parametrised microscope darkfield masks

thingiverse

Darkfield masks are used in microscopy to block direct light from the light source, allowing indirect light to pass through cutouts in the filter, which scatters and illuminates the specimen indirectly, thereby increasing contrast. This design is provided with OpenSCAD source, written to parametrise relevant values for customisation. Interface variables include filters: count of filter sets, one set consisting of all different filters of one size, height: material thickness also determining rim and spokes strengths, outer: outer filter diameter fitting Swift SW380T, smallest hub: smallest size of light blocking pad, smallest cutout: smallest distance between hub and rim extent of cutout, spokes: number of spokes, spacing: distance between filters. Printing the device in ABS is suggested because with a few strokes over sandpaper, a nicely smooth surface can be obtained.