Dipping Chambers for Thin Layer Chromatography

thingiverse

We were fed up with jars shattering glass and precious reagent being spilled, stained or spoiled, so we created a universal dipping chamber for thin-layer chromatography that would change everything! Three models are available: Synthesis Style: designed for medium-sized 10x10 cm plates, this model features a spout, a lid, and a pedestal to prevent it from toppling over. HPTLC: ideal for 20x10 cm plates with a spout, a lid, and a shell that tightly secures the lid in place while storing reagent in the freezer (a sealing ring is highly recommended!). Micro: perfect for users who prefer working with small plates and require only a tiny amount of reagent; this model features a pedestal and a lid. If you want to create your own custom chamber, use the "dipping_chamber_parameters.scad" file to set dimensions and add or remove options. Presets for the three provided chambers are included in the "dipping_chamber_parameters_Synthesis Style/HPTLC/Micro.scad" file. After adjusting settings in the parameters-file, use "dipping_chamber.scad" to prepare an STL file for the dipping chamber, "dipping_chamber_lid.scad" for a lid, and "dipping_chamber_shell.scad" for a shell that holds the lid securely in place. Take a moment before printing to review the models, as OpenSCAD does not prevent silly parameters. Take a moment after printing to ensure the chamber is tight, since printing PP can be challenging. Curious about the chemical implications? A publication detailing the concept is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121072