HARDWARE

The LabEmbryoCam instrument is built using 3D printed parts, consumer maker hardware and electronics. It is designed for imaging an area equivalent to the size of a multiwell plate, but could be scaled both up and down. Before attempting to build the LabEmbryoCam you will need to source everything from the Bill of Materials.

Throughout the Build Guide, we provide embedded windows showing the CAD design for the LabEmbryoCam at various stages of the build. We use Autodesk Fusion360 for modelling the LabEmbryoCam, and providing these windows.

Note

The interactive CAD windows allow you to move the model around, zoom in and out, and also strip parts of the model away to see specific details. Try clicking on the full LabEmbryoCam CAD model below and moving it around.

During the build process, this should enable you to see precisely where everything goes - all the way down to individual nuts and bolts. Models may take time to load, so be patient.

3D printing

STL files are provided for the 3D printed parts, and we recommend that these are printed using PETG, or even PETG with chopped carbon fibre (PETG-CF), with a minimum of 3 wall thickness and no less than 30 % infill. Some parts require support from the build plate, for overhangs and screw recesses. Where this is necessary it is specified. You should first make sure your printer is calibrated i.e. a 20mm cube is very close to being 20mm.

Filamentive is an excellent manufacturer of recycled PETG and CF-PETG filament - www.filamentive.com

LabEmbryoCam CAD Model

To build the instrument you will require some basic tools. As a minimum we suggest:

  • Hack saw

  • M2.5, M3,M4 and M5 allen keys

  • Long nose pliers

  • Tape measure

  • Wire strippers

  • Small flat head screwdriver

  • Small philips screwdriver

  • Soldering iron

HARDWARE ASSEMBLY STEPS: