Overview

This lab builds the OpenFlexure Microscope (high-resolution build, release v7.0.0-beta5), an automated, research-grade optical laboratory microscope utilizing 3D-printed flexure mechanics for precise three-axis motorized sample translation and focusing. The compute and motion architecture is powered entirely from a single 5 V DC supply rail delivered via a 5.1 V, 3.0 A USB Type-C wall adapter to a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B single-board computer. The Raspberry Pi supplies 5 V to a dedicated motor controller shield (Sangaboard v0.5 or v5), which drives three unipolar stepper motors operating on the 5 V rail and controls a 5 V LED illumination board. Digital camera imaging and logic control operate at 3.3 V on the Raspberry Pi GPIO and MIPI CSI-2 camera bus.

Bill of Materials

Active Electronics and Compute

• Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

  • Identity: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (RS Components part number 182-2096).
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B standard form-factor (85 mm x 56 mm SBC with mounting holes, USB-C power input, 40-pin GPIO header, and 15-pin MIPI CSI-2 camera connector).
  • Electrical constraints: Powered via USB Type-C connector at 5.0 V to 5.1 V DC (minimum 3.0 A rated supply required). Onboard logic rails operate at 3.3 V and 1.8 V.
  • Substitution latitude: Any RAM capacity variant of the Raspberry Pi 4B (1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, or 8 GB) is fully functional. Form-factor variants such as Raspberry Pi 3B+ or Pi 5 cannot be substituted without redesigning the 3D-printed stand mounts and checking camera ribbon/software stack compatibility.
  • Control status: Static compute host; no user-operated physical dials or buttons during microscopy.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: 182-2096

• Raspberry Pi Power Supply (USB-C)

  • Identity: Official Raspberry Pi 15.3 W USB-C Power Supply, 5.1 V DC, 3.0 A (RS Components part number 187-3416).
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: AC wall adapter with captive cable terminating in a male USB Type-C connector.
  • Electrical constraints: Input 100-240 V AC; output 5.1 V DC regulated, minimum 3.0 A continuous output current to support the Raspberry Pi 4B, three simultaneously stepped motors, and active LED illumination.
  • Substitution latitude: Any regulated 5 V to 5.1 V power supply with a male USB-C connector delivering at least 3.0 A can substitute. Phone chargers with high voltage negotiation (e.g., QuickCharge) must default cleanly to 5 V.
  • Control status: Fixed power source; not a student-operated control.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: 187-3416

• Raspberry Pi Camera Module v2

  • Identity: Raspberry Pi Camera Module v2 (RS Components part number 913-2664), featuring the Sony IMX219 8-megapixel CMOS image sensor.
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: Official 25 mm x 24 mm camera PCB with integrated M12-style mini-lens assembly and a 15-pin 1.0 mm pitch FFC ZIF connector.
  • Electrical constraints: Powered from Raspberry Pi 3.3 V rail via the 15-pin CSI-2 ribbon interface.
  • Substitution latitude: Must be the Camera Module v2 (Sony IMX219). The 3D-printed high-resolution optics tube and lens remover tool are physically modeled around the v2 PCB and lens barrel dimensions. The Camera Module v1 (OV5647) or Camera Module v3 (autofocus coil and different form factor) are mechanically and optically incompatible.
  • Control status: Fixed optical sensor; the lens is unscrewed once during assembly using the lens tool and remains fixed.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: 913-2664

• Sangaboard v0.5 Motor Controller Board

  • Identity: Sangaboard v0.5 / Sangaboard v5 (Taulab part catalog: Sangaboard v5).
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: Custom motor controller daughterboard / HAT form-factor with three 5-pin JST-XH stepper motor headers, screw terminal / pin header power inputs, and a 2-pin connector for illumination.
  • Electrical constraints: 5 V logic and 5 V motor driver rail. Typically driven by an onboard ATmega32U4 microcontroller or I2C/UART/USB motor driver IC (e.g., ULN2003 or dedicated stepper drivers).
  • Substitution latitude: If the dedicated Sangaboard is unavailable, the project documents a "workaround motor electronics" alternative using an Arduino Nano or Uno coupled with three standard ULN2003 Darlington transistor driver breakout boards.
  • Control status: Microcontroller-controlled actuator board; not a manual control.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: Taulab Sangaboard v5

