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.

For this section you will need:

Printed Parts

Printed Tools

Sub-Assemblies

Consumables

  • 4 drops of light oil - Don't skip this or you will damage the screws

Mechanical Components

Parts required for actuator assembly

Step 1: Insert the nut

Step 2: Attach the gear

Step 3: Oil the lead screw

oil lead screw

Step 4: Assemble the band insertion tool

Step 5: Prepare the actuator

Check actuator position

Step 6: Attaching 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.

Actuator cutaway

attach actuator foot

If you had problems with this step see [troubleshooting actuator assembly].

Step 7: Seat the foot

Step 8: Repeat this process for Y and Z

Follow the same procedure for the Y and Z axes. Once complete the microscope with assembled actuators should look like this:

Actuators assembled

Step 9: Repeat this process for separate z-actuator

Follow the same procedure for the separate z-actuator. Once complete the complete separate z-actuator should look like this:


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