# Print 2-5 micron channel

**URL:** <https://forum.formlabs.com/t/print-2-5-micron-channel/8591>\
**Category:** General Discussion\
**Created:** [June 14, 2016, 1:17pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/print-2-5-micron-channel/8591 "2016-06-14T13:17:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![natmun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d2c977/32.png) [@natmun](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/natmun)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2016, 1:17pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/print-2-5-micron-channel/8591/1 "2016-06-14T13:17:37Z")

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I want to print a simple single channel on a block that will go under my microscope. However, I will be using micro-organisms and cannot get the channel small enough. The ideal width of this channel would be 2 microns.

Has anyone been successful in printing anything in the single digit micron range? Are there tricks to getting the printer to print this small?

Thanks,  
Natalie

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**Author:** ![Randy\_Cohen](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/forum.formlabs.com/randy_cohen/32/1500_2.png) [@Randy\_Cohen](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Randy_Cohen)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2016, 3:37pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/print-2-5-micron-channel/8591/2 "2016-06-14T15:37:12Z")

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One micron is 0.001mm. That’s really small. I’d be surprised if the laser positioning is repeatable to that degree of precision.

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**Author:** ![Zachary\_Brackin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/4da419/32.png) [@Zachary\_Brackin](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Zachary_Brackin)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2016, 3:39pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/print-2-5-micron-channel/8591/3 "2016-06-14T15:39:58Z")

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3D printing isn’t going to be able to print at that precision, and with this type of printing the laser will cure a little bit extra material as the light diffuses into the resin, 2 microns is nothing so it wouldn’t show up even if the motors could line it up correctly.

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**Author:** ![Hillzzz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/5daacb/32.png) [@Hillzzz](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Hillzzz)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2016, 5:48pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/print-2-5-micron-channel/8591/4 "2016-06-14T17:48:12Z")

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No 3D printer I know of will go that small. Perhaps the best way to do it would be to print 2 blocks - one with an integral base for the other block to sit on. then get a 2 micron feeler gauge and apply uncured resin to the base of the second block. Slide the two together tight up against the 2 micron feeler gauge. Clamp the second block into place and cure the resin with a laser pen or sunlight.

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**Author:** ![Zachary\_Brackin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/4da419/32.png) [@Zachary\_Brackin](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Zachary_Brackin)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2016, 6:23pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/print-2-5-micron-channel/8591/5 "2016-06-14T18:23:13Z")

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I can’t imagine that being accurate

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**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/uploads/formlabs/original/3X/5/b/5bc2bdf993ff27c2e0eecab5010b25626fbb327a.png) [@system](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2016, 6:23pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/print-2-5-micron-channel/8591/6 "2016-06-28T18:23:17Z")

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Closed on June 28, 2016, 6:23pm UTC

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