Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2026.e00745
Madeline E. Federle , Benjamin Lyons , Mithun Ravisankar , Roberto Zenit
Homogeneous isotropic turbulence (HIT) chambers provide a valuable platform for experimentally studying turbulence across a wide range of systems. Existing designs are often characterized by high cost, complex fabrication requirements, and reliance on outsourced components. To address these challenges, we present a low-cost, accessible, and open-source HIT chamber that can be fabricated entirely in-house. The chamber consists of a truncated cube-shaped steel frame with acrylic windows, with a volume of 5.5 liters. Turbulence is generated using eight propellers driven by DC motors, providing controlled agitation of the flow. To assess the performance of our design, particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to quantify the statistical properties of the turbulence. The design leverages simple machining processes and readily available parts, making it practical for laboratories regardless of resources. This open-source design aims to broaden access to HIT experimentation and provide a cost-effective platform for turbulence research and education.
{"title":"Design of an accessible turbulence chamber for laboratory experiments","authors":"Madeline E. Federle , Benjamin Lyons , Mithun Ravisankar , Roberto Zenit","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2026.e00745","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2026.e00745","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Homogeneous isotropic turbulence (HIT) chambers provide a valuable platform for experimentally studying turbulence across a wide range of systems. Existing designs are often characterized by high cost, complex fabrication requirements, and reliance on outsourced components. To address these challenges, we present a low-cost, accessible, and open-source HIT chamber that can be fabricated entirely in-house. The chamber consists of a truncated cube-shaped steel frame with acrylic windows, with a volume of 5.5 liters. Turbulence is generated using eight propellers driven by DC motors, providing controlled agitation of the flow. To assess the performance of our design, particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to quantify the statistical properties of the turbulence. The design leverages simple machining processes and readily available parts, making it practical for laboratories regardless of resources. This open-source design aims to broaden access to HIT experimentation and provide a cost-effective platform for turbulence research and education.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article e00745"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper introduces an affordable and easily replicable linear impactor designed for impact research. Traditional commercial systems are often expensive and complex, limiting their accessibility to many research and development teams. Our hardware addresses this by providing a reliable platform for conducting controlled impact experiments. The system uses a spring-driven ram to strike an object equipped with instrumentation for measuring impact responses. The design allows for customization and integration with various test objects and setups, making it adaptable for evaluating different impact studies such as the effectiveness of protective devices or head injury studies. Performance testing demonstrates the system’s repeatability and accuracy in generating impacts. This work contributes to impact research, enabling a broader range of academic and industry groups to develop safer body protection and facilitate its use for further development by the research community.
{"title":"An alternative linear impactor for impact research","authors":"Poomkarn Taedullayasatit , Sitthichok Sitthiracha , Manus Dangchat , Nattawood Prasartthong","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2026.e00742","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2026.e00742","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper introduces an affordable and easily replicable linear impactor designed for impact research. Traditional commercial systems are often expensive and complex, limiting their accessibility to many research and development teams. Our hardware addresses this by providing a reliable platform for conducting controlled impact experiments. The system uses a spring-driven ram to strike an object equipped with instrumentation for measuring impact responses. The design allows for customization and integration with various test objects and setups, making it adaptable for evaluating different impact studies such as the effectiveness of protective devices or head injury studies. Performance testing demonstrates the system’s repeatability and accuracy in generating impacts. This work contributes to impact research, enabling a broader range of academic and industry groups to develop safer body protection and facilitate its use for further development by the research community.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article e00742"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper presents a multi-client web platform for telemetry of mechanical property testing, built around an existing tensile testing machine as an approach to its modernization. Extension and force measurements are performed using potentiometers with analog outputs connected to a 24-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADS1256) integrated with a Raspberry Pi 5 microcomputer. The communication module enables data acquisition and timing, the organization of a wireless Wi-Fi network, the operation of web and DNS servers, and full-duplex information exchange via the WebSocket protocol.
A specially developed web application with a graphical user interface allows researchers to observe the “force–extension” curve and numerical values in real time on personal digital devices without installing specialized software. The platform supports simultaneous multi-client access, which increases the accessibility and convenience of experimental research.
