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 can 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 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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