• 28BYJ-48 Micro Geared Stepper Motors

  • Identity: 28BYJ-48 unipolar stepper motor with internal reduction gearbox (described only as 28BYJ-48 Stepper Motors).
  • Quantity: 3 (one each for X, Y, and Z axis flexure translation).
  • Footprint/package: 28 mm diameter cylindrical body, teardrop mounting flange with two 35 mm spaced mounting holes, 5 mm slotted output shaft, 5-wire captive lead terminating in a 5-pin 2.54 mm pitch connector.
  • Electrical constraints: 5 V DC rated operating voltage; coil resistance nominally 50 Ω to 60 Ω per winding; unipolar 5-wire configuration (common VCC).
  • Substitution latitude: Must be the 5 V version of the 28BYJ-48. The 12 V variant will fail to produce sufficient torque on the 5 V rail. The physical gearbox ratio (nominally 64:1 / 4096 steps per revolution) is assumed by the stage calibration software.
  • Control status: Motorized mechanical stage actuators.
  • Sourcing plan: retail shopping search: 28BYJ-48 5V stepper motor

• Illumination PCB Module

  • Identity: OpenFlexure v7 Illumination PCB (Taulab OFMv7 Illumination Kit).
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: Miniature custom round or rectangular PCB designed to snap into the 3D-printed condenser assembly, with surface-mount LED and 2-pin connection header.
  • Electrical constraints: Driven from Sangaboard illumination output (5 V PWM or controlled current).
  • Substitution latitude: The build explicitly specifies that a standard 5 mm high-brightness white LED wired in series with a current-limiting resistor can be substituted following the documented 5 mm LED workaround.
  • Control status: Fixed illumination source; intensity controlled via software/PWM.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: Taulab OFMv7 Illumination Kit

• Micro SD Card

  • Identity: MicroSDHC / MicroSDXC flash memory card (RS Components part number 174-7338).
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: MicroSD standard form-factor (15 mm x 11 mm x 1 mm).
  • Electrical constraints: 3.3 V operating rail. Minimum 16 GB capacity (Class 10 / UHS-I / A1 recommended) to store Raspberry Pi OS, OpenFlexure server software, and acquired images.
  • Substitution latitude: Any standard MicroSD card ≥ 16 GB capable of booting a Raspberry Pi 4B.
  • Control status: Static storage medium.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: 174-7338

Wiring, Interconnects, and Optical Elements

• 200 mm Pi Camera Ribbon Cable (Type B)

  • Identity: 200 mm FFC flexible flat ribbon cable for Raspberry Pi Camera Module v2 (Farnell / Newark / Onecall part number 3385343, Multicomp Pro part number MP-FFCA10152003B; secondary supplier The Pi Hut part number 102929).
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: 15-conductor, 1.0 mm pitch, 200 mm length flexible flat cable (FFC), Type B (opposite-side exposed contact fingers / reverse orientation).
  • Electrical constraints: Low-voltage high-speed MIPI CSI-2 differential signals (nominally 1.2 V to 3.3 V).
  • Substitution latitude: Must be exactly 15 conductors at 1.0 mm pitch and must be Type B (contacts on opposite sides). A Type A (same-side contacts) cable will short or invert signal pins and may damage the camera or SBC. Length must be ≥ 200 mm to clear the mechanical flexure stand.
  • Control status: Static wiring.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: MP-FFCA10152003B

• 2-Pin DuPont Connector Female Housing

  • Identity: 1x2 female crimp connector housing, 2.54 mm pitch (Proto-Pic / Pololu part number 6059-01).
  • Quantity: 2.
  • Footprint/package: 1 row x 2 position DuPont crimp terminal plastic housing, 2.54 mm (0.1 inch) pitch.
  • Electrical constraints: Sits on the 5 V / PWM illumination circuit.
  • Substitution latitude: Any standard 2.54 mm pitch 2-position female rectangular connector housing.
  • Control status: Static internal connection.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup (representative example — sources give spec only): Pololu 6059-01

