It takes about 3 hours to make a set of 3 microfluidic devices. And, even with all that time spent cleaning the glass, polishing the copper plates, aligning the pieces just right, making sure the pressure and temperature are just right and the clamps are placed appropriately, etc. there are still about a million things that could go wrong.

The smallest particle of dust can clog a channel and ruin the device. The pressure and temperature or dirt could cause the glass plates to shatter and ruin your device. It may not bond evenly or the edge of the mold may warp one side of the device. Needless to say, we make a lot of devices that don't work.

But, tonight, for the first time ever, after months of fruitless attempts, I successfully made a device with 2 perfect channels!! The whole device works just as it should! This means I'm in for a lot of fun labeling and separation tomorrow!! Hopefully this is the first of many more successes to come!