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* [http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/04/01/mtu-profs-3d-printing-designs-slash-optics-lab-costs/ MTU Prof’s 3D Printing Designs Slash Optics Lab Costs] - CBS Detroit
* [http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/04/01/mtu-profs-3d-printing-designs-slash-optics-lab-costs/ MTU Prof’s 3D Printing Designs Slash Optics Lab Costs] - CBS Detroit
* [http://www.3dprinterclassifieds.com/blog/2013/04/3d-printed-optical-hardware-cuts-lab-costs/ 3D Printed Optical Hardware Cuts Lab Costs ] - 3D Printer Classifieds
* [http://www.3dprinterclassifieds.com/blog/2013/04/3d-printed-optical-hardware-cuts-lab-costs/ 3D Printed Optical Hardware Cuts Lab Costs ] - 3D Printer Classifieds
* [http://www.materialstoday.com/view/31624/3d-printing-slashes-optics-lab-costs/ 3-D printing slashes optics lab costs - Open Source Hardware] - Materials Today


[[Category:Optics]]
[[Category:Optics]]

Revision as of 15:20, 4 April 2013

Source: Zhang C, Anzalone NC, Faria RP, Pearce JM (2013) Open-Source 3D-Printable Optics Equipment. PLoS ONE 8(3): e59840. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0059840 open access

Abstract

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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

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See Also

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