• Pre-crimped Female-Female Jumper Cable (30 cm), Black

  • Identity: Black female-to-female pre-crimped jumper wire, 30 cm length (Proto-Pic catalog).
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: Insulated wire (approx. 26 to 28 AWG), 300 mm length, terminated at both ends with female DuPont crimp socket contacts.
  • Electrical constraints: Ground return line for LED illumination (current < 100 mA).
  • Substitution latitude: Any 24-28 AWG stranded hookup wire with 2.54 mm female crimp sockets; color is non-critical but black is standard for ground.
  • Control status: Static wiring.
  • Sourcing plan: retail shopping search: female-to-female jumper wire 30cm black

• Pre-crimped Female-Female Jumper Cable (30 cm), Red

  • Identity: Red female-to-female pre-crimped jumper wire, 30 cm length (Proto-Pic catalog).
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: Insulated wire (approx. 26 to 28 AWG), 300 mm length, terminated at both ends with female DuPont crimp socket contacts.
  • Electrical constraints: 5 V / PWM drive line for LED illumination.
  • Substitution latitude: Any 24-28 AWG stranded hookup wire with 2.54 mm female crimp sockets; color is non-critical but red is standard for power.
  • Control status: Static wiring.
  • Sourcing plan: retail shopping search: female-to-female jumper wire 30cm red

• 12.7 mm Achromatic Doublet Tube Lens

  • Identity: Thorlabs 12.7 mm achromatic doublet lens, focal length f = 50.0 mm, AR-coated for 400-700 nm (Thorlabs part number AC127-050-A; alternative sources AliExpress "50mm achromatic lens" or Surplus Shed).
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) diameter unmounted doublet lens element, center thickness approx. 4.0 mm to 6.0 mm.
  • Electrical constraints: None (passive optical element).
  • Substitution latitude: Diameter must be 12.5 mm to 12.7 mm; focal length must be 48 mm to 52 mm (nominally 50 mm) to fit the internal light path and provide proper tube length magnification with the DIN objective onto the IMX219 sensor.
  • Control status: Static internal optical component.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: AC127-050-A

• Condenser Lens

  • Identity: 13 mm diameter, 5 mm focal length PMMA planoconvex/biconvex condenser lens (AliExpress query: "13mm 5mm PMMA lens").
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: 13.0 mm outside diameter clear acrylic (PMMA) plastic lens.
  • Electrical constraints: None (passive optical element).
  • Substitution latitude: Diameter 12.8 mm to 13.2 mm, focal length nominally 5 mm. Focuses the LED illumination onto the sample plane.
  • Control status: Static optical element.
  • Sourcing plan: retail shopping search: 13mm 5mm PMMA lens

• Microscope Objective

  • Identity: Standard RMS-threaded DIN microscope objective (magnification typically 10x, 20x, 40x, or 100x oil immersion; described only as "Microscope Objective").
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: Royal Microscopical Society (RMS) thread standard (0.8 inch x 36 TPI, approx. 20.32 mm outer diameter), DIN standard 45 mm parfocal distance, 160 mm mechanical tube length conjugate.
  • Electrical constraints: None.
  • Substitution latitude: Any standard RMS DIN objective. Infinity-corrected objectives will suffer from optical aberrations unless matched with appropriate tube lenses; finite conjugate (160 mm) objectives are standard.
  • Control status: Threaded into the optics module; set once during assembly or swapped between experiments.
  • Sourcing plan: retail shopping search: standard RMS DIN microscope objective

Mechanical Fasteners and Structural Hardware

• M3 Brass Hex Nut

  • Identity: Metric M3 standard hex nut in Brass (DIN 934 / ISO 4032; Westfield Fasteners part number WF20152, McMaster-Carr ISO 4032 / DIN 934).
  • Quantity: 3.
  • Footprint/package: M3 x 0.5 mm thread pitch, 5.5 mm across flats (AF), 2.4 mm nominal height. Brass material.
  • Electrical constraints: None.
  • Substitution latitude: Must be brass. The brass nut acts as the low-friction traveling nut on the stainless steel drive bolt in the 3D-printed flexure actuator. Using a steel nut against a steel bolt can gall, bind, and ruin the printed flexure stages.
  • Control status: Internal mechanical drive component.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: Westfield Fasteners WF20152

