Open-source colorimeter assembled from laser-cut plates and plug-in circuits

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Colorimetric analysis quantifies solution concentrations, vital in STEM education.
• Existing DIY colorimeters have limitations in portability and reproducibility, while professional models require soldering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an open-source, solderless, and affordable colorimeter.
• To improve accessibility and ease of use for educational and research purposes.

Main Methods:

• Designed an open-source colorimeter using plug-in electronic modules and connectors.
• Utilized a laser-cut enclosure for simple assembly.
• Fabricated the device without requiring any soldering.

Main Results:

• The colorimeter demonstrated accurate absorbance measurements up to 1.8 (practical use) and 1 (reliable use).
• Achieved a resolution of 0.01 for measurements.
• Verified accuracy using potassium permanganate solutions.

Conclusions:

• The proposed open-source colorimeter is easily and cheaply fabricated, suitable for educational settings.
• The solderless design enhances accessibility for beginners in scientific instrumentation.
• The device offers reliable performance for quantitative analysis.