The open-source release of self-replicating rapid prototypers (RepRaps) has created a rich opportunity for low-cost distributed digital fabrication of complex 3-D objects such as scientific equipment. For example, 3-D printable reactionware devices offer the opportunity to combine open hardware microfluidic handling with lab-on-a-chip reactionware to radically reduce costs and increase the number and complexity of microfluidic applications. To further drive down the cost while improving the performance of lab-on-a-chip paper-based microfluidic prototyping, this study reports on the development of a RepRap upgrade capable of converting a Prusa Mendel RepRap into a wax 3-D printer for paper-based microfluidic applications. An open-source hardware approach is used to demonstrate a 3-D printable upgrade for the 3-D printer, which combines a heated syringe pump with the RepRap/Arduino 3-D control. The bill of materials, designs, basic assembly, and use instructions are provided, along with a completely free and open-source software tool chain. The open-source hardware device described here accelerates the potential of the nascent field of electrochemical detection combined with paper-based microfluidics by dropping the marginal cost of prototyping to nearly zero while accelerating the turnover between paper-based microfluidic designs.
Pearce, J. (2019). Open-source Wax RepRap 3-D Printer for Rapid Prototyping Paper-Based Microfluidics. Afribary. Retrieved from https://tracking.afribary.com/works/open-source-wax-reprap-3-d-printer-for-rapid-prototyping-paper-based-microfluidics
Pearce, Joshua "Open-source Wax RepRap 3-D Printer for Rapid Prototyping Paper-Based Microfluidics" Afribary. Afribary, 15 Apr. 2019, https://tracking.afribary.com/works/open-source-wax-reprap-3-d-printer-for-rapid-prototyping-paper-based-microfluidics. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Pearce, Joshua . "Open-source Wax RepRap 3-D Printer for Rapid Prototyping Paper-Based Microfluidics". Afribary, Afribary, 15 Apr. 2019. Web. 23 Nov. 2024. < https://tracking.afribary.com/works/open-source-wax-reprap-3-d-printer-for-rapid-prototyping-paper-based-microfluidics >.
Pearce, Joshua . "Open-source Wax RepRap 3-D Printer for Rapid Prototyping Paper-Based Microfluidics" Afribary (2019). Accessed November 23, 2024. https://tracking.afribary.com/works/open-source-wax-reprap-3-d-printer-for-rapid-prototyping-paper-based-microfluidics