As one of the founding editors of opensource.com, Josh Pearce introduced the world's largest academic publisher, Elsevier, which announced a new open access journal, HardwareX, to help develop low-cost, high-quality open-source scientific software and hardware. He demonstrated how to use various 3D-printable shared devices, benefiting general classrooms and research laboratories. Since then, there has been keen interest in 3D printing scientific tools as open hardware, driven by the potential for customization and low cost that 3D printing offers. For example, hundreds of articles this year have covered the open RepRap 3D printing project (as many as 894 last year).
Open source has gone mainstream—even the prestigious U.S. National Academy of Engineering released a special issue last year strategically teaching how to develop valuable equipment to make it more accessible to others, as society can provide feedback to accelerate and improve research and development.
Scientists have focused on creating their own shared equipment and even established entirely shared laboratories. This not only reduces scientific costs and accelerates technological development; if you have a 3D printer, you can also print these high-value, complex tools yourself.
But what can you, as a scientist (professional or amateur), do with a 3D printer? We present three cases from HardwareX as an initial experience of 3D printing and science.
．Laboratory Vibrating Rotator, which consists of two different parts:
1. Rotator: Can mix samples through horizontal, vertical, or any intermediate position, used for tumbling and gentle mixing of samples in various tube sizes; changing the mixing angle is quick and convenient, requiring no other tools. The device is battery-powered and can be easily transported to various locations in the lab, including benchtops, clean hoods, chemical hoods, cold rooms, glove boxes, incubators, or biosafety cabinets.
2. Combined with an Arduino microcontroller, to increase the functionality of the shaker; these devices can be mechanically and functionally improved or customized, as users can simply choose operating modes or change the code to perform custom experiments. This vibrating rotator can be built by non-professionals for less than $30, and shaking functionality can be added for less than $20; these open-source devices are technically superior to commercial devices on the market while saving over 90% of the cost. (Shared Link)
．Open-source 3D Printed 1,000μL Micro-syringe
The 1,000μl 3D printed micro-syringe is a practical and simple design inspired by pipettes. This design is produced with a 3D printer and easily assembled with common tools. When comparing the performance of the micro-syringe, it showed a systematic error between 1.4% and 3.8% of the volume and a random error between 0.38% and 9.5% of the volume. This syringe can be printed for less than $44, replacing commercial laboratory pipettes worth hundreds of dollars. (Shared Link)
．Robot Shybo
Not all 3D-printed hardware has to be for traditional labs; Shybo is an open-source robot for children's needs, which can be 3D printed for children, serving as both a research tool and a toy. The robot is made from a combination of open-source hardware and software, capable of sensing sound and reacting through two non-verbal behaviors, such as hat movement and lighting. (Shared Link)
There are now hundreds of free and open-source 3D printable scientific tools—the speed of updates shows that the scientific community is taking off. Whether for professional scientists, researchers, or simply curious users, these 3D printed 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; more and more 3D printing footprints can be found. If you also have original 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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