer resin 3D printer employs Digital Light Projection (DLP) technology to solidify liquid resin layer-by-layer, delivering crisp details and smooth surface finishes. An amber UV-shielded enclosure protects users and minimizes stray light, while a precision lead-screw Z-axis guarantees micron-level layer accuracy. The integrated control panel allows stand-alone operation or computer connectivity. Ideal for high-resolution prototypes, microfluidic chips, dental models, and jewelry masters, the unit supports standard and engineering resins with layer heights of 25–100 µm and a build volume of 100 × 80 × 120 mm.
2. Maskless UV Lithography 3D Printer for SU-8 Micro-Mold Fabrication
Description:
This maskless lithography system prints high-resolution SU-8 photoresist patterns directly onto glass or silicon substrates, enabling rapid fabrication of micro-channel masters for lab-on-a-chip and MEMS devices. A precision micro-positioning stage provides sub-micron alignment in X, Y, Z and θ, while the integrated UV projection head cures each layer with wavelengths optimized for SU-8. The touchscreen controller stores job files and automates exposure, focus, and layer stacking, delivering feature sizes down to ~2 µm and layer heights from 5 µm to 100 µm across a 50 × 50 mm writing field. Ideal for rapid prototyping of microfluidic channels, microneedles, and other 3D photoresist structures without the need for chrome masks.
3. Programmable Spin Coater – Thin-Film & Photoresist Deposition
Description:
This bench-top spin coater delivers uniform thin films of photoresists, sol-gels, polymers, and nanomaterial inks on wafers or glass slides. A vacuum chuck secures substrates up to 4 inches (100 mm), while the closed-lid chamber with micro-filtered exhaust minimizes particle contamination. The Delta® touchscreen stores multi-step recipes—each step independently programmable for spin speed (500–8 000 rpm), acceleration, and dwell time—allowing precise control of film thickness from ≈100 nm to 100 µm. Real-time speed graphs, recipe archiving, and solvent-resistant PTFE bowl liners support repeatable processing of SU-8, AZ-series resists, PMMA, PDMS, perovskite precursors, and more. Integrated safety interlocks halt rotation when the lid is lifted, making the unit ideal for rapid prototyping in microfluidics, MEMS, and battery research labs.
4. Oil-Free Dual-Cylinder Vacuum / Pressure Pump – 16 L min⁻¹, −85 kPa / 8 bar
Description:
This compact, oil-less diaphragm unit supplies both clean vacuum and compressed air for microfluidics, soft-lithography, spin-coating and general lab use. Each cylinder delivers up to 16 L min⁻¹ (0.57 CFM) with pressures to 8 bar and ultimate vacuum of ≈ –85 kPa (≈ 75 Torr). An adjustable regulator with gauge and moisture trap ensures stable, oil-free output, while the auto-start/stop switch engages at 3 / 4 bar to reduce wear. Rubber suction feet dampen vibration, and the sealed 70 W motor operates quietly below ≈ 55 dB on 220–240 V AC. Rugged, low-maintenance construction makes the pump ideal for PDMS casting, plasma bonding, syringe-pump degassing, and other lab processes demanding reliable vacuum or pressure on demand.
5. Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus – FDM Filament 3D Printer
Description:
The Ender-3 V3 Plus is a large-format fused-deposition (FDM) printer that extrudes 1.75 mm thermoplastic filament (PLA, PET-G, ABS, TPU, etc.) through a 0.4 mm brass nozzle to build durable parts layer-by-layer. A generous 300 × 300 × 340 mm build volume allows printing of full-size functional prototypes or multiple small components in a single run. The rigid all-metal frame, dual Z-axis leadscrews, and 32-bit silent mainboard ensure smooth motion with ±0.1 mm dimensional accuracy. An integrated CR-Touch sensor provides automatic mesh bed-levelling, while the textured PEI spring-steel plate guarantees strong first-layer adhesion and effortless part removal after cooling. The color touchscreen stores print profiles on micro-SD or USB and supports resume-after-power-loss to safeguard long jobs. A near-silent cooling fan and 220 - 250 °C hot-end make the unit ideal for engineering-grade filaments, architectural models, jigs & fixtures, and educational projects.
