Electrophoresis Comb Designer

thingiverse

A simple Sketchup design for creating custom combs used in electrophoresis such as PCR is available for download and open-source use. OpenSCAD users can easily modify the third-to-last line to export 2D designs of the comb, ideal for laser cutting out precise teeth. Since most combs require thin materials, laser cutting or CNC engineering plastic (acetal delrin or polycarbonate) is highly recommended. Default spacing in this script accommodates standard 8-channel pipettors and half-8 channel configurations for loading every other well. Our electrophoresis chambers support up to 21 teeth with 8-channel spacing. Cutting settings for laser cutting include customizing the material, speed, power, and number of passes to achieve optimal results. When using a rolled sheet of delrin plastic, a cardboard cover is essential to keep the material flat during cutting. A window in the cardboard helps maintain alignment while allowing light through to cut out the design accurately. Cutting at 25% speed with 80% power and one pass yields optimal results, taking approximately two minutes or less per comb, depending on the number of teeth.