• M3 Stainless Steel Hex Nut

  • Identity: Metric M3 standard hex nut in A2 Stainless Steel (DIN 934 / ISO 4032; Westfield Fasteners part number WF1255, McMaster-Carr ISO 4032 / DIN 934).
  • Quantity: 21 (for assembly) + 1 extra (used as a tool during gear assembly) = 22 total.
  • Footprint/package: M3 x 0.5 mm thread, 5.5 mm AF, 2.4 mm height, A2-70 stainless steel.
  • Electrical constraints: None.
  • Substitution latitude: Standard commodity metric hex nut (A2 or A4 stainless preferred to resist corrosion and match thread friction tolerances).
  • Control status: Static mechanical fastener.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: Westfield Fasteners WF1255

• M3 Stainless Steel Washers

  • Identity: Metric M3 Form A flat washer in A2 Stainless Steel (DIN 125A / ISO 7089; Westfield Fasteners part number WF1189, McMaster-Carr ISO 7089 / DIN 125A).
  • Quantity: 8.
  • Footprint/package: Nominal hole ID 3.2 mm, OD 7.0 mm, thickness 0.5 mm, A2 stainless steel.
  • Electrical constraints: None.
  • Substitution latitude: Standard commodity metric M3 flat washers.
  • Control status: Static mechanical hardware.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: Westfield Fasteners WF1189

• M3 x 10 mm Socket Head Cap Screws

  • Identity: Metric M3 x 10 mm socket head cap screw (Allen screw) in A2 Stainless Steel (DIN 912 / ISO 4762; Westfield Fasteners part number WF2345, McMaster-Carr ISO 4762 / DIN 912).
  • Quantity: 17 (for assembly) + 1 extra (used as a tool for pulling trapped nuts) = 18 total.
  • Footprint/package: M3 x 0.5 mm thread, 10 mm thread length under head, 5.5 mm diameter cylindrical head, 2.5 mm hex socket drive. A2 stainless steel.
  • Electrical constraints: None.
  • Substitution latitude: Standard DIN 912 M3x10 socket head cap screw. Length must be exactly 10 mm to avoid bottoming out in blind printed cavities.
  • Control status: Static mechanical fastener.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: Westfield Fasteners WF2345

• M3 x 25 mm Stainless Steel Hex Bolts

  • Identity: Metric M3 x 25 mm full-thread hex head bolt in A2 Stainless Steel (DIN 933 / ISO 4017; Westfield Fasteners part number WF1662, McMaster-Carr ISO 4017 / DIN 933).
  • Quantity: 4 (3 used for actuator leadscrews, 1 used in illumination/stand).
  • Footprint/package: M3 x 0.5 mm pitch, 25 mm threaded length, fully threaded shank up to the head, 5.5 mm hex head, A2 stainless steel.
  • Electrical constraints: None.
  • Substitution latitude: Must be fully threaded (DIN 933 / ISO 4017); partially threaded bolts will jam in the actuator gears. Must be smooth A2 stainless steel to mesh smoothly with the brass nut.
  • Control status: Driven by the 3D-printed gears and stepper motors.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: Westfield Fasteners WF1662

• No. 2 x 6.5 mm Self-Tapping Screws

  • Identity: No. 2 x 6.5 mm Pozi pan head self-tapping screw in A2 Stainless Steel (DIN 7981 / ISO 7049; Westfield Fasteners part number WF825, McMaster-Carr DIN 7981).
  • Quantity: 18.
  • Footprint/package: No. 2 gauge (thread OD 2.2 mm), 6.5 mm length (1/4 inch nominal), pan head with Pozidriv (#1 Pozi) drive recess.
  • Electrical constraints: None.
  • Substitution latitude: Metric 2.2 mm x 6.5 mm self-tapping screws. Phillips drive can be used if matched with the appropriate screwdriver, but length must not exceed 6.5 mm to prevent piercing printed plastic walls.
  • Control status: Static mechanical fastener for mounting PCB, motors, and clips.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: Westfield Fasteners WF825

• Viton O-Rings (30 mm ID x 2 mm C/S)

  • Identity: Viton (FKM) rubber O-rings, 30 mm inside diameter, 2 mm cross-section width (McMaster-Carr part number 9263K119; Simply Bearings part number 513396).
  • Quantity: 3.
  • Footprint/package: Toroidal elastomeric O-ring: inside diameter (ID) 30 mm, cross-section diameter (W) 2 mm.
  • Electrical constraints: None.
  • Substitution latitude: Must be Viton (FKM). Standard nitrile (NBR) or silicone bands will degrade, lose elasticity under constant strain, or fatigue prematurely. These O-rings act as precision mechanical return springs holding the flexure stage against the actuator leadscrews.
  • Control status: Static elastic return spring.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: McMaster-Carr 9263K119

