Sourcing non-printed parts

General
#1

Lots of people have found different places to source the fastenings (M3 nuts and bolts, for example) in different countries, as well as different places to get hold of the optical parts. This thread tries to be a place where we can collect sourcing information. We should probably tidy it up and put it into the handbook, but that’s harder for lots of people to edit and discuss, so let’s share information here first.

There is currently a page in the handbook for sourcing non-printed parts, but it’s quite sparse.

#2

Some relevant Issues:




#3

That is a good idea. I spent a lot of time and money on sourcing the parts. Ended up buying screws etc on Amazon.

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#4

I’ve finally ordered some stock of screws and o rings, so hopefully very soon OpenFlexure Industries will be able to offer kits (in the UK at least) of the non-printed stuff. I’m just waiting on condenser lenses and LED cables now. If you didn’t mind sharing what you bought and from where, I’m sure it would be really useful to others here.

#5

Here is my sourcing and I will update this later :

PMMA LED lens Diameter 13mm Height 5.0mm Plano Convex (Aliexpress) - not tested yet - 0.23$/pc (waiting delivery)

20pcs 342 (ODThickness) Green Fluorine Rubber O Ring (Aliexpress) - Great and do the job well - 6.8$ 20 pcs

Tube lens Diameter 12.7MM Focal Length 50MM Achromatic Double Lens (Aliexpress) - Not tested yet (waiting delivery) - I bought mine 18$/pc but price fluctuate and tooday the lens is 25$/pc
Tube lens on Thorlab direct link - work great - 50€/pc (but in UK and fast delivery in France)

Beam slitter
From Comar, but didnt order yet here the link I was thinking of [25 BV 16] 25x16mm 450-700nm (visible) 50% - £22.75
From Aliexpress : Just a search Link

For nuts and screws in France I use for years now Bricovis

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#6

Hi everybody,

It’s a great idea because when you begin the build you are a little lost, even more when you are a complete beginner in optics domain (I build the microscope for my daughter).
I’m in France.

I have ordered the Tube lens from Thorlabs as indicated (but they ask a lot of official papers to be filled). Very expensive with VAT + shipping : 80€

For the Nitrile rubbers, I have found these ones on Amazon UK (pack of 50) : https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07FH85GDL/
I hope that’s the good ones.

Maybe a group purchase would help to get some reduced prices. Kits would also be very helpful.

Regards
David

#7

I also paid about 80 euro for the tube lens from Thorlabs. Was offered 200 pcs for 3 USD/pcs from a Chinese producer on Alibaba. So it looks like significant savings should be possible through a group purchase.

#8

Is $3/piece for achromatic lenses, or just planoconvex singlets? I think achromats probably are worth spending a little more on, because the early versions of the microscope definitely did suffer from using singlet lenses. Of course, everyone’s price/quality tradeoff will be slightly different…

#9

Not sure, I just sent over the specifications as it is on the website but did not consider it seriously as I do not need 200 pcs for the moment. I just notice that it would be much cheaper than the one I bought from Thorslab. But I agree, it might be worth paying more for better quality.