Open-source 3D-printable optics equipment
| Type | |
|---|---|
| Authors | Zhang C Anzalone NC Faria RP Joshua M. Pearce |
| Location | Michigan, USA |
| Status | Designed Modelled Prototyped Verified |
| Verified by | MOST |
| Years |
| Hardware license | CERN-OHL-S |
|---|---|
| Certifications | Start OSHWA certification |
Just as the power of the open-source design paradigm has driven down the cost of software to the point that it is accessible to most people, the rise of open-source hardware is poised to drive down the cost of doing experimental science to expand access to everyone. To assist in this aim, this paper introduces a library of open-source 3-D-printable optics components. This library operates as a flexible, low-cost public-domain tool set for developing both research and teaching optics hardware. First, the use of parametric open-source designs using an open-source computer aided design package is described to customize the optics hardware for any application. Second, details are provided on the use of open-source 3-D printers (additive layer manufacturing) to fabricate the primary mechanical components, which are then combined to construct complex optics-related devices. Third, the use of the open-source electronics prototyping platform are illustrated as control for optical experimental apparatuses. This study demonstrates an open-source optical library, which significantly reduces the costs associated with much optical equipment, while also enabling relatively easily adapted customizable designs. The cost reductions in general are over 97%, with some components representing only 1% of the current commercial investment for optical products of similar function. The results of this study make its clear that this method of scientific hardware development enables a much broader audience to participate in optical experimentation both as research and teaching platforms than previous proprietary methods.
Results
[edit | edit source]
- Open source optics - a category of this work on Appropedia with dozens of examples
- A collection of free and open-source printable optics equipment on Thingiverse
Source
[edit | edit source]- Open Source Optical Rail from OpenBeam - Magnetic Base
- OpenBeam T Bracket
- OpenBeam Optical Rail Simple Rod Holder
- Open-source Optical Rail Mount for OpenBeam
- Open-source magnetic optics base
- Square Filter Holder for Open-source Optics
- Open-source lens holder
- Kinematic mirror/lens mount
- Open-source fiber optic holder
- Screen holder for OpenBeam Optical Rail
- Simple semiconductor sample holder v3
See also
[edit | edit source]- Open-source Lab
- Building research equipment with free, open-source hardware
- Open-source hardware for research and education
- Open source 3D printers: an appropriate technology for building low cost optics labs for the developing communities
- 3-D printable open source dual axis gimbal system for optoelectronic measurements
- Approaches to Open Source 3-D Printable Probe Positioners and Micromanipulators for Probe Stations
News Coverage
[edit | edit source]- Open-source 3D-printable optics to slash lab costs - Engineering & Technology Magazine
- Open-Source 3-D Printable Optics Library Introduced - Photonics.com
- Michigan Tech releases open-source 3D-printable optics designs - 3Ders
- Michigan Tech Researcher Slashes Optics Laboratory Costs - Product Design and Development
- Lab Equipment Made With 3-D Printers Could Cut Costs by 97% - Chronicle of Higher Education
- Researcher Cuts Optics Laboratory Costs - Red Orbit
- 3D Printing Slashes Optics Lab Costs - Michigan Tech News
- Study: 3-D printers could cut lab equipment costs by 97 percent - Michigan Radio (NPR)
- Michigan Tech's Open Source Optics -- Engineering.com, Fabbaloo
- MTU Prof's 3D Printing Designs Slash Optics Lab Costs - CBS Detroit
- 3D Printed Optical Hardware Cuts Lab Costs - 3D Printer Classifieds
- 3-D printing slashes optics lab costs - Open Source Hardware - Materials Today
- Open-source 3D printing of optical mounts cuts costs and permits customization - Laser Focus World
- Michigan Tech Scientist Uses Customizable 3-D Print Designs To Cut Laboratory Setup Costs -- Cool Science
- Health, Wealth & Wisdom on 1470 AM WMGG
- Lab equipment from 3D printers may cut costs significantly - Physics Today Blog
- Open Source 3D printable optical equipment library - VoxelFab Blog
- Using 3D Printing to Increase the Collective Intelligence of Everything - 3D Printing Industry
- Less Expensive and Greener 3-D Printing- IEEE Institute
- Open Source 3D Printable Equipment Will Make Science More Accessible and Affordable - 3D Printing Insider
- Optical scientists use 3D printing as basis for open source software project- CADD Edge
- Buy 3D Printer, Reduce Costs by 97 Percent - Maker Pro Newsletter
- Printable library makes one-of-a-kind optics affordable - Photonics Spectra
- How a Medical Clinic in the Bolivian Rainforest Might Use 3D Printing -- 3D Printing Industry
| Authors | Joshua M. Pearce |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-3.0 |
| Organizations | MOST, MTU |
| Cite as | Joshua M. Pearce (2013–2026). "Open-source 3D-printable optics equipment". Appropedia. Retrieved June 4, 2026. |