6. High-Power Wire-Wound Rheostat – 0 – 35 Ω, 750 W Adjustable Load
Description:
This laboratory-grade variable resistor provides up to 750 W of dissipative load for power-electronics experiments, motor-speed control tests, and calibration of current sources. A precision stainless-steel scale (0 – 35 Ω) and sliding wiper let you set the resistance continuously, while the open, perforated housing maximises airflow to keep the wire-wound element cool during extended runs. Heavy-duty ceramic formers and heat-resistant terminals ensure long-term stability under currents approaching 10 A (at 75 V) or 5 A (at 150 V). Rubber isolation feet minimise vibration on the benchtop, and slotted mounting holes allow secure fastening inside test rigs. The unit is ideal for undergraduate labs, R-&D benches, and any setup that requires a rugged, smoothly adjustable resistive load without introducing inductive reactance.
7. Four-Channel Independent Syringe Pump – Precision Microfluidic Flow Controller
Description:
This compact syringe pump houses four independently driven channels, each powered by its own stepper-motor lead-screw assembly for bidirectional infusion or withdrawal. Flow rates can be programmed individually through the tactile keypad (0.1 µL min⁻¹ – 20 mL min⁻¹, syringe-size dependent) and monitored on the back-lit LCD. The microcontroller stores multi-step protocols with start/stop timing and volume limits, while on-board Bluetooth/USB ports enable remote scripting from MATLAB®, LabVIEW®, or Python. Stainless-steel guide rods and reinforced PLA carriages accept glass or plastic syringes up to 20 mL, delivering stroke accuracy better than ±1 %. Ideal for gradient generation, cell perfusion, hydrogel extrusion, and multi-reagent mixing in lab-on-a-chip, tissue-engineering, and electrospinning setups.
8. Inverted Optical Microscope with Digital Camera Port – Phase/Fluorescence-Ready
Description:
This research-grade inverted microscope features a trinocular head with a C-mount camera port for real-time digital imaging, making it ideal for cell culture observation, microfluidic chip inspection, and materials research. Infinity-corrected plan objectives (4×, 10×, 20×, 40×) deliver crisp, flat-field images across the entire 22 mm field of view, while a long-working-distance condenser provides ample clearance for Petri dishes and microfluidic devices.
A smooth, low-drift mechanical stage with coaxial X-Y controls offers 75 × 50 mm travel, and precision coaxial coarse/fine focus knobs ensure sub-micron Z-resolution. The modular illumination tower supports bright-field, phase-contrast, and fluorescence LED modules (sold separately), enabling rapid modality switching. An integrated 5 V USB port powers auxiliary cameras or sensors, and the adjustable interpupillary-distance binoculars with 10× wide-field eyepieces minimise eye strain during prolonged sessions. Rugged metal construction and vibration-isolated optics make the unit a dependable workhorse for live-cell imaging, chip alignment, and teaching laboratories.
9. Upright Compound Microscope – LED Bright-Field with Plan Objectives
Description:
This compact upright microscope offers crisp bright-field imaging for histology slides, microbiology smears, and materials thin-sections. A binocular head with 30 ° ergonomic tilt and adjustable interpupillary distance houses paired 10×/18 mm wide-field eyepieces, reducing eye strain during long observation sessions. The infinity-corrected plan objective turret (4×, 10×, 40×, 100× oil) delivers flat-field resolution across the entire field of view, while coaxial coarse-/fine-focus knobs provide sub-micron Z control.
A rack-and-pinion mechanical stage gives 75 × 40 mm travel with vernier scales for precise positioning, and the LED Kohler illumination system offers cool, daylight-balanced light with adjustable intensity—ideal for sensitive specimens. The swing-out condenser supports simple phase or dark-field accessories (optional), and a rear photo port can accept a C-mount camera for digital documentation. Rugged metal construction, anti-fungus coated optics, and low-noise electronics make the unit a reliable workhorse for teaching labs, clinical diagnostics, and routine QA inspections.
