Print the plastic parts

If you have bought the plastic parts you can skip this step!

For this section you will need:

Tools

Materials

Step 1: Check your printer settings

Check your printer is configured as suggested in the Test your printer page.

The recommended printer settings are given in the Test your printer page. It's also a good idea to try the test print if you have not printed the microscope before.

Step 2: Printing

The microscope body has a custom brim included in the STL. This may require custom print settings.

Now you have tested your printer and filament you can print the following parts:

You can download all of the STLs as a single zipfile

Optional accessories

Taller upright z-actuator mounts are available for use with thicker samples:

Step 3: Clean-up of printed parts

Be careful when removing brim

To avoid injury first remove the bulk of the brim without a knife. Remove the remaining brim with a peeling action as described below.

Carefully remove the printing brim from all parts (except the main body).

To remove brim:

  1. Use precision wire cutters to remove most of the brim from the part.
  2. Clean up remaining brim with a utility knife:
    • Hold the knife in your dominant hand with 4 fingers curled around the handle, leaving thumb free.
    • Hold the part in your other hand, as far away from the surface to be cut as possible.
    • Support the part with the thumb of your dominant hand.
    • Place blade on surface to be cut, and carefully close your dominant hand moving the blade, under control, towards your thumb.


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