Abstract
Abstract Three types of highly-customizable open source probe positioning systems are evaluated: (a) mostly 3-D printed, (b) partially printed using OpenBeam kinematic constraints, and (c) a 3-level stack of low-cost commercial single axis micropositioners and some printed parts. All systems use digital distributed manufacturing to enable bespoke features, which can be fabricated with RepRap-class 3-D printer and easily accessible components. They are all flexible in material choice for custom components. The micropositioners can be set up for left-right use and flat or recessed configurations using either mechanical or magnetic mounting. All systems use a manual probe holder that can be customized and enable a quick swap probe system. System (a) is purchased for $100 or fabricated for 200 µm, (b) 40 µm and (c) 10 µm. A tradeoff is observed for 3-D printed percent between cost and accuracy. All systems provided substantial cost savings over proprietary products with similar functionality.
Highlights
HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not
OpenBeam has been adopted to improve several types of 3-D printers [26,27] as well as for robotics [28] and opto-mechanical equipment [21,29]. To contribute to this trend, this paper evaluates three types of highly-customizable open source probe positioning systems for micromanipulators in probe stations: a) a mostly 3-D printed positioner making using of only a few mass produced fasteners, b) partially 3-D printed system using OpenBeam kinematic constraints, and c) a 3-level stack of low-cost commercial single axis micropositioners and some key 3-D printed parts
Contact pads as small as 50 Â 50 mm need to be reliably contacted. Sometimes it is beneficial if smaller structures all the way to a 10 mm level are accessible. These 3-D printable probe positioners combine the benefits from custom digital replication using a RepRap 3-D printer and the wide availability of non-printed parts including fasters for (a) and (b), extruded linear railing system of OpenBeam for (b), and mass produced single axis micropositioners for (c)
Summary
One of the primary benefits of the use of an open hardware approach to design is the ability to quickly and build upon the work of others [1,2]. OpenBeam has been adopted to improve several types of 3-D printers [26,27] as well as for robotics [28] and opto-mechanical equipment [21,29] To contribute to this trend, this paper evaluates three types of highly-customizable open source probe positioning systems for micromanipulators in probe stations: a) a mostly 3-D printed positioner making using of only a few mass produced fasteners, b) partially 3-D printed system using OpenBeam kinematic constraints, and c) a 3-level stack of low-cost commercial single axis micropositioners and some key 3-D printed parts. Sometimes it is beneficial if smaller structures all the way to a 10 mm level are accessible These 3-D printable probe positioners combine the benefits from custom digital replication using a RepRap 3-D printer and the wide availability of non-printed parts including fasters for (a) and (b), extruded linear railing system of OpenBeam for (b), and mass produced single axis micropositioners for (c). The design are validated and tested and the cost saving of the probe positioning systems are compared against commercially available products with similar functionality
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