USB microscope stand with x-y base and built-in backlight

thingiverse

My daughter tried using a USB microscope, but it was tough. Keeping focus at high magnification is tricky and moving viewed samples isn't easy either. So I designed a table for her to make shifting the sample and focusing simpler. I also added a backlight that's crucial for some microscope slides. Thanks to 'Hank-Cowdog' for sharing the knob design (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:664192) - it was the basis for code for x/y/z knobs. Film demonstrating how the table works - https://youtu.be/JszwZvKry9o. In the gallery are few bonus photos with our "cat". Features: - fine adjustment for precise focusing - built-in x-y stage with fine adjustment - built-in LED backlight powered via USB - clips for holding objects being viewed - easy replaceable microscope holder; holder for Bresser Junior hand-held USB microscope - stage dimension (L x W): 90 mm x 70 mm; fits standard microscope slides 75 mm by 25 mm Bill of materials: Smooth and threaded rods: - 2 x smooth rod Ø6x115 mm (for the X-axis) - 2 x smooth rod Ø6x95 mm (for the Y-axis) - 2 x smooth rod Ø6x100 mm (for the Z-axis) - 1 x threaded rod M3x160 mm (for the X-axis) - 1 x threaded rod M3x120 mm (for the Y-axis) - 1 x threaded rod M3x120 mm (for the Z-axis) Screws, nuts and washers: - 30 x M3 nut - 30 x M3 washer - 2 x M4x14 bolt - 1 x M4 nut - 2 x M4 wing nut - 4 x M2x10 screw Electronics: - USB cable - 5 x LED 3mm white (20 mA, 3.1V drop) - 2 x 39Ω 0.25W resistor - 1 x PCB protoboard 22 mm x 37 mm Other: - 1 x translucent sheet 90 mm x 70 mm (for the stage cover); e.g. cut from a windshield washer bottle Printing: - PLA - infill 20% - support on