Osmar, the open-source microsyringe autosampler

thingiverse

Microsyringe manipulation is a well-established technique for automated sampling of liquids or gases. Commercial devices with this capability typically come with a hefty price tag, exceeding $30,000, despite their technology not significantly outperforming that found in low-cost devices controlled using G-code. These affordable options, often priced under $1,000, are commonly used in 3D printing, CNC routing, and laser engraving applications. We present osmar, an open-source autosampler designed by integrating components from two low-cost G-code machines. The system's movement precision is impressive, with errors below 1% during repeated injections, matching the manufacturer's specifications for microsyringes. Furthermore, osmar's reliability is comparable to that of commercial models. Users without extensive knowledge in electronics or advanced computing can easily operate osmar as an autosampler by integrating it with analytical instruments using AutoIt, a scripting language for Windows. As a result, osmar offers a viable, low-cost, and accessible alternative for automated microsyringe sampling, and its functionality can be adapted and expanded to various liquid handling tasks.