Open-source Wax RepRap 3-D Printer for Rapid Prototyping Paper-Based Microfluidics
| Type | |
|---|---|
| Authors | Joshua M. Pearce N. C. Anzalone and C. L. Heldt |
| Location | Michigan, USA |
| Status | Designed Modelled Prototyped Verified |
| Verified by | MOST |
| Years | |
| Links | https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2211068215624408 |
The open-source release of self-replicating rapid prototypers (RepRaps), has created a rich opportunity for low-cost distributed digital fabrication of complex three dimensional objects such as scientific equipment. For example, 3-D printable reactionware devices offer the opportunity to combine open hardware microfluidic handling with lab on a chip reactionware to radically reduce costs and increase the number and complexity of microfluidic applications. To further drive down the cost while improving the performance of lab-on-a-chip paper-based microfluidic prototyping this study reports on the development of a RepRap upgrade capable of converting a Prusa Mendel RepRap into a wax 3-D printer for paper-based microfluidic applications. An open-source hardware approach is used to demonstrate a 3-D printable upgrade for the 3-D printer, which combines a heated syringe pump with the RepRap/Arduino 3-D control. The bill of materials, designs, basic assembly and use instructions are provided along with a completely free and open source software tool chain. The open source hardware device described here accelerates the potential of the nascent field of electrochemical detection combined with paper-based microfluidics by dropping the marginal cost of prototyping to nearly zero while accelerating the turnover between paper-based microfluidic designs.
- This project derived from: MOST Prusa RepRap Build it!
- STL files for 3D printing and OpenSCAD files for editing
- Open Source Software:Franklin
- Example clover print [1]
BOM
[edit | edit source]
Assembly
[edit | edit source]Refer to paper for overall details.
Prepare components
- File:Prep syringe retainer.odt
- File:Prep carriage.odt
- File:Prep motor assembly.odt
- File:Prep syringe carriage.odt
Assemble
Use
[edit | edit source]To use follow more general instructions here: Open source syringe pump 3-D printer and use open-source Franklin software
See also
[edit | edit source]- Open-source parametric 3-D printed slot die system for thin film semiconductor processing
- Ystruder: open source multifunction extruder with sensing and monitoring capabilities
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-3.0 |
| Organizations | MOST, MTU |
| Cite as | J.M.Pearce (2016–2025). "Open-source Wax RepRap 3-D Printer for Rapid Prototyping Paper-Based Microfluidics". Appropedia. Retrieved May 31, 2026. |