ABScope: an ABS microscope

thingiverse

I'm excited to showcase my latest attempt at designing an affordable and practical 3D printed microscope for educational use. This model utilizes a low-power objective lens (RMS diameter: 20.32) with a magnification of 10x, which can be acquired for approximately £15. Pairing this lens with a standard low-power eyepiece (23.2mm in diameter and 10x magnification) will provide exceptional results; the cost for such an eyepiece is around £10. Images captured here were taken using a lower power configuration (8x eyepiece and 7x objective from a microscope that was no longer functional) with my mobile phone, yielding impressive results. Focusing on your specimens can be effortlessly managed by turning the main screw thread. An LED keychain light (purchased for as little as 40p) is sufficient to excite GFP fluorescence, its brightness easily modifiable through simple replacement of the LED. This model features a moveable stage that can be securely "locked" in place with just a press of the stage downwards. As such, you are free to lift up and circulate the entire microscope effortlessly around the specimen or students observing it. Note that careful attention must be exercised during your first time screwing in the objective thread; simply make sure not to cross-thread the parts at any point. You will find that some gentle maintenance on the stage may occasionally become necessary using a small blade for smoother functionality. Clearly, as of yet, this microscope still undergoes development. Yet I'm proud to declare the image captured (viewable on your phone by simply holding it up) not only acceptsably meets but arguably even exceeds standards in this sphere - an exceptional feat, considering my purposeful reduction of the overall tube length....