Manufacturing methods overview for rapid prototyping

Microfabrication is seldom in the focus of a biological studies but it influences the performance and functionality of a miniaturised fluidic platform that affects research outcomes. The scope of this chapter falls on methods, which are accessible, reproducible, and applicable for small-scale, laboratory production. However, fundamental techniques such as photo- and soft lithography are also briefly introduced with references to more detailed sources to facilitate the reader in his choice of fabrication method. It is impossible to cover all the various aspects of microfabrication with extensive details in a single chapter, instead an overview of the rapid and inexpensive methods are conveyed.