M3 Thumb Screw for Open-source Optics

thingiverse

The Thumbscrew for M3s is an accessible, handy tool from Michigan Tech's Open Sustainability Technology Research Group, which is part of the open-source optics project aimed at cutting scientific optical hardware costs. The design, originally shared on Thingiverse (thing:26752), comes with the OpenSCAD code for easy customization in other prints. Designed by Nick, it's ideal for low profile M3x30/25mm and is part of a larger initiative to reduce research costs through open-source hardware. The project was featured in an article by Zhang C, Anzalone NC, Faria RP, and Pearce JM (2013) in PLoS ONE 8(3): e59840, providing more insights into the open-source 3D-printable optics equipment. For similar projects, check out the Open-Source Lab: How to Build Your Own Hardware and Reduce Research Costs.