OpenBeam Optical Rail Simple Rod Holder

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Summary This system of prints transforms an OpenBeam into an optical rail, connecting 8mm rods that hold optical components to the rail. An optical rail is a long, straight, sturdy rail onto which optical components such as light sources and lenses can be bolted down and easily shifted along its length. Commercial optical rail sells for $380/m ($115/ft), while OpenBeam costs only $12/m for the fancy black anodized material. This component is part of the Open-source Optics project, aiming to drastically reduce the cost of scientific optical hardware by the Michigan Tech's Open Sustainability Technology Research Group. Similar projects include the Open-Source Lab How to Build Your Own Hardware and Reduce Research Costs. Instructions OpenSCAD code is included for modifications, allowing you to print this component on your favorite open-source 3D printer. Simply clean up the printed part, flipping it for easy printing if necessary. You'll need an M3 Nut and screw to assemble this component. Insert the screw through the rod holder and secure it onto the OpenBeam with an M3 nut. Open Beam can be sourced from http://www.openbeamusa.com/Extrusions/. This project was developed by the Michigan Tech Open Sustainability Technology research group (http://www.mse.mtu.edu/MOST). We extend our gratitude to Terence Tam for providing Open Beam. This component is part of the Open-source Optics Library: Zhang C, Anzalone NC, Faria RP, Pearce JM (2013) Open-Source 3D-Printable Optics Equipment. PLoS ONE 8(3): e59840. It's also part of a larger effort to reduce the cost of scientific equipment using open-source hardware. Read more about this initiative here.