Multi-material miniaturized diaphragm pumps provide improved performance and longevity previously unseen in an additively manufactured pump. The pumps have a series of valves and a compression chamber with several different stiffness values. The valves are made of a softer, flexible material and the pump compression chambers are made of a harder, flexible material. This change in rigidity greatly increases the device lifetime. The pump valves and chambers are pneumatically actuated, but they can also be actuated using embedded (printed or non-printed) magnets. 3D printing could require support or sacrificial material that must be removed from the final product. A disposable support pump provides a full removal of the sacrificial material without damaging the pump. This support pump can also clean the main pump, and clean the complex microfluidics.
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