Open Source Completely 3-D Printable Centrifuge

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Build instructions, videos, and software to use are readily available in a published paper: Joshua M. Pearce, Aliaksei L. Petsiuk and Salil S. Sule. Completely Open Source 3-D Printable Centrifuge. Instruments 2019, 3(2), 30; open access https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments3020030 Abstract: Despite the existence of commercial and open source centrifuges, their high costs and electricity requirements restrict accessibility in resource-constrained settings. A pressing need exists for low-cost, human-powered, verified, and reliable lab-scale centrifuges. This study presents designs for a low-cost 100% 3-D printed centrifuge that can be fabricated on any low-cost RepRap-class (self-replicating rapid prototyper) fused filament fabrication (FFF)- or fused particle fabrication (FPF)-based 3-D printer. Furthermore, validation procedures are provided using a web camera and free and open source software. This paper offers complete open source plans, including instructions for the fabrication and operation of a hand-powered centrifuge. The instrument was successfully tested and validated, capable of operating anywhere in the world with no electricity inputs, achieving a radial velocity of over 1750 rpm and over 50 N of relative centrifugal force. Using commercial filament, the instrument costs approximately U.S. $25, which is less than half of all commercially available systems. However, costs can be significantly reduced using recycled plastics on open source systems for over 99% savings. The results are discussed in the context of resource-constrained medical and scientific facilities. Based on design by Joshua M. Pearce.