Suggestions for a diy xy mechanical stage for an inverted scope

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Scoper
Posts: 153
Joined: Tue Jan 24, 2023 4:06 pm

Suggestions for a diy xy mechanical stage for an inverted scope

#1 Post by Scoper » Sun Jan 29, 2023 3:00 am

Upon looking at xy mechanical stages for inverted scopes, I have been surprised by their high asking prices…both used and new.

Does anyone have suggestions for a diy construction of a xy inverted mechanical stage?

Thank you

tpruuden
Posts: 91
Joined: Mon Feb 22, 2021 7:44 pm
Location: Estonia/EU

Re: Suggestions for a diy xy mechanical stage for an inverted scope

#2 Post by tpruuden » Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:30 am

Offset modified servospline may be interesting starting point, if ready made cross roller motorized stage is tending to be too spicy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLTf87E9Wno

Also, the final reports may offer good insights:
https://bmedesign.engr.wisc.edu/project ... ized_stage
https://bmedesign.engr.wisc.edu/project ... ized_stage

May also be relevant:
https://github.com/raacampbell/openstage

I have yet to see linear ultra-dynamic direct drive slide stages to conquer the market for some reason, hopefully soon :).

Scoper
Posts: 153
Joined: Tue Jan 24, 2023 4:06 pm

Re: Suggestions for a diy xy mechanical stage for an inverted scope

#3 Post by Scoper » Mon Jan 30, 2023 12:37 pm

Thanks for posting these links

charlie g
Posts: 1830
Joined: Mon Oct 20, 2014 7:54 pm

Re: Suggestions for a diy xy mechanical stage for an inverted scope

#4 Post by charlie g » Tue Jan 31, 2023 4:02 am

Hi, scoper,...have you considered 'dirt cheap' used mechanical stages...which you can simply saw/cut off the bolting fixtures so these mechanical stages lay flat on the stage of your inverted scope?


I have an: Olympus Tokyo CKA inverted microscope...I purchased it..enjoyed first-light with it..have no need for it! A simple mechanical-stage mechanism ( with the underlying bolts removed) would easily lay flat on the stage of my CKA stand.


I never tried it...but I think powerful button magnets (? neo-dynim magnets?) could stabilize that mechanism to the stage of the inverted stand.

Yes, yes...simple 'tack-glue spots' on such a mechanical stage...sitting flat on stage of your inverted scope..would also do the trick ( giving you a mechanical stage capability)...stable for years..yet oh so easy to remove.

Please consider this path of: 'DIY'...rather than punching drill holes in an inverted scope's stage. All the best, charlie g...I have quite a few mechanical-stages to sell for $40 USD+shipping.

Scoper
Posts: 153
Joined: Tue Jan 24, 2023 4:06 pm

Re: Suggestions for a diy xy mechanical stage for an inverted scope

#5 Post by Scoper » Tue Jan 31, 2023 11:32 pm

Thank you for posting these suggestions..very helpful.

I have been considering this exact approach..mechanical xy stages for upright scopes are plentiful and economical.

Your suggestions as to how to mount any non Hund xy stage are excellent… I too am very hesitant to modify equipment unnecessarily especially something as finely crafted as this Hund scope..even decades old this scope is like new..I suspect it sat in a closet for most of its life.

I think any mechanical xy stage I mount will be with a combination of magnets/flat steel washers/a bit silicone caulk to preserve the finish of the fixed stage. The Hund stage is aluminum so itself will need a bit of help to be magnetic.

If you would please send me via message pictures of what mechanical xy stages you have available.

Thanks

Alexander
Posts: 400
Joined: Fri Jun 11, 2021 7:10 pm

Re: Suggestions for a diy xy mechanical stage for an inverted scope

#6 Post by Alexander » Wed Feb 01, 2023 7:46 am

Adapting a mechanical stage depends very much on your needs.

What do you use with your Wilovert?

standard slides?
petri dishes?
well plates?
culture flasks?
other?

For standard slides it is easy. Just adapt some stage found on the market. For the other stuff it is a bit more complicated.

MichaelG.
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Location: North Wales

Re: Suggestions for a diy xy mechanical stage for an inverted scope

#7 Post by MichaelG. » Wed Feb 01, 2023 8:12 am

.

For inspiration … a Hund with mechanical stage is illustrated here:
https://profilab24.com/en/laboratory/mi ... l-40-phako

and another here:
https://www.diatoms.de/en/culturing/aid ... ultivation

Alexander makes an important point.

MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'

charlie g
Posts: 1830
Joined: Mon Oct 20, 2014 7:54 pm

Re: Suggestions for a diy xy mechanical stage for an inverted scope

#8 Post by charlie g » Thu Feb 02, 2023 2:53 am

Hi again, all, 1) standard microscope slides,2) well/depression slides,3) large well/depression slides,4) 'watch glasses' up to 3" diameter,5) well plates...these all function with x/y mechanical stages..especially with a large spring-tension clip on this mech. stage ( rather than the small spring-clip).

The huge bulk volume of fluids and target objects contained in: 'tissue culture flasks' usually indicates direct movement of such flasks...either manually..or with a 'horse of a different stripe'...different horses for different courses.

I will PM the OP of this thread with my e-mail..easier for me to send images by my e-mail...rather than this forum platform.

Thank you Michael G, for sharing what this Hund/ invert stage looks like...very helpful..all the best, charlie g.

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