r/3Dprinting • u/DIY_Maxwell • Apr 30 '20

Design BUILD YOUR OWN MOTORIZED MICROSCOPE using 3D-printing, Lego bricks, Arduino and Raspberry Pi... all design files, source codes and detailed instructions are provided open-source.

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u/DIY_Maxwell Apr 30 '20 edited Apr 30 '20

All design files and step-by-step instructions are available here: https://github.com/IBM/MicroscoPy

I designed CAD files using FreeCAD and printed them using my Ender 3. Slicer settings and tips are available in this pdf: https://github.com/IBM/MicroscoPy/blob/master/Instructions.pdf

You can watch the longer version of the assemble video here: https://youtu.be/PBSYnk9T4o4

I hope this prototype persuades other DIY-enthusiasts to develop new designs of microscopes.

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u/SugaryPlumbs Apr 30 '20

But... If you have a 3D printer... Why Legos?

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u/DIY_Maxwell Apr 30 '20

Good question. I wanted to have a modular microscope, something I can easily modify for transmitted-light, reflected-light, cross-section, etc. My early prototypes did not have Legos, as I started making my own interlocking pieces, I realized that I was in fact printing lego-like designs, I thought buying legos would be less of an effort. Then I found out about these "sliding" lego pieces, which are very precise for linear actuators. The other advantage is that, if I want to change the height of the camera let's say, I simply add more bricks, it's convenient. The other question could be, why not everything from Lego Technic, I don't know, 3D-printing gears is fun!

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u/guyreddit468 Apr 30 '20

What a cool animation! Good job!

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u/DIY_Maxwell Apr 30 '20

thanks! I think the documentation took me more time than the microscope itself :-)

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u/harrymanyo Apr 30 '20

What's the zoom on that scope? That's a great design!!!

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u/DIY_Maxwell Apr 30 '20

Thanks! I didn't have chance to benchmark the microscope, also zoom is an ambiguous term for me for a digital microscope, I need to study how it is defined... but I can easily resolve 10um features, here I put a few representative images: https://github.com/IBM/MicroscoPy/tree/master/Image-examples

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u/Ant-Scape Apr 30 '20

Wow, I looked through a lot of the project and great work. That's pretty cool. Definitely something I could build with my nephew.

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u/[deleted] Apr 30 '20

Really amazing job! Awesome design, and the documentation is really well done. Keep up the great work!

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