[3D Printing Applications] How to develop and create laboratory tools using shared resources?

[3D Printing Applications] How to develop and create 3D printing lab tools using shared resources?!

Josh Pierce, one of the founding editors of opensource.com , introduced Elsevier's announcement of a new open access journal, HardwareX , to help develop low-cost, high-quality open-source scientific software and hardware. He demonstrated how various 3D-printable shared devices can benefit classrooms and research labs. Since then, there has been significant interest in scientific tools using open-source 3D-printed hardware, fueled by the customization and low-cost potential offered by 3D printing. For example, hundreds of articles this year have covered the open RepRap 3D printing project (compared to 894 last year).



The free original has become mainstream—even the National Academy of Engineering last year published a special issue of their magazine, strategically teaching how to develop valuable devices so that others can use them more easily, because society can provide feedback that accelerates and improves research and development.
Scientists have focused on creating their own shared equipment and have even established completely shared laboratories. This not only reduces the cost of science and accelerates technological development, but if you have a 3D printer , you can also print these high-value, complex tools yourself.

But what can you do with a 3D printer if you're a scientist (professional or hobbyist)? We'll give you three HardwareX examples as a starting point for experiencing 3D printing and science.

The laboratory vibrating rotator consists of two distinct parts:

1. Rotator: Allows for mixing horizontally, vertically, or anywhere in between, for tumbling and gently mixing samples of various tube sizes; changing the mixing angle is quick and easy, requiring no additional tools. Battery powered, the device can be easily transported to various locations in the laboratory, including benchtops, benches, cleaning hoods, chemical hoods, refrigerators, glove boxes, incubators, or biohoods.



2. By combining Arduino microcontrollers, the functionality of vibrators can be enhanced; these devices can be mechanically and functionally modified or customized , as users can easily select operating modes or change code to perform custom experiments. This vibrating rotator can be built by non-professionals for under $30, and the shaking function can be added for under $20; these open-source devices are technically superior to commercially available devices on the market while saving over 90% in costs. ( Shared Link )

Shared 3D printed 1,000μL micro syringes

The 1,000μl 3D-printed microsyringe is a practical and simple design inspired by pipettes. This design is fabricated using a 3D printer and easily assembled with common tools. When comparing the performance of the microsyringe, it exhibits a systematic error between 1.4% and 3.8% of volume and a random error between 0.38% and 9.5% of volume. Printed for less than $44, this syringe replaces commercial laboratory pipettes costing hundreds of dollars. ( Shared Link )



Shybo the robot

Not all 3D printing hardware needs to be used in traditional laboratories; Shybo is a shared robot designed for children, allowing them to perform 3D printing , serving as both a research tool and a toy. The robot, composed of shared hardware and software, can sense sound and react through two non-verbal behaviors, such as the movement of a hat and lighting. ( Shared Link )



There are now hundreds of free and shared 3D printing scientific tools available—the speed at which they are being updated shows that the scientific community is getting started. Whether you are a professional scientist, researcher, or a user with a scientific curiosity, these 3D printing tools can help us explore and understand the world.
We are happy to share all developments related to 3D printing, whether in science, medicine , or education ; you can discover more and more traces of 3D printing . If you also have custom parts that need to be made, we also provide high-quality printing services , or you can refer to other articles on the website for more related knowledge .

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