Raw Materials, Consumables, and Assembly Tools

• White Polypropylene Sheet (0.5 mm thick)

  • Identity: White translucent polypropylene (PP) plastic sheet, 0.5 mm thickness (Kitronik part number 43142).
  • Quantity: 4 cm^2 (cut down to fit illumination diffuser slot).
  • Footprint/package: 0.5 mm thick flat sheet stock.
  • Electrical constraints: None.
  • Substitution latitude: Any 0.5 mm thick translucent white polypropylene or matte diffusing plastic. Acts as the transmission diffuser to homogenize the LED beam before reaching the condenser.
  • Control status: Static optical diffuser.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: Kitronik 43142

• Black PLA 3D Printer Filament

  • Identity: 1.75 mm black Polylactic Acid (PLA) 3D printer filament (described only as "Black PLA filament").
  • Quantity: 20 g.
  • Footprint/package: 1.75 mm filament spool.
  • Electrical constraints: None.
  • Substitution latitude: Any opaque black 1.75 mm PLA filament. Must be opaque black to prevent light leakage, internal scattering, and stray reflections inside the high-resolution optics module.
  • Control status: Raw fabrication material.
  • Sourcing plan: retail shopping search: 1.75mm black PLA filament

• PLA 3D Printer Filament (Structure)

  • Identity: 1.75 mm Polylactic Acid (PLA) 3D printer filament (described only as "PLA filament").
  • Quantity: 380 g.
  • Footprint/package: 1.75 mm filament spool (two contrasting colors recommended).
  • Electrical constraints: None.
  • Substitution latitude: PLA is mandatory for the flexure stage body; PETG, ABS, or nylon must NOT be substituted because their flexural modulus and creep behavior are unsuited for the OpenFlexure hinge design.
  • Control status: Raw fabrication material.
  • Sourcing plan: retail shopping search: 1.75mm PLA filament

• Light Machine Oil

  • Identity: Light lubricating mineral oil / machine oil (McMaster-Carr part number 1271K1; RS Components part number 252-0168).
  • Quantity: 3 drops.
  • Footprint/package: Fluid lubricant dispenser.
  • Electrical constraints: None.
  • Substitution latitude: 3-in-One oil, sewing machine oil, or ISO VG 10-22 light mineral oil. Heavy motor oil, grease, or WD-40 should not be used.
  • Control status: Consumable assembly lubricant applied to the M3 leadscrews.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: McMaster-Carr 1271K1

• #1 Pozidrive Screwdriver

  • Identity: Hand screwdriver with Pozidriv size #1 tip (RS Components part number 176-3436).
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: Hand tool.
  • Sourcing plan: distributor lookup: 176-3436

• 2.5 mm Ball-End Allen Key

  • Identity: 2.5 mm hex / Allen key with spherical ball-end profile (described only as "2.5mm Ball-end Allen key").
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: L-shaped or T-handle hex wrench. The ball end is strictly required to tighten M3 socket head screws in recessed, angled flexure channels.
  • Sourcing plan: retail shopping search: 2.5mm ball end allen key

• Pi Camera Lens Adjustment / Removal Tool

  • Identity: Plastic lens removal spanner tool normally bundled with the Raspberry Pi Camera Module v2 (alternative: 3D-printed workaround tool).
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: Two-prong plastic mini-wrench fitting the circular notches of the Sony IMX219 camera lens barrel.
  • Sourcing plan: general web research: Raspberry Pi Camera v2 lens adjustment tool or 3D print workaround

• Precision Wire Cutters

  • Identity: Flush-cutting precision diagonal wire cutters (described only as "precision wire cutters").
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: Hand tool.
  • Sourcing plan: retail shopping search: flush cut precision wire cutters

• Utility Knife

  • Identity: Standard snap-off or fixed blade utility knife (described only as "utility knife", note: "Not a scalpel!").
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: Hand tool.
  • Sourcing plan: retail shopping search: utility knife

