title: Open-Source 3-D Platform for Low-Cost Scientific Instrument Ecosystem.
abstract: The combination of open-source software and hardware provides 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 that has the capacity to perform scientific applications, including (1) 3-D printing of scientific hardware; (2) laboratory auto-stirring, measuring, and probing; (3) automated fluid handling; and (4) shaking and mixing. The open-source 3-D platform not only facilities routine research while radically reducing the cost, but 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wijnen
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA pearce@mtu.edu.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Pearce
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004867:Equipment Design; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional / Q000191:economics*; D012984:Software / Q000191:economics
keywords: 3-D platform; 3-D printing; fluid handling; laboratory equipment; open-source hardware