Precision Laser Drilling of Glass Slides and Coverslips for Microfluidics and Biotech Applications

In the field of microfluidics, where precision is key to innovation and application success, our expertise at Potomac Photonics sets a standard. We specialize in the art of laser drilling precise small holes in glass slides and coverslips, a critical capability for the fabrication of microfluidic devices. These devices play a pivotal role in various…

  • Potomac Photonics
  • February 5, 2024

Machine Learning: Applying AI to Manufacturing at Potomac Photonics

The world today seems consumed with fears about Artificial Intelligence, otherwise known as AI. Writers, journalists, ad copywriters, teachers, and artists are fearful their jobs will be lost to computers but in manufacturing we have been applying a subset of AI to manufacturing for decades with positive results. Like other forms of AI, Machine Learning…

  • Potomac Photonics
  • November 12, 2023

Microfluidics: The Evolution from PDMS to Thermoplastics for Enhanced Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness

In the ever-evolving realm of microfluidics, the pivot from traditional materials to advanced alternatives is becoming increasingly evident. These “labs-on-a-chip” devices, pivotal in biological research, diagnostics, and drug delivery, owe their efficacy to the careful selection of materials and manufacturing methodologies. Historically, Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has dominated the microfluidic landscape. Its biocompatibility, flexibility, and innate transparency…

  • Mike Adelstein
  • August 11, 2023

Revolutionizing Leak Testing / Container Closure Integrity (CCIT) with Potomac Photonics’ Rapid Turnaround Hole Drilling Capabilites

Container Closure Integrity Testing (CCIT) is crucial for ensuring the sterility and safety of packaging in pharmaceutical and other critical industries. Potomac Photonics, a leader in the field, offers rapid turnaround leak testing services to meet this growing demand. By leveraging their expertise in laser drilling and advanced micromachining systems, Potomac Photonics provides precision-calibrated leaks…

  • Potomac Photonics
  • April 13, 2023

DuPont Kapton Polyimide: Versatile Applications and Potomac Photonics’ Expertise in Laser Micro Machining

Introduction DuPont’s Kapton polyimide is a high-performance polymer known for its exceptional electrical insulation, mechanical strength, and resistance to extreme temperatures and chemicals. As a result, it has become an indispensable material across various industries, including medical, biotech, electronics, aerospace, and automotive. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the diverse applications of Kapton in these…

  • Mike Adelstein
  • March 28, 2023

Laser Drilling of Port Holes for Microfluidic Devices

Microfluidic devices are a type of miniaturized lab-on-a-chip technology that have been gaining popularity in recent years. These tiny devices are used to manipulate and analyze very small quantities of fluids, and they have a wide range of applications in fields such as medicine, chemistry, and biology. One of the key components of microfluidic devices…

  • Mike Adelstein
  • March 21, 2023

Hydrophilicity of COC Microfluidic Devices

Potomac can fabricate fully functional microfluidic devices in many materials such as Cyclo-Olefin Copolymer (COC). Often our customers ask us to treat the material to make if more hydrophilic.  COC is a relatively hydrophobic material that can be difficult to wet with water or aqueous solutions. However, there are several methods that can be used…

  • Potomac Photonics
  • March 15, 2023

Potomac Accelerates Shadow Mask 
Manufacturing Speeds

Every day, disruptive technologies allow humans to enter a new world that brings innovations to life. Whether battling climate change by reducing the amount of fossil fuel burning, helping autonomous vehicles navigate roads, guiding man to Mars, or cleaning up toxic waste, technology innovations are the key to solving our world’s problem’s – today and…

  • Potomac Photonics
  • June 28, 2022
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What is Digital Fabrication

We are asked often what exactly is Digital Fabrication? Digital Fabrication, also known as direct manufacturing or on-demand manufacturing, has been around since 1952 when engineering researchers at MIT wired a computer to a milling machine to create the first Computer Numerical Control or CNC machine.  The computer essentially became the “brains” of the machining…

  • Mike Adelstein
  • February 6, 2022

Did Theranos Prove Lab On a Chip is Not a Viable Technology?

Theranos has been a nightmare for legitimate medical diagnostics researchers and startups because Lab On a Chip technology was at the center of the failed blood testing startup.  Once Silicon Valley and Wall Street darlings, Theranos made headlines not just because the company was forced to shut down but because founder Elizabeth Holmes was convicted…

  • Mike Adelstein
  • January 18, 2022