• Fused Filament 3D Printer

  • Identity: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF/FDM) 3D printer (described only as "Fused Filament 3D printer").
  • Quantity: 1.
  • Footprint/package: Desktop 3D printer with minimum build volume 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm, equipped with a 0.4 mm nozzle capable of 0.15 mm to 0.2 mm layer heights.
  • Sourcing plan: retail shopping search: FDM 3D printer 0.4mm nozzle

Software and Network Dependencies

• Operating System: OpenFlexure Raspbian / Raspberry Pi OS Image

  • Component: Tailored Raspberry Pi OS Linux distribution image configured for OpenFlexure instruments.
  • Source: Downloadable SD card image hosted at openflexure.org / GitLab releases.
  • Version: not stated in the hardware documentation (the documentation build tag "v7.0.0-beta5" applies to the lab instructions/hardware, not the OS distribution).
  • Where version came from: not stated.
  • Pinning: Unpinned in hardware documentation.
  • Manifest location: not stated in hardware sources; upstream repository is gitlab.com/openflexure/openflexure-microscope.
  • Network exposure: The Raspberry Pi connects to a local area network via Ethernet (RJ45) or 2.4 GHz/5 GHz Wi-Fi. It provides headless microscope access. The sources do not document custom SSH credentials or port numbers in the provided files.
  • Check plan: support-status lookup: Raspberry Pi OS Debian-based distribution

• Microscope Control Daemon: OpenFlexure Server

  • Component: Python-based background server application managing camera capture (picamera / libcamera), motor movement profiles, auto-focus algorithms, and the REST API.
  • Source: Upstream repository at gitlab.com/openflexure/openflexure-microscope-server (or submodules in openflexure-microscope).
  • Version: not stated.
  • Where version came from: not stated.
  • Pinning: Unpinned in hardware documentation.
  • Manifest location: Upstream pyproject.toml / requirements.txt in server repository (path not present in this documentation upload).
  • Network exposure: Listens for incoming HTTP/WebSocket connections from clients (web browsers or OpenFlexure Connect app) across the LAN; default port is typically 5000 or 80 (not stated in the provided text).
  • Check plan: not checkable: version not stated

• Microcontroller Firmware: Sangaboard Firmware

  • Component: Embedded C/C++ / Arduino firmware running on the Sangaboard motor controller.
  • Source: Upstream repository gitlab.com/openflexure/sangaboard (or flashed onto pre-assembled Taulab boards).
  • Version: not stated (Sangaboard v0.5 hardware revision is specified, but firmware version is omitted).
  • Where version came from: not stated.
  • Pinning: Unpinned.
  • Manifest location: not stated.
  • Network exposure: None; communicates via serial over USB (CDC ACM) or direct GPIO UART with the Raspberry Pi.
  • Check plan: not checkable: vendor firmware with unpinned/unspecified version

Downloads, External URLs, and Fabrication Details

External URLs and Documentation References

• Project Repository: https://gitlab.com/openflexure/openflexure-microscope/
• Project Website and Vendor Portal: https://openflexure.org/
• Community Discussion Forum: https://openflexure.discourse.group/
• Scientific Publication Reference: https://doi.org/10.1364/BOE.385729 (Biomedical Optics Express paper describing mechanical and optical performance)
• Commercial Kit / Electronics Vendor: https://taulab.eu/openflexure/

Fabrication and 3D Printing Details

• Printing Technology: FDM / FFF (Fused Deposition Modeling).
• Materials Required: 380 g of standard PLA filament (main body, stand, actuator gears, and sample clips) plus 20 g of opaque Black PLA (optics tube and condenser housing).
• Critical Slicing Requirements: The monolithic flexure mechanism relies on precise wall thicknesses and elastic bending hinges. Slicing must adhere strictly to the project's recommended layer heights (typically 0.15 mm or 0.20 mm) with a standard 0.4 mm nozzle. Infill on flexure joints must be 100% solid plastic.
• PCB Fabrication: The custom boards (Sangaboard v0.5 and the Illumination PCB) are sourced as pre-assembled kits from Taulab in this BOM. If fabricated directly from Gerber files, Sangaboard v0.5 is a standard 2-layer FR4 PCB (approx. 50 mm x 60 mm) with USB-C/micro-USB and motor driver ICs, and the illumination board is a miniature 2-layer FR4 PCB (approx. 15 mm diameter).