Assemble the actuators

There is one "actuator column" for each of the three axes of the OpenFlexure Microscope stage. These allow you to move the sample in X and Y, or focus the microscope by moving in Z.

Step 1: Mount the leadscrew

• Take one of the hex bolts.
• Push it through one of the large gears, and the nut spinner.
• Start to screw on a steel M3 nut, this should fit into the end of the nut spinner
• Place the gear holder over the large gear.
• Tighten, by turning the gear holder and nut spinner in opposite directions. This should bed the screw into the gear.
• Remove the tools by unscrewing the nut with the nut spinner. The hex bolt should now be mounted in the gear.

Step 2: Insert the nut

• Insert a brass nut into the x actuator through the hole in the front of the main body.
• Looking through the hole you should see the side of the nut. If it is tilted so you can see the top, tap the microscope until it sits flat.

Step 3: Attach the gear

• Line up two washers so that the slightly curved sides are facing each other.
• Take the gear with the hex bolt mounted into it, and push it through the two washers.
• Push the bolt through the hole at the top of the x actuator until it reaches the nut
• Screw the bolt into the nut until the nut is completely lifted up. (If the nut turns hold it in place with the nut tool)

Step 4: Oil the lead screw

• Lift the gear so you can see about 5mm of screw thread underneath
• Add one drop of light oil onto the screw thread

Step 5: Assemble the band insertion tool

• Insert the two arms of the band tool into the band tool cover.

Step 6: Prepare the actuator

• Look through the hole you inserted the nut into
• You should be able to see the screw thread of the hex bolt
• Rotate the gear until the screw is clearly visible through this hole
• Push the nut tool into the hole to hold the internal actuator in place

Step 7: Attach the viton bands and foot

This is the trickiest part of the microscope build. In this step we will clip bands onto hooks inside each actuator.

• Take the foot for the x actuator
• Loop a viton band through the foot
• Push the assembled band tool through the foot and hook the band onto the tool on each side.
• Align the foot under the microscope so that the letter faces outwards
• Check that the nut tool is still blocking the actuator column.
• Push the band tool into the microscope until it clicks
• Remove the band tool.

Step 8: Seat the foot

• If the foot did not click into place during actuator assembly align it and push it into place
• The foot should sit flush with the base of the microscope
• The front of the foot should align with the front of the actuator

Step 9: Repeat this process for Y and Z

• Follow the same procedure to install the gear, foot and Viton band for the Y and Z axes
• Make sure that you have put a drop of light oil on both of the threads
• Make sure that both feet are seated
• Make sure that each axis has two washers

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