Validation experiments on reinforcing steel confirmed stable platform performance at a data acquisition frequency of 15 Hz with up to 15 simultaneous client connections. The measurement accuracy was within ± 1 % for both force and extension, meeting ISO 6892–1 requirements. The proposed solution provides an affordable and flexible tool for scientific and educational purposes, enhancing the informativeness and accuracy of experimental tests while offering a practical pathway for upgrading conventional tensile testing machines.
本文提出了一个多客户端遥测力学性能测试的网络平台，建立在现有的拉伸试验机作为其现代化的一种方法。扩展和力测量使用电位器进行，模拟输出连接到与Raspberry Pi 5微型计算机集成的24位模数转换器（ADS1256）。通信模块实现数据采集和定时、无线Wi-Fi网络的组织、web和DNS服务器的操作以及通过WebSocket协议进行全双工信息交换。一个专门开发的带有图形用户界面的web应用程序允许研究人员在个人数字设备上实时观察“力扩展”曲线和数值，而无需安装专门的软件。该平台支持多客户端同时访问，增加了实验研究的可及性和便利性。在钢筋上进行的验证实验证实，在数据采集频率为15 Hz、最多可同时连接15个客户端的情况下，平台性能稳定。力和伸度测量精度均在±1%以内，满足ISO 6892-1要求。提出的解决方案为科学和教育目的提供了一种负担得起的灵活工具，增强了实验测试的信息量和准确性，同时为传统拉伸试验机的升级提供了一条实用的途径。
{"title":"A multi-client web platform for telemetry of the mechanical properties of material","authors":"Oleg Ivanov, Volodymyr Shulgin, Nataliia Popovych, Liudmyla Bondar","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2026.e00741","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2026.e00741","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents a multi-client web platform for telemetry of mechanical property testing, built around an existing tensile testing machine as an approach to its modernization. Extension and force measurements are performed using potentiometers with analog outputs connected to a 24-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADS1256) integrated with a Raspberry Pi 5 microcomputer. The communication module enables data acquisition and timing, the organization of a wireless Wi-Fi network, the operation of web and DNS servers, and full-duplex information exchange via the WebSocket protocol.</div><div>A specially developed web application with a graphical user interface allows researchers to observe the “force–extension” curve and numerical values in real time on personal digital devices without installing specialized software. The platform supports simultaneous multi-client access, which increases the accessibility and convenience of experimental research.</div><div>Validation experiments on reinforcing steel confirmed stable platform performance at a data acquisition frequency of 15 Hz with up to 15 simultaneous client connections. The measurement accuracy was within ± 1 % for both force and extension, meeting ISO 6892–1 requirements. The proposed solution provides an affordable and flexible tool for scientific and educational purposes, enhancing the informativeness and accuracy of experimental tests while offering a practical pathway for upgrading conventional tensile testing machines.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article e00741"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-03DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00737
Alexi Switz , Anamika Prasad
Deformation response evaluation is essential for understanding material behavior, providing insight into their suitability across many fields, such as biomechanics, materials science, and other engineering disciplines. Specialized applications in biomedical and soft materials demand miniaturization for testing under a microscope or spectroscopic stages. The current commercial machines on the market are often large, expensive, or heavy, making them difficult to use for specific needs. This hardware addresses this need by developing a cost-effective, miniature, and programmable system that can be tailored to individual lab requirements to fit multiple microscopic stages. By utilizing a bipolar stepper motor attached to a lead screw and sliding linear stage, programmed and controlled by an Arduino microcontroller, the system can apply specialized stretch under uniaxial static or cyclic loading. The developed system can be assembled for less than $100, making cost-effectiveness a central focus of this development. The device performance was validated using a variety of samples and microscope tests, with sample deformation captured in real time. The device is compatible with live imaging on microscopic stages, accommodating specialized research needs across applications.
