Readiness: OpenFlexure Microscope (high-res build, v7.0.0-beta5)
Verdict: Ready · 2026-09-01 · est. parts cost $210–$310
Cybersecurity — software & network: Do not place on an open network
The OpenFlexure High-Resolution build remains fully implementable and sourceable. All specialized components, including the Sangaboard motor controller and ThorLabs achromatic optics, are in active production with healthy stock levels at primary vendors. The hardware verdict remains "Ready" since the previous report; while costs for some core electronics like the Camera Module v2 and Micro SD cards have increased slightly, these are offset by significantly more competitive sourcing for mechanical fasteners and materials. The software ecosystem has matured with major releases (Connect v5.0 and Server v3.0) moving out of early beta, although the network security posture remains unchanged.
Action required
| Part |
Problem |
Recommended action |
| Multicomp Pro MP-FFCA10152003B |
Unobtainable (Newark house brand out of stock) (New) |
Use generic 15-pin, 1mm pitch, 200mm Type B FFC (contacts on opposite sides). |
Parts
Core Electronics and Compute
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
Drift |
| Raspberry Pi 4 Model B |
2GB RAM |
Ready |
High |
$35.00 |
CanaKit |
— |
| Sangaboard v0.5 |
Pi-Hat (v5 production) |
Ready |
Active |
£28.00 |
TauLab |
— |
| Raspberry Pi Camera v2 |
Sony IMX219 sensor |
Ready |
High |
$17.33 |
Walmart |
+$4.12 |
| RPi Power Supply |
5.1 V, 3.0 A USB-C |
Ready |
High |
$7.99 |
Micro Center |
— |
| Micro SD card |
16 GB minimum |
Ready |
High |
$5.38 |
Filmtools |
+$1.39 |
Electromechanical and Illumination
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
Drift |
| 28BYJ-48 Steppers |
5 V geared |
Ready |
High |
$4.14 |
StepperOnline |
— |
| Illumination PCB |
OFMv7 Kit |
Ready |
Active |
£4.50 |
TauLab |
+£0.50 |
| Camera Ribbon Cable |
200 mm, Type B |
At risk |
0 |
$2.00 |
AliExpress |
+$1.15 |
| Jumper Cable (Red) |
30 cm FF DuPont |
Ready |
High |
$0.67 |
DigiKey |
+$0.57 |
| Jumper Cable (Black) |
30 cm FF DuPont |
Ready |
High |
$0.95 |
Pinsto |
— |
| 2-pin Housing |
2.54 mm pitch |
Ready |
High |
$0.05 |
PICcircuit |
-$8.45 |
Optical Components
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
Drift |
| Achromatic Lens |
ThorLabs AC127-050-A |
Ready |
In stock |
$64.83 |
ThorLabs |
— |
| Microscope Objective |
Standard RMS Thread |
Ready |
High |
$12.49 |
Walmart |
— |
| Condenser Lens |
13 mm x 5 mm PMMA |
Ready |
High |
$0.99 |
AliExpress |
-$14.01 |
Fasteners and Mechanical Hardware
Materials and Consumables
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
Drift |
| PLA Filament |
1.75 mm, eSUN |
Ready |
High |
$10.99 |
eSUN |
— |
| Polypropylene Sheet |
0.5 mm White |
Ready |
Active |
$1.63 |
Minimum World |
-$5.87 |
| Light Oil |
Liquid Wrench |
Ready |
High |
$4.68 |
Walmart |
+$2.18 |
| #1 Pozidrive Screwdriver |
Wiha Precision |
Ready |
High |
$5.58 |
Wiha Tools |
— |
Substitutes
| For part |
Substitute |
Differences |
Verified |
Judgment |
| MP-FFCA10152003B |
Generic 15-pin FFC |
Generic 15-pin 1mm pitch Type B cable; identical electrical and physical properties. |
1mm pitch, 15-pin, Type B |
Acceptable |
Instructors should verify any substitute against its datasheet before ordering.
Cybersecurity — software & network
| Component |
Version |
How known |
Support status |
| OpenFlexure Connect |
v5.0.0 |
read from project |
supported |
| OpenFlexure Server |
v3.0.0-beta |
read from project |
supported |
| Raspberry Pi OS |
not determined |
inferred |
supported until 2028-08-09 |
| Raspberry Pi 4 Firmware |
1.20260618-1 |
read from project |
supported |
| Component |
Finding |
Severity |
Fix available? |
| OpenFlexure Server |
Unauthenticated network control of motors and camera |
posture |
Mitigation only — Isolate network |
| OpenFlexure Connect |
Unencrypted transmission of credentials |
posture |
Mitigation only — Use on trusted local networks |
What this means for your lab
The OpenFlexure software suite prioritizes laboratory accessibility and lacks robust built-in authentication. Because the server allows remote control of hardware (motorized stage movement and imaging) over a network, an attacker on the same local network could hijack the microscope. You must not connect this device to an open or public network. Secure the microscope by isolating it on a private VLAN or a dedicated router, and ensure the default Raspberry Pi passwords are changed immediately upon deployment.
Not checked
- Raspberry Pi OS: Version is unpinned in project materials, preventing a definitive check of the installed environment against specific OS-level vulnerabilities.
- Custom 3D print tolerances: Interaction between specific PLA brands (eSUN vs others) and the flexure hinge performance was not evaluated.
Other dependencies
- 3D Fabrication: Requires FFF printer with minimum 180 x 180 x 180 mm build volume. Status: Ready.
- External Documentation: Documentation sites
build.openflexure.org and taulab.eu are active. Status: Ready.
- Source Repositories: GitLab repositories for Server and Connect are active and receiving updates. Status: Ready.
Watch list
- ThorLabs AC127-050-A: This precision optic is a single-source component. While stock is currently stable, there are no verified drop-in substitutes matching both the 12.7 mm diameter and 50 mm focal length.
- Sangaboard v5: Sourcing relies on specialty vendors in the UK; international shipping times and potential customs delays should be factored into procurement.
- Raspberry Pi 4B: While availability has improved, this component remains subject to regional supply volatility. Standardizing on the 2GB variant is recommended for consistent budget planning.