An open-source precision pressure pump system and control software is presented, primarily designed for the experimental microfluidics community, although others may find additional uses for this precision pressure source. This mechatronic system is coined ‘μPump,’ and its performance rivals that of commercially available systems, at a fraction of the cost. The pressure accuracy, stability, and resolution are 0.09%, 0.02%, and 0.02% of the full span, respectively. The settling time to reach 2?bar from zero and stabilize is less than 2?s. Material for building a four-channel μPump (approx. $3000 USD) or an eight-channel μPump (approx. $5000 USD) is approximately a quarter, or a third of the cost of buying a high-end commercial system, respectively. The design rationale is presented, together with documented design details and software, so that the system may be replicated or customized to particular applications. μPump can be used for two-phase droplet microfluidics, single-phase microfluidics, gaseous flow microfluidics and any other applications requiring precise fluid handling. μPump provides researchers, students, and startups with a cost-effective solution for precise fluid control.
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