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Open Source Test Tube Roller
The test tube roller is an open source lab equipment design. This design was created by Karlin Yeh and Wilfrido Castillo and a version of it is in the Cooper Union. This design is made from cardboard, ¼" acrylic, a few electronic components and a DC motor.
Build
Parts
The following are needed to build the roller:
- ¼" acrylic sheet
- DC Motor
- Power adapter
- Power switch
- Transistor
- #8-32 screws, jam nuts, and locknuts
Notes
A 12V wall wart was used for this but most appropriate power sources can be used.
Both a power switch and transistor are optional and can be used to regulate the power and speed of the motor.
Plans
(Need to post the dxf files and sldprt) The mounting holes and 3-d printed hub may need to be modified based on the DC motor being used.
Assembly
The acrylic pieces are assembled to make the frame with screws.
(pictures of the pieces)
The motor is mounted to the front piece using screws.
(pictures of the motor mounted to the front piece)
A transistor can be soldered on the wall wart to control the speed.
(picture of the wall wart)
The hub and spinner plate are screwed on to the motor.
(picture of the spinner plate on the motor)
The test tubes slip fit onto the spinner plate.
Final Assembly
(pictures of the roller with test tubes)
The design was mainly based around the DC motor since it was the only one that could be used at the moment. Future designs can be modified to fit other DC motor's.