{"title":"MicroStretch: Microstretcher designed for live imaging on microscopic stages","authors":"Alexi Switz , Anamika Prasad","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00737","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00737","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Deformation response evaluation is essential for understanding material behavior, providing insight into their suitability across many fields, such as biomechanics, materials science, and other engineering disciplines. Specialized applications in biomedical and soft materials demand miniaturization for testing under a microscope or spectroscopic stages. The current commercial machines on the market are often large, expensive, or heavy, making them difficult to use for specific needs. This hardware addresses this need by developing a cost-effective, miniature, and programmable system that can be tailored to individual lab requirements to fit multiple microscopic stages. By utilizing a bipolar stepper motor attached to a lead screw and sliding linear stage, programmed and controlled by an Arduino microcontroller, the system can apply specialized stretch under uniaxial static or cyclic loading. The developed system can be assembled for less than $100, making cost-effectiveness a central focus of this development. The device performance was validated using a variety of samples and microscope tests, with sample deformation captured in real time. The device is compatible with live imaging on microscopic stages, accommodating specialized research needs across applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article e00737"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00740
Lunan Wu, Federico Morosi, Giandomenico Caruso
Capturing accurate texture maps from physical materials remains a challenge in digital prototyping and projection-based spatial augmented reality (P-SAR). This paper presents an open-source material scanning system based on photometric stereo, designed for affordability, simplicity, and efficient operation. The system combines a consumer-grade digital camera, multifaceted reflector (MR16) LED lighting, and Arduino-controlled automation to acquire material data up to A4 size within 15 s. Accurate colour reproduction is achieved through a hybrid calibration workflow that integrates camera profiling with a 3D lookup table. The resulting images are processed in a streamlined Substance 3D Designer pipeline to generate albedo and normal maps compatible with physically based rendering (PBR). To evaluate performance under realistic conditions, two fabric samples were scanned and qualitatively compared with professionally digitised references. Albedo maps were assessed based on dominant colour accuracy using CIEDE2000 (ΔE00), while normal maps were evaluated through visual rendering comparisons and directional distribution analysis. Scanning and processing times were also measured to verify workflow efficiency. Results demonstrate that the proposed system produces perceptually consistent textures suitable for real-time rendering applications while offering a low-cost and customisable solution for material digitisation.
从物理材料中捕获准确的纹理映射仍然是数字原型和基于投影的空间增强现实（P-SAR）的挑战。本文提出了一种基于光度立体的开源材料扫描系统，该系统具有经济、简单、高效的特点。该系统结合了消费级数码相机、多面反射器（MR16） LED照明和arduino控制的自动化，可在15秒内获取A4尺寸的材料数据。通过混合校准工作流程实现准确的色彩再现，该工作流程将相机配置与3D查找表集成在一起。生成的图像在一个流线型的Substance 3D Designer管道中进行处理，以生成与基于物理的渲染（PBR）兼容的反照率和法线贴图。为了评估现实条件下的性能，对两种织物样品进行了扫描，并与专业数字化参考文献进行了定性比较。使用CIEDE2000 （ΔE00）基于主色精度评估反照率图，而通过视觉渲染比较和方向分布分析评估法线图。还测量了扫描和处理时间，以验证工作流效率。结果表明，该系统产生了适合实时渲染应用的感知一致的纹理，同时为材料数字化提供了低成本和可定制的解决方案。
{"title":"The development of a low-cost photometric-stereo-based material scanner","authors":"Lunan Wu, Federico Morosi, Giandomenico Caruso","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00740","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00740","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Capturing accurate texture maps from physical materials remains a challenge in digital prototyping and projection-based spatial augmented reality (P-SAR). This paper presents an open-source material scanning system based on photometric stereo, designed for affordability, simplicity, and efficient operation. The system combines a consumer-grade digital camera, multifaceted reflector (MR16) LED lighting, and Arduino-controlled automation to acquire material data up to A4 size within 15 s. Accurate colour reproduction is achieved through a hybrid calibration workflow that integrates camera profiling with a 3D lookup table. The resulting images are processed in a streamlined Substance 3D Designer pipeline to generate albedo and normal maps compatible with physically based rendering (PBR). To evaluate performance under realistic conditions, two fabric samples were scanned and qualitatively compared with professionally digitised references. Albedo maps were assessed based on dominant colour accuracy using CIEDE2000 (ΔE<sub>00</sub>), while normal maps were evaluated through visual rendering comparisons and directional distribution analysis. Scanning and processing times were also measured to verify workflow efficiency. Results demonstrate that the proposed system produces perceptually consistent textures suitable for real-time rendering applications while offering a low-cost and customisable solution for material digitisation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article e00740"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paper-based diagnostics are promising for point-of-care testing, but their assembly is often manual and can introduce alignment variability. To address this, we developed a low-cost, open-source workstation that repurposes a three-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machine for automated pick-and-place assembly of paper-based assays. The system integrates an Arduino-based controller with GRBL firmware, a custom vacuum end effector, and component holders to handle delicate assay components. This design eliminates reliance on proprietary CNC controls, reducing the costs to under $900 while enabling machine-agnostic adaptability. Performance was validated across dipstick, lateral flow immunoassay, and custom duplex immunoassay formats. Linear placement accuracy averaged ∼0.5–0.6 mm (within functional tolerance for diagnostic readability), while angular deviations (1–3°) remained acceptable for sample flow. Control line intensity in CNC-assembled assays were statistically indistinguishable from hand-assembled assays, confirming preserved diagnostic performance. By lowering the barrier to automated fabrication, this workstation provides an accessible platform for academic labs, startups, and decentralized environments to prototype and scale paper-based diagnostics. The open-source hardware and design files expand opportunities for reproducible, affordable diagnostic assembly in early-stage research and development.
