For printing you will need:

• 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

• 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​

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

Step 3. Start the print

• 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

• 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

• 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

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