HYKYHT: A versatile, affordable, and open-source 3D-printed liquid aspiration system
Teng-Cheong Ha1,2,3, Michael Morgan1,2,3, Axel Schambach1,2,3,4
1Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Hardwarex
|February 8, 2024
Summary
Researchers can now build affordable 3D-printed liquid aspirators for less than €25. This low-cost solution offers comparable performance to expensive commercial devices, enhancing accessibility in wet labs.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Laboratory Equipment Design
- Affordable Scientific Tools
Background:
- Liquid aspirators are essential but costly laboratory devices.
- Commercial aspirators can cost several hundred Euros, limiting access for some labs.
- High costs hinder research and educational activities in resource-limited settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the creation of low-cost, 3D-printable single and multichannel liquid aspirators.
- To provide an affordable alternative to expensive commercial laboratory equipment.
- To enable researchers, students, and science enthusiasts to build their own liquid aspirators.
Main Methods:
- Designing adaptable liquid aspirator models using Tinkercad for easy 3D printing.
- Utilizing readily available vacuum sources such as aquarium pumps or household vacuum cleaners.
- Ensuring minimal support material requirements for efficient 3D printing.
Main Results:
- A functional 3D-printed liquid aspirator was developed for under €25.
- The device demonstrates performance comparable to commercial aspirators in daily lab routines.
- The design is compatible with various common vacuum sources, enhancing versatility.
Conclusions:
- This ultra-low-cost 3D-printed liquid aspirator significantly reduces equipment expenses for wet labs.
- The accessibility of this design can improve daily workflows for researchers across diverse fields.
- It serves as a valuable resource for educational institutions and community labs with limited budgets.