{"title":"Open-source CNC workstation for paper-based diagnostic assay assembly","authors":"Lucy Tecle , Shannon Riegle , Andrew Piepho , Jacqueline Linnes","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00739","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00739","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Paper-based diagnostics are promising for point-of-care testing, but their assembly is often manual and can introduce alignment variability. To address this, we developed a low-cost, open-source workstation that repurposes a three-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machine for automated pick-and-place assembly of paper-based assays. The system integrates an Arduino-based controller with GRBL firmware, a custom vacuum end effector, and component holders to handle delicate assay components. This design eliminates reliance on proprietary CNC controls, reducing the costs to under $900 while enabling machine-agnostic adaptability. Performance was validated across dipstick, lateral flow immunoassay, and custom duplex immunoassay formats. Linear placement accuracy averaged ∼0.5–0.6 mm (within functional tolerance for diagnostic readability), while angular deviations (1–3°) remained acceptable for sample flow. Control line intensity in CNC-assembled assays were statistically indistinguishable from hand-assembled assays, confirming preserved diagnostic performance. By lowering the barrier to automated fabrication, this workstation provides an accessible platform for academic labs, startups, and decentralized environments to prototype and scale paper-based diagnostics. The open-source hardware and design files expand opportunities for reproducible, affordable diagnostic assembly in early-stage research and development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article e00739"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-29DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00734
Logan A. Walker , Sylvia N. Michki , Ye Li , Dawen Cai
In recent years, advancements in microscope design have allowed faster, higher resolution imaging of all types of biological samples. Custom microscope designs have rapidly seen adoption, enabled by a rapid growth in open source software. In this report, we present a custom, open source, hardware design which provides two 16-bit resolution high-speed analog outputs as well as breakouts for GPIO connections to the inexpensive and well-supported microcontroller (the $5 Raspberry Pi Pico 2). We provide firmware for interfacing the device with software and demonstrate the device performance. This device provides a working platform for development of custom microscope hardware.
近年来，显微镜设计的进步使得对所有类型的生物样品进行更快、更高分辨率的成像成为可能。由于开源软件的快速发展，定制显微镜设计已经被迅速采用。在本报告中，我们提出了一个定制的、开源的硬件设计，它提供了两个16位分辨率的高速模拟输出，以及GPIO连接到廉价且支持良好的微控制器（5美元的Raspberry Pi Pico 2）的突破。我们提供固件用于设备与软件的接口，并演示设备性能。该装置为定制显微镜硬件的开发提供了一个工作平台。
{"title":"A low-cost and robust microscope hardware trigger interface board","authors":"Logan A. Walker , Sylvia N. Michki , Ye Li , Dawen Cai","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00734","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00734","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, advancements in microscope design have allowed faster, higher resolution imaging of all types of biological samples. Custom microscope designs have rapidly seen adoption, enabled by a rapid growth in open source software. In this report, we present a custom, open source, hardware design which provides two 16-bit resolution high-speed analog outputs as well as breakouts for GPIO connections to the inexpensive and well-supported microcontroller (the $5 Raspberry Pi Pico 2). We provide firmware for interfacing the device with software and demonstrate the device performance. This device provides a working platform for development of custom microscope hardware.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article e00734"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977308","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-28DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00738
Jaehyeong Kim , Sangjun Pyo , Hyerin Ahn , Ok Chan Jeong
In various microscale applications, accurate evaluation of the mechanical properties of materials under small-strain and low-force conditions is important. However, conventional universal testing machines (UTM) are expensive and difficult to operate reliably under low-force conditions, making them unsuitable for small-strain testing. To overcome these limitations, we developed a cost-effective device for single slow micro-compression testing (MCT) to measure the mechanical properties of materials in the small-strain region. The MCT consists of a force sensor (FlexiForce A301-1, Tekscan, USA), an Arduino-based signal acquisition module, and a high-precision z-stage. The displacement control accuracy of the z-stage was verified using a laser displacement meter (LK-G10, Keyence, Japan), and the experimental results confirmed displacement and force resolutions of 1 µm and 0.01 N, respectively. Under no-load conditions, the force–displacement error between the MCT and a commercial universal testing machine (MTS, AMETEK LRX-plus, LLOYD INSTRUMENTS, UK) was within ± 2.0 %. In addition, standard and one-third-size PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) specimens were fabricated according to ASTM D575-91 and tested using both systems; the error between the two specimens was within ± 0.05 %. From the linear region in the small-strain range, the Young’s modulus of the miniature specimen was estimated, showing a percentage error of + 2.2 % from reported values, confirming high precision and reliability.
