Open-source 3-D Platform for Low-cost Scientific Instrument Ecosystem

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.

Attachment 32080

For more information, visit the project's page on Appropedia:
https://www.appropedia.org/Open-sour...ment_Ecosystem

Download the academic paper here:
https://www.academia.edu/27067106/Op...ment_Ecosystem