Micromolds at the UK Microfluidics Conference 2026

Micromolds recently participated in the 3rd UK Microfluidics Conference, hosted at Manchester Metropolitan University. We joined researchers, manufacturers, startups, consultants, and industry professionals from across the UK and beyond.

The conference welcomed more than 120 attendees. It featured two keynote presentations, 17 oral presentations, 33 research posters, and 14 exhibitors. This highlighted the latest advances in microfluidic technologies and fostered collaboration across the sector. Ahead of the main conference, Micromolds also took part in the satellite event, "Engaging with the Microfluidics Industry," organized in partnership with the UK Microsystems Network.

The session created an opportunity for open discussions between academia and industry. It focused on the practical challenges of translating research into commercially manufacturable products.

Early Manufacturing Planning Takes Centre Stage

During the satellite event, "Engaging with the Microfluidics Industry," Micromolds CEO Dominykas Turčinskas shared a story from a recent customer project. This highlighted why manufacturing should be considered much earlier in the development process.

The example involved a customer who had successfully developed a glass microfluidic chip. This chip had already passed clinical validation and demonstrated excellent functionality. The next objective was to reduce manufacturing costs by transitioning the device to thermoplastic microfluidic injection molding.

While the concept appeared straightforward, detailed manufacturing analysis revealed several engineering challenges. These required significant design optimization before production tooling could begin.

Among the considerations identified were:

• Material shrinkage

• Mold filling behaviour

• Demoulding constraints

• Part deformation

• Bonding tolerances

• Feature replication accuracy

  
  

Although the original design performed successfully as a glass device, it had not been developed with high-volume thermoplastic manufacturing in mind.

Prototype the Technology

One of the key messages shared by Micromolds during the satellite event was simple: Prototype the technology.

This message reflected the importance of considering manufacturing alongside functionality from the earliest stages of product development. Too often, manufacturing requirements are introduced only after device performance has been validated. However, for microfluidic injection molding, early design decisions directly influence manufacturability, tooling complexity, production yield, repeatability, manufacturing costs, and ultimately the success of commercialization.

By integrating manufacturing expertise early, development teams can reduce technical risk. They can also accelerate the transition from prototype to scalable production.

Conference Highlights

Beyond the satellite event, the conference showcased the continued growth of the UK microfluidics community. Across presentations and discussions, several industry trends emerged:

• Commercialization remains one of the biggest challenges facing microfluidic technologies.

• Earlier collaboration between academia and manufacturing partners leads to more successful product development.

• Sustainability and manufacturing efficiency must be considered together as the industry scales.

  
  

These themes reflected a growing recognition that successful innovation depends not only on scientific excellence but also on designing products that can be manufactured reliably at commercial scale.

Supporting the Path to Commercial Production

At Micromolds, we work with customers throughout every stage of product development. This includes Design for Manufacturing, prototyping, precision micro tooling, microfluidic injection molding, bonding, assembly, and production scale-up.

By combining engineering expertise with precision manufacturing capabilities, we help organizations reduce development risk. We also accelerate the path from innovative concepts to scalable commercial production.

Looking Ahead

The UK Microfluidics Conference 2026 once again demonstrated the strength of collaboration within the microfluidics community. As more technologies move from research laboratories towards commercial applications, integrating manufacturing expertise early in development will continue to play a critical role in successful product commercialization.

For Micromolds, it was a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, strengthen industry connections, and contribute to discussions shaping the future of scalable microfluidic manufacturing.

The Importance of Early Collaboration

Early collaboration is essential in the microfluidics industry. It allows teams to align their goals and expectations from the start. This alignment is crucial for successful outcomes. When engineers, researchers, and manufacturers work together, they can identify potential issues early. This proactive approach saves time and resources.

Involving manufacturing experts early can lead to better design choices. These choices can enhance product performance and manufacturability. It also helps in understanding regulatory requirements that may impact the design process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 3rd UK Microfluidics Conference highlighted the importance of early manufacturing planning and collaboration. As the microfluidics industry evolves, the need for efficient and reliable production methods becomes increasingly vital. By focusing on early integration of manufacturing expertise, we can help drive innovation and bring complex designs to market effectively.

At Micromolds, we remain committed to being the go-to partner for innovative companies needing ultra-precise micro-scale polymer components. We understand the challenges faced in regulated industries and strive to support our clients in overcoming them.

For more information about our services, please visit Micromolds.