10. Benchtop Laboratory Drying Oven – Digital Thermostat & Timer
Description:
This compact hot-air oven provides precise, uniform heating for glassware drying, photoresist baking, polymer curing, and general thermal treatments. A front-panel digital display shows temperature, countdown, and elapsed time, while the rotary VOL-SET knob lets you program set-points from ambient + 10 °C up to ~250 °C (±1 °C stability). Double-wall steel construction with mineral-wool insulation minimises heat loss, and a mirrored-stainless interior distributes airflow evenly for isothermal conditions throughout the 25 L chamber.
A spring-latch door with high-temp silicone gasket ensures a positive seal; the heater automatically disables when the main toggle switch is off or an over-temperature fault is detected by the independent safety thermostat. Built-in timer (1 min – 99 h) enables unattended runs, and the rear exhaust port can be throttled to control moisture purge. Supplied on swivel casters for easy bench positioning, the oven operates on standard 220 V AC and consumes ≈1.2 kW at full load—ideal for university labs, R&D workshops, and electronics reflow tasks that demand reliable, reproducible heating.
11. Bench-Top Chemical Fume Hood – 4 ft (120 cm) Ventilated Safety Enclosure
Description:
This ducted fume hood protects users from hazardous vapors, acids, and solvents by drawing air across the work zone at ~0.5 m s⁻¹ face velocity and discharging it through an external exhaust stack. The clear, tempered-glass vertical sash offers full visibility and can be positioned anywhere between fully open (loading) and 200 mm working aperture; an internal counterweight keeps motion smooth and secure.
Epoxy-coated steel walls and a phenolic resin work surface resist chemical attack, while an integral fluorescent light provides shadow-free illumination of the 120 × 70 cm interior. Front panel switches control the centrifugal blower, LED light, and duplex 230 V AC outlet, and a side service port admits inert-gas or vacuum lines without compromising airflow. A low-flow alarm (optional) warns if face velocity falls below the safe threshold, making the hood ideal for photolithography solvents, SU-8 developers, acid etching, or nanoparticle ink preparation in research and teaching laboratories.
12. Glass Vacuum Desiccator with Oil-Sealed Rotary Vane Pump – 2 × 10⁻¹ mbar Ultimate
Description:
This setup combines a heavy-wall borosilicate desiccator (Ø ≈ 250 mm) with a single-stage rotary vane pump (1.8 CFM / 51 L min⁻¹) to provide deep vacuum drying, degassing, and bubble-removal for PDMS, epoxies, and solvent-sensitive samples. A silicone-greased ground-glass flange and PTFE stopcock assure an airtight seal, while the pump reaches ultimate pressures near 2 × 10⁻¹ mbar (150 microns). The inline glycerin-filled gauge displays system pressure in mbar and mm Hg, and a brass needle valve permits fine control during venting to prevent sudden pressure surges. Clear vinyl hose with spring clamps resists collapse under vacuum and can be quickly disconnected for sample loading. Ideal for pre-casting degassing of microfluidic polymers, vacuum impregnation of porous materials, and low-temperature drying of hygroscopic reagents. Operates on standard 220 V AC and consumes ≈150 W.
13. Analytical Precision Balance – 0.001 g Readability with Draft-Shield Enclosure
Description:
This benchtop analytical balance delivers milligram accuracy (readability: 0.001 g, repeatability: ±0.002 g) across a 200 g weighing range, making it suitable for reagent preparation, polymer formulation, and microfluidic material dosing. The triple-panel glass draft shield blocks air currents and electrostatic disturbances, while the large 90 mm stainless-steel pan accommodates beakers, Petri dishes, or wafer samples.
Front-panel keys provide one-touch Tare, Mode (g, mg, ct, % weighing, piece counting), and Cal for internal or external calibration. The high-resolution back-lit LCD stabilises in ≤ 3 s and features an overload alert plus auto-zero tracking for long-term stability. A levelling bubble and adjustable feet ensure accurate setup, and the RS-232/USB port (rear) enables direct logging to Excel®, LabVIEW®, or LIMS software. Low-power circuitry allows continuous operation on 220 V AC or optional 12 V DC adaptor, ideal for teaching labs, QC stations, and R&D benches where reliable sub-gram measurements are critical.
