Waxprinter.jpg
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Type Paper
Cite as Citation reference for the source document. J. M. Pearce, N. C. Anzalone, and C. L. Heldt. Open-source Wax RepRap 3-D Printer for Rapid Prototyping Paper-Based Microfluidics, Journal of Laboratory Automation 21(4) 510–516 (2016). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2211068215624408 open access
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Project data
Authors Joshua M. Pearce
N. C. Anzalone
and C. L. Heldt
Location Michigan, USA
Status Designed
Modelled
Prototyped
Verified
Verified by MOST
Links https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2211068215624408
OKH Manifest Download

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.

BOM[edit | edit source]

BOMwaxprinter.jpg

Assembly[edit | edit source]

Refer to paper for overall details.

Prepare components

  1. File:Prep syringe retainer.odt
  2. File:Prep carriage.odt
  3. File:Prep motor assembly.odt
  4. File:Prep syringe carriage.odt

Assemble

  1. File:Carriage.odt
  2. File:Threaded rod.odt
  3. File:Motor.odt
  4. File:Finish wax.odt

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]

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Keywords osat, 3d printer, rapid prototyping, paper, microfluids, 3d printing, wax, paper-based, lab-on-a-chip, electrochemical detection
SDG SDG09 Industry innovation and infrastructure
Authors Joshua M. Pearce
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Organizations MOST, MTU
Language English (en)
Translations Japanese, Arabic, French, Czech
Related 4 subpages, 31 pages link here
Impact 1,919 page views
Created January 14, 2016 by Joshua M. Pearce
Modified February 28, 2024 by Felipe Schenone
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