Does anybody have any tried and true 3D models that can be printed for lab usage? Any labware of any kind would be greatly appreciated - I’m just looking to build out our capabilities as a lab. Thank you in advance!
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A labware lab-share would be a great addition to this site or the wiki. I’ve seen a few tube holders and other misc things on tinkerCAD and thingaverse, but haven’t even tