OpenBeam Optical Rail Simple Rod Holder

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The Open-source Optics Library includes this print, which attaches 8mm rods for holding optical components to an OpenBeam, creating an affordable optical rail alternative. Commercial optical rails retail at $380/m ($115/ft), while OpenBeam costs just $12/m. The Michigan Tech's Open Sustainability Technology Research Group developed the component as part of their mission to reduce scientific optical hardware costs. OpenSCAD code is provided for customization, and an M3 nut and screw are needed for assembly. Open Beam can be purchased at openbeamusa.com, while more information on the project can be found on mse.mtu.edu/MOST. The Open-source Optics Library paper is available at PLoS ONE 8(3): e59840, and this project exemplifies efforts to lower scientific equipment costs using open-source hardware.