How to print RoPods

RoPod_verbose_20210201165003.gif

For printing you will need:

RoPod 5 render 1
RoPod 5 render 1

IMG_2338
IMG_2338

IMG_2335
IMG_2335

RoPod 5 render 1
RoPod 5 render 1

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  • access to a 3D printer extruder with a nozzle 0.4 mm

  • PETG filament, white or transparent, ⌀ 1.75 mm

  •  24 x 60 mm microscopy coverslip #1.5, i.e. 0.16-0.19 mm thick ( VWR, 630-2108).

  • superglue

  • .3mf or .stl file for RoPods

Step 1. Generate the g-code

Generating g-code for RoPod5
Generating g-code for RoPod5

A. The RoPod 5 chamber and the lid should both be upside up on the print bed. B. The layer with the slot for glasses should be the last one before the pause C. Slot for the glasses is highlighted with the dotted line D. The very next layer after the paused layer

Generating g-code for RoPod5
Generating g-code for RoPod5

A. The RoPod 5 chamber and the lid should both be upside up on the print bed. B. The layer with the slot for glasses should be the last one before the pause C. Slot for the glasses is highlighted with the dotted line D. The very next layer after the paused layer

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  • It is highly recommended to  generate from the provided .3mf project files. However, we also provide .stl files

  • If you prefer to use .stl, set the following parameters:

  • follow the instructions for the chamber positioning

  • Print settings-> Layer height = 0.1 mm 

  • Print settings-> Fill density = 50%

  • Print settings-> Fill pattern = 3D Honeycomb

  • Print settings-> Layers and Perimeters-> Vertical shells-> Perimeters = 4

  • Slice the model and insert a pause after 5 mm height

  • You can simultaneously print up to 17 RoPods on a Prusa MK2or MK3. However we strongly recommend to start with just one

Step 2. Clean the coverslip glasses​

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cleanning%20glass_edited

cleanning%20glass_edited
cleanning%20glass_edited

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  • Remove dust and fat from the glasses by wiping them clean with a paper tissue soaked in acetone​

Step 3. Start the print

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printing%20RoPod%203_edited

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printing%20RoPod%203_edited

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  • Start the print and wait until it automatically pauses on the layer programmed int the Step 1.

  • The extruder will move to the back left of the print bed while waiting for the user to resume the print

Step 4. ​Place the glasses into the slots

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printing%20RoPod%204_edited

glass position 1
glass position 1

printing RoPod 6
printing RoPod 6

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printing%20RoPod%204_edited

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  • The chambers and lids models have 0.1mm deep slots for the coverslips

  • Add a drop of super glue to two corners of a glass. This will secure the glass' position during printing

  • Use forceps and patience to carefully place the glass into its slot. Make sure it does not stick upwards or sideways

  • Press down on the the corners with glue and hold for a few seconds. sic! wear gloves! superglueing oneself to a 90C- hot print bed is not a good way to start your day

Step 5. Resume the print

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printing%20RoPod%207_edited

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printing%20RoPod%207_edited

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  • Resume the print and make sure the the filament does not move the glass from its position and does not crack it

  • When the chamber is ready make sure there is no filament sticking sideways. If needed imperfections can be removed with a scalpel

Video

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printing%20RoPod%203_edited

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printing%20RoPod%203_edited

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  • In this video you will find a quick step-by-step demonstration how to print a RoPod

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