Frequently Asked Questions

Does RMS ship outside the US?
Yes. The shipping cost is automatically applied at checkout.

Does RMS have a representative in Europe?
Yes. N.Able GmbH is a Karlsruhe, Germany-based company that has deep expertise in surface functionalization science. European customers can contact N.Able for microcontact printing guidance by emailing ub@n-able-innovation.com

Can I use the PDMS stamps to transfer print collagen micro patterns?
Yes. See this paper.

Can I use the PDMS stamps to mold micro wells into agarose?
Yes. See our client’s paper here.

Can I make the surface of the PDMS stamps hydrophilic?
Yes. Enjoy this demonstration by N.Able GmbH.

Can I print proteins with RMS’ PDMS micro stamps?
Yes. This paper explains some helpful approaches: Tan et al, Simple Approach to Micropattern Cells on Common Culture Substrates by Tuning Substrate Wettability, Tissue Eng, 2004.

Can I print Matrigel with RMS’ PDMS micro stamps?
Yes. This paper explains some helpful approaches: Substrate Micropatterning as a New in Vitro Cell Culture System to Study Myelination, ACS Chem Neurosci, 2012.

I conduct biological research. Can I autoclave PDMS micro stamps?
Yes

What is the difference between PDMS and Urethane rubber?
PDMS is more resilient to harsh chemicals than Urethane rubber is. Many liquids wet Urethane rubber better than they wet PDMS.

Some handling is required for my work. Are the micro structures on the stamps durable? Are the micro stamps flexible? 
Yes. The polymer micro structures are a durable rubber that withstands physical handling and pressing. They bend but do not break. The stamp itself is flexible and can be bent into curved shapes.

Can I stamp the bottom of my six well plate? 
Yes. Most of our stamps fit within the 35 mm diameter of the six well plate. For the few stamps that are too big, send us a note, and we will be happy to cut them smaller for you.

How do the micro stamps arrive to me?
They arrive in protective transparent plastic packaging. The pristine micro structures face up, and the smooth back of the stamps are down, pressed against the packaging. There are no adhesives. Van der Waals forces hold the smooth stamp back to the smooth plastic packaging.

Can I send RMS a mold to produce stamps?
Yes. Send us a message explaining the mold material(s), size, and shape. We will determine the best way to use your mold.

I want a collaborator to conduct the work - not just a supplier. Does RMS collaborate on large R&D projects?
Yes. We have collaborated with industry, universities, and national laboratories to create new patterns, devices, and processes. Send us a message describing your needs.

Why is one corner of my micro stamp chamfered?
The chamfered edge helps the user track orientation without requiring a microscope.

Can RMS make semi-transparent PDMS stamps?
Yes

Can RMS make round stamps?
Yes. Send us a message describing the micro pattern you are interested in and the macro diameter you need.

Does RMS perform superhydrophobic surface microfabrication?
Yes. Some example stamps are here and here

Is RMS a micropillar surface service?
Yes, and we also provide micro wells, micro ridges, and micro trenches.