Posted by
Sergey Tauger on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/3d-printers-for-microsocpy-tp7585214p7585221.html
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Hi Aryeh,
I have a humble experience in 3d-printing for microscopy. I'd like to group pros and cons
by application and manufacturing principle
TL;DR It is better to have both FDM that uses nylon and SLA. Think about buying CNC
machine
What can you manufacture :
1. Adapters
Pitfails: broad temperature range from 18 to 60 C (if near to lamp or servo/stepper
drive). Do not forget about temperature shrinkage/elongation and about change in
mechanical properties
2. Insets for XY stage
Pitfails: temperature shrinkage/elongation. Choose fixture carefully.
Temperature shrinkage/elongation not matching copper-zinc alloy, aluminium or glass is
everlasting problem, I'll not mention it again
3. Custom dishes and observation chambers
Pitfails:
- accuracy (focus stability and medium leakage)
- gas permeability
- toxicity
4. Filter cubes, holders, etc
- accuracy (nothing special, 200-300 mkm is usually enough)
5. Gears, constuction elements, lens holders
- I'll never do it again
Printers pros and cons (not taking in account industrial $10K+ machines):
1.FDM
- cheaper (both machine and supplies)
- fast
- can print bigger details
- bigger community
- lots of open source software and hardware
- easier engeneering
- many materials proven to be non-toxic
- easier but obligatory post-processing
2. SLA
- more accurate
- facultative post-processing
- usually more durable, stong and inert materials
- materials exhibit smaller temperature shrinkage/elongation
3. CNC
- can replace a vendor detail with its exact copy
- most accurate in right hands
- cheapest cutting-edge specialists
- >50year experience of use in industry
Sorry for long-posting,
Best,
Sergey Tauger
MSU, Cell Motility Lab