Comparison of Rapid Prototyping Polymers for High Pressure Injections

Here we assess several polymer alternatives to PDMS for rapid prototyping, especially in view of high pressure injections: Thermoset Polyester (TPE), Polyurethane Methacrylate (PUMA) and Norland Adhesive 81 (NOA81). We provide a systematic analysis of these materials with side-by-side experiments conducted in our lab, to similarly assess their magnitudes of deformation and dynamic characteristics, but also other properties such as biocompatibility, solvent compatibility, and ease of fabrication. We emphasize that TPE, PUMA and NOA have some considerable strengths for rapid prototyping when bond strength, predictable operation at high pressure, or transitioning to commercialization are considered important for the application.