The expiration of U.S. Patent 5.819,799, held by the Lee Company of Westbrook, CT has opened the doors to competition in the manufacture of high-speed solenoid-operated microfluidic valves.
These microfluidic valves are used in a wide range of industrial, medical and
research applications. One such application is inkjet valves for large character drop-on-demand (DOD) printing. Sinotech has manufactured microfluidic valves, including inkjet valves, for decades. Now, with the expiration of the Lee Company patent, Sinotech is able to offer microfluidic valves and inkjet valves at less than one half the cost of Lee valves.
Chemical Compatibility
One of the biggest challenges faced by microfluidic valves is chemical compatibility between the solvents transported through the valve and the valve components. Sinotech has established laboratory facilities to perform accelerated life testing of critical valve components across a wide range of solvents. Exotic aerospace materials are used in the manufacture of some components. Sinotech valves are compatible many solvents including:
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Ethylene glycol
- Ether
- Methyl ethyl ketone
- Hydrous ammonia
Reverse Engineering Existing Applications
If microfluidic valves are already in use, large cost savings and customizations can be achieved by working closely with Sinotech. Recent projects have resulted in savings of over 50% compared to the Lee Valve Company. Sinotech will work with you to achieve 100% plug-and-play compatibility in both electrical and mechanical performance as well as chemical compatibility.
