3D Printed Microscope Optomechanical Tools

Abstract

Discovery often involves the creation of new apparatuses by curious minds and industrious hands. From Leeuwenhoek's simple microscopes to a modern particle collider, science has always been a 'maker' movement. Biology is no exception, especially in the realm of new instruments for microscopy. Basic cell discoveries or new cancer therapies require novel, faster, and cheaper light microscopy methods. Development of these new methods almost invariably requires custom optomechanics, lens holders, and adapters. Even with automated computer numerical control (CNC) machining, iteration time between part design, metal machining, and testing can take weeks to months per cycle with accompanying high labor costs and large capital investments in equipment.