The developed device, with a total fabrication cost below USD 1,500, provides cost-effectiveness, precision, and repeatability, enabling applications in polymer MEMS and soft robotics.
{"title":"A cost-effective laboratory device for single slow micro compression testing of soft materials in the small-strain region","authors":"Jaehyeong Kim , Sangjun Pyo , Hyerin Ahn , Ok Chan Jeong","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00738","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00738","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In various microscale applications, accurate evaluation of the mechanical properties of materials under small-strain and low-force conditions is important. However, conventional universal testing machines (UTM) are expensive and difficult to operate reliably under low-force conditions, making them unsuitable for small-strain testing. To overcome these limitations, we developed a cost-effective device for single slow micro-compression testing (MCT) to measure the mechanical properties of materials in the small-strain region. The MCT consists of a force sensor (FlexiForce A301-1, Tekscan, USA), an Arduino-based signal acquisition module, and a high-precision z-stage. The displacement control accuracy of the z-stage was verified using a laser displacement meter (LK-G10, Keyence, Japan), and the experimental results confirmed displacement and force resolutions of 1 µm and 0.01 N, respectively. Under no-load conditions, the force–displacement error between the MCT and a commercial universal testing machine (MTS, AMETEK LRX-plus, LLOYD INSTRUMENTS, UK) was within ± 2.0 %. In addition, standard and one-third-size PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) specimens were fabricated according to ASTM <span><span>D575</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>-91 and tested using both systems; the error between the two specimens was within ± 0.05 %. From the linear region in the small-strain range, the Young’s modulus of the miniature specimen was estimated, showing a percentage error of + 2.2 % from reported values, confirming high precision and reliability.</div><div>The developed device, with a total fabrication cost below USD 1,500, provides cost-effectiveness, precision, and repeatability, enabling applications in polymer MEMS and soft robotics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article e00738"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-21DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00736
Juan Carlos Núñez Dorantes, Mario Luna Flores, José Roberto Grande Ramírez, Verónica Flores Sánchez, Jonathan Josue Cid Galiot, José Ernesto Domínguez Herrera
This article presents the design, fabrication, and validation of a low-cost oscillating sieving shaker machine developed for laboratory-scale granulometric analysis of powdered and solid food materials. The system integrates 3D-printed PLA components, an aluminum modular frame, and a dual gear-motor mechanism that generates controlled oscillatory motion for particle size classification. Designed under open-source and affordability principles, the device was constructed using locally available materials and standard FDM-printing parameters. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of critical components printed in PLA, PETG, and ABS confirmed safe elastic behavior under a representative 5 kg load, with stresses below 21 MPa and displacements under 1.7mm. A thermal-impact study established a linear correlation between load, motor current, and temperature (R2 ≈ 0.99), with a maximum temperature of 28.8 °C—well below the glass-transition limits of PLA and PETG—ensuring thermally stable operation. Performance tests performed according to ASTM C136/C136M-19 on soy lecithin, potato starch, and ascorbic acid confirmed accurate and reproducible particle-size distributions consistent with literature values. The total fabrication cost of USD 143.78 represents a significant reduction compared to commercial shakers (USD 2,800–3,700). This work validates an open-source, cost-effective, and reproducible device suitable for educational and research laboratories requiring reliable granulometric control in food powder analysis.
{"title":"Low-cost oscillating sieving shaker machine for granulometry analysis in food science","authors":"Juan Carlos Núñez Dorantes, Mario Luna Flores, José Roberto Grande Ramírez, Verónica Flores Sánchez, Jonathan Josue Cid Galiot, José Ernesto Domínguez Herrera","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00736","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00736","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article presents the design, fabrication, and validation of a low-cost oscillating sieving shaker machine developed for laboratory-scale granulometric analysis of powdered and solid food materials. The system integrates 3D-printed PLA components, an aluminum modular frame, and a dual gear-motor mechanism that generates controlled oscillatory motion for particle size classification. Designed under open-source and affordability principles, the device was constructed using locally available materials and standard FDM-printing parameters. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of critical components printed in PLA, PETG, and ABS confirmed safe elastic behavior under a representative 5 kg load, with stresses below 21 MPa and displacements under 1.7mm. A thermal-impact study established a linear correlation between load, motor current, and temperature (R<sup>2</sup> ≈ 0.99), with a maximum temperature of 28.8 °C—well below the glass-transition limits of PLA and PETG—ensuring thermally stable operation. Performance tests performed according to ASTM C136/C136M-19 on soy lecithin, potato starch, and ascorbic acid confirmed accurate and reproducible particle-size distributions consistent with literature values. The total fabrication cost of USD 143.78 represents a significant reduction compared to commercial shakers (USD 2,800–3,700). This work validates an open-source, cost-effective, and reproducible device suitable for educational and research laboratories requiring reliable granulometric control in food powder analysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article e00736"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-21DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00735
Keng Wooi Ng , Liam Archbold , Wing Man Lau
The Franz diffusion cell (FDC), widely used for measuring drug absorption across the skin, is usually operated manually. However, manual operation is not only labour-intensive and time-consuming, but inevitably introduces human errors and inter-operator variability. The requirement to perform regular sampling around the clock also presents a significant logistical challenge for researchers. Commercial FDC automation solutions are costly and require proprietary/bespoke FDC designs. To overcome these challenges, we have developed Otto as a customisable and affordable, aftermarket FDC automation solution, to be retrofitted to existing FDCs of generic specifications. Otto uses a modified cartesian 3D-printer as a gantry and adds liquid-handling capabilities using 3D-printed components and common, inexpensive laboratory consumables. Liquid samples are collected into standard autosampler vials. Capable of handling 100 samples per run, Otto supports a high throughput and integrates well with downstream analytical equipment, without modifying the FDC or the analytical equipment. Its programming is facilitated by OttoMate, a companion software application with a graphical user interface designed to generate human-readable code for Otto. Here, we describe the design, construction, operation and characterisation of Otto. To our knowledge, this is the first open-source, retrofittable FDC autosampler with such throughput.
{"title":"Building Otto: An open-source Franz diffusion cell autosampler for automating in vitro skin permeation studies","authors":"Keng Wooi Ng , Liam Archbold , Wing Man Lau","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00735","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00735","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Franz diffusion cell (FDC), widely used for measuring drug absorption across the skin, is usually operated manually. However, manual operation is not only labour-intensive and time-consuming, but inevitably introduces human errors and inter-operator variability. The requirement to perform regular sampling around the clock also presents a significant logistical challenge for researchers. Commercial FDC automation solutions are costly and require proprietary/bespoke FDC designs. To overcome these challenges, we have developed Otto as a customisable and affordable, aftermarket FDC automation solution, to be retrofitted to existing FDCs of generic specifications. Otto uses a modified cartesian 3D-printer as a gantry and adds liquid-handling capabilities using 3D-printed components and common, inexpensive laboratory consumables. Liquid samples are collected into standard autosampler vials. Capable of handling 100 samples per run, Otto supports a high throughput and integrates well with downstream analytical equipment, without modifying the FDC or the analytical equipment. Its programming is facilitated by OttoMate, a companion software application with a graphical user interface designed to generate human-readable code for Otto. Here, we describe the design, construction, operation and characterisation of Otto. To our knowledge, this is the first open-source, retrofittable FDC autosampler with such throughput.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article e00735"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号