The combination of open-source software and hardware provide technically feasible methods to create low-cost, highly-customized scientific research equipment. Open-source 3-D printers have proven useful for fabricating scientific tools. Here the capabilities of an open-source 3-D printer are expanded to become a highly-flexible scientific platform. An automated low-cost 3-D motion control platform is presented having the capacity to perform scientific applications including: i) 3-D printing of scientific hardware, ii) laboratory auto-stirring, measuring and probing, iii) automated fluid handling and iv) shaking and mixing. The open-source 3-D platform not only facilities routine research while radically reducing the cost, but it also inspires the creation of a diverse array of custom instruments that can be shared and replicated digitally throughout the world to drive down the cost of research and education further.
- This project derived from: MOST Delta RepRap and the MOST Athena RepRap
- Bill of materials https://osf.io/5kev4/
- OpenSCAD code: https://osf.io/v2pwa/
- Open Source Software: Franklin
Keywords[edit | edit source]
3-D printing, 3-D platform, fluid handling, open source hardware, laboratory equipment
BOM[edit | edit source]
- Full Bill of Materials https://osf.io/5kev4/
Assembly[edit | edit source]
- Follow basic build instructions for MOST Delta RepRap and the MOST Athena RepRap and then fashion the Athena Mobile Tool Effector and Athena Fixed Tool Mount
Use[edit | edit source]
- Use Franklin directly or through scripting to do whatever experiment you want.
- Use as a free and open-source automated 3-D microscope
See also[edit | edit source]
- MOST
- Papers
- Projects
- SDG04 Quality education
- SDG08 Decent work and economic growth
- SDG09 Industry innovation and infrastructure
- SDG10 Reduced inequalities
- SDG11 Sustainable cities and communities
- SDG12 Responsible consumption and production
- SDG17 Partnerships for the goals
- 2016
- MOST completed projects and publications
- Open source hardware
- Open source scientific hardware
- 3D printing
- MOST methods