14. Portable Digital Bench Scale – 0.01 g Readability, 500 g Capacity (Model SF-460)
Description:
The SF-460 is a lightweight general-purpose balance designed for rapid weighing of powders, pellets, or small parts at 0.01 g resolution. A 120 mm non-slip weighing pad accommodates beakers and weigh boats, while the back-lit LCD delivers clear readouts in grams, ounces, grains, or carats. Front-panel keys provide one-touch Tare, Mode unit switching, PCS piece-counting, and On/Off. Auto-zero tracking and an overload indicator enhance accuracy across the full 500 g range. Powered by either two AA batteries or the included 5 V DC adapter, the scale is ideal for field sampling, classroom demos, and quick formulation checks where analytical-grade precision is unnecessary but 0.01 g readability is useful.
15. Escort EAS-400 Analog Oscilloscope – Dual-Channel, 40 MHz Bandwidth
Description:
The Escort EAS-400 is a classic CRO (cathode-ray oscilloscope) for real-time viewing of electrical signals up to 40 MHz. Two independent vertical channels (CH 1 & CH 2) accept 1 MΩ / 25 pF inputs with switchable AC/DC/GND coupling and calibrated VOLT/DIV ranges from 5 mV to 50 V. A front-panel ADD, ALT, and CHOP selector allows dual-trace, algebraic sum, or time-shared display, while variable gain knobs (VAR) provide fine amplitude scaling.
The horizontal system offers a 14-step TIME/DIV dial (0.2 µs – 0.5 s) plus an X-Y mode for Lissajous figures. Triggering supports AUTO, NORM, and TV line/field with adjustable level, slope, and hold-off, ensuring stable capture of repetitive or video signals. CRT controls (INTENSITY, FOCUS, TRACE ROTATION) tune display quality on the 8 × 10 div graticule, and a 1 kHz / 2 V pp CAL test point verifies probe compensation. Powered from 220 V AC at < 40 W, the EAS-400 remains a dependable teaching and troubleshooting workhorse for analog circuits, power supplies, and audio electronics, where quick visual feedback outweighs deep storage or FFT analysis.
16. GPS-2160⁺ Dual-Channel Function / Arbitrary Waveform Generator – 60 MHz, 150 MSa s⁻¹
Description:
The GPS-2160⁺ delivers precise sine, square, pulse, ramp, noise, and fully arbitrary waveforms up to 60 MHz with a 14-bit, 150 MSa s⁻¹ DDS engine. Two isolated outputs (50 Ω BNC) provide 1 mVp-p – 10 Vp-p into 50 Ω with < ±1 ppm frequency stability, while the proprietary Easy Pulse technology ensures low-jitter edges down to 6 ns rise/fall at duty cycles from 0.1 % to 99.9 %.
Standard modulation schemes—AM, FM, PM, FSK, PWM, sweep, and burst—are accessible via the numeric keypad and rotary encoder, or remotely over USB/LAN using SCPI commands. A 16 k-point arbitrary memory stores user-defined waveforms created in the free PC software or imported via USB flash. The 4.3-inch TFT displays real-time parameters, and a built-in 10 MHz reference I/O allows clock synchronization with other lab instruments. Ideal for sensor simulation, filter characterization, microfluidic actuation, and mixed-signal prototyping where repeatable, low-distortion signals are required.
17. Escort EGC-3235A Sweep Function Generator – 5 MHz Analog Signal Source
Description:
The EGC-3235A outputs sine, square, triangle, ramp, and TTL pulses from 0.1 mHz to 5 MHz with continuously variable amplitude (0–20 V p-p into 50 Ω, –20 dB attenuator selectable). The front-panel RANGE decade buttons set the coarse band, while the central FREQUENCY dial provides fine tuning; a green LED ladder indicates the active range (mHz / Hz / kHz / MHz).
Built-in sweep circuitry offers linear or logarithmic sweeps: a RATE knob adjusts sweep speed from 10 ms to 30 s, and START/STOP controls set the excursion width up to the full 5 MHz span. SYNC OUT (TTL < 5 V) provides a square reference for oscilloscope triggering, and a SWEEP IN/OUT BNC enables external sweep or sawtooth output (< 10 V). SYMMETRY and OFFSET dials tailor duty-cycle (10 %–90 %) and DC bias (±10 V) respectively, letting you generate asymmetrical waveforms or ride signals on a DC pedestal.
The generator runs on 220 V AC, consumes < 20 W, and features a rugged metal chassis with fold-down bail for bench or rack use—ideal for filter response testing, sensor simulation, step-response studies, and general electronics instruction where a reliable low-distortion analog source is needed.
18. DIY Variable DC Supply / Monitor – Dual 3-Digit Read-outs, 0-30 V Adjustable
Description:
A custom bench enclosure combines two bright 7-segment displays (left = current, right = voltage) with a single front-panel potentiometer that varies the output from 0 V to ≈ 30 V. An illuminated rocker main switch provides on/off safety, while rear binding posts (not shown) deliver the regulated output. Designed for quick checks, LED biasing, or sensor breadboarding where laboratory-grade regulation is unnecessary but a simple read-back of volts and amps is handy.
19. GPS-8145 Dual-Display Benchtop Multimeter – True-RMS, 4½-Digit
Description:
A laboratory-grade DMM offering 4 ½-digit accuracy (20 000 counts) with dual numerical read-outs so you can view a primary value (e.g., volts) and a secondary function (e.g., frequency or °C) simultaneously. True-RMS circuitry measures AC, DC, or mixed signals up to 750 V/20 A, and dedicated keys select V, mV, Ω, Hz/duty, mA, μA or thermocouple input. Features include MAX/MIN capture, relative mode, auto-ranging, RS-232 logging (2 readings s-¹) and a timer–hold latch for long integrations. Front jacks are 20 A fused (15 s max), 0–800 mA fused, high-impedance V/Ω and common. Ideal for power-supply calibration, sensor verification, and classroom labs that need quick dual-parameter feedback.
20. MICRO PS-90 Linear DC Power Supply – 0-30 V / 0-3 A & Fixed 5 V 1 A
Description:
A rugged linear bench supply delivering a clean, low-noise output adjustable from 0 to 30 V and 0 to 3 A with coarse (yellow) and fine (blue) voltage pots plus a current-limit knob (red). Two large, back-lit meters independently show V and A; an auxiliary 5 V / 1 A fixed rail powers logic circuits. Built-in over-temperature and short-circuit protection safeguard your prototypes, while banana-binding posts accept bare wire or 4 mm plugs. Perfect for op-amp prototyping, microfluidic actuator drivers or classroom electronics where a dependable, easy-to-set supply is essential
21. Digital Hot-Plate & Magnetic Stirrer – 380 °C, 1 500 rpm (Model MA380P)
Description:
A ceramic-coated 15 cm plate delivers rapid, uniform heating to 380 °C while an embedded magnet drives PTFE stir bars up to 1 500 rpm (0 – 150 ×10 rpm dial). The PID controller and LED read-out let you set target temperature and monitor real-time °C, with separate keys for start/stop and sensor-in/sensor-out operation. Ideal for reagent dissolution, polymer mixing, or nanoparticle dispersion where simultaneous heat and vortexing are required.
22. Topsonics Ultrasonic Homogenizer – 400 W, 20 kHz, Sound-Proof Enclosure
Description:
A 400 W piezo-probe delivers 20 kHz acoustic energy for cell lysis, emulsion nano-sizing, and graphene exfoliation. Touchscreen control sets pulse on/off cycles, amplitude (10 – 100 %), and total energy, while the acoustic chamber with viewing window reduces noise to < 60 dB and contains aerosols. An external water loop maintains probe tip temperature for heat-sensitive samples.
23. Backer vClean Ultrasonic Cleaner – 10 L, 40 kHz, Heat & Timer
Description:
A stainless 10-litre tank with 40 kHz transducers generates cavitation for rapid removal of flux, grease, or nanoparticles from glass slides, microfluidic chips, and lab tools. Front dial sets cleaning time (1 – 30 min) and heater to 80 °C, while a basket prevents item resonance damage. Bottom drain valve simplifies solvent changes.