In the late 90’s simple the concept of a micro Total Analysis System (uTAS) was proposed by Manz, Widmer and colleagues: a simple system in which the entire laboratory processes for an analyses are integrated into a single portable device. There have been many developments towards this end towards over the past two decades but the reality is that many of these are still overly complex with regards to the way in which they are fabricated and the instrumentation required for their use. We have focused for the past 5 years on developing new and simple ways to fabricate microfluidic devices as well as simplifying the chemistry of their application. Low-cost fabrication processes based on lamination techniques and exposure systems with LEDs and 3D printers from the basis of our fabrication facility and allow the construction of complex and integrated devices in a simple manner. Combined with novel use of chemistry and dielectric breakdown, we have made a fully integrated electrophoretic device that can analyse drugs in body fluids within 5 min. These, and other environmental and forensic applications will be discussed.