Considerations and Justifications for Choice
While we were in possession of a biological microscope with an existing base, the original base was a heavy and bulky piece of metal. As we intended to mount the microscope onto the Creality Ender-3 3D printer frame, we found the base bulky and decided to redesign the base using 3D printing in a way that would allow for easy removal and adjustment.
3D printing the base enables customisation, which is helpful as it allowed for the separation of the microscope stage and lenses. The lens can then have more space to move around freely. This is a significant plus when compared to the original microscope — the base and lens being together constrains the movement of the lens.
Prototyping Process: Cycle of Test, Critique and Re-Design
V1
V2
The square was shifted out of the base to test if the two pegs fit the hole.
Identified Issues with Previous Prototype (Critique):
- Bottom platform for lower part of the base is too big to be 3D printed
Modifications Made (Redesign):
- Remove extended platform piece for lower part of the base
V3
More squares were shifted out of the base to test if the poles with different diameters.
Identified Issues with Previous Prototype (Critique):
- Nil, just testing out different variations.
Modifications Made (Redesign):
- Modified the diameter of holes on the top part of the base and tried pegs with a larger diameter for the bottom part of the base.
V4
Identified Issues with Previous Prototype (Critique):
- The base was connected through its structure and the support structures were not needed.
Modifications Made (Redesign):
- Removed support structures
After printing it out, we also cut off the small pegs sticking out as we realised these pegs were not needed for support as the bottom and top parts fit quite snugly even without the pegs.
V5
Identified Issues with Previous Prototype (Critique):
- Base height was slightly high and may cause the optical lens of the microscope to hit the slide sample on the base surface
Modifications Made (Redesign):
- Decreased height of the base
V6
Identified Issues with Previous Prototype (Critique):
- Wall around light is not required
- Additional support from inner hole structure and pegs on squares is not required
Modifications Made (Redesign):
- Remove wall around light
- Remove inner hole structure around light