Generation of microchannels on PMMA using an in-house fabricated μ-ECDM system

Abstract

Abstract Electrochemical corona discharge micromachining (µ-ECDM) is a newly advented, advanced hybrid machining process capable of machining non-conducting and conducting materials. In this article, Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a non-conducting material, often used in microfluidic applications, is machined to generate microchannels. The process parameters chosen for machining are voltage, duty factor, and concentration. The process parameters are chosen at three levels, and their effect on machining characteristics such as material removal rate and surface roughness are detailed in this paper. Optimization is carried out for individual response using the signal to noise ratio optimization technique for maximizing material removal rate and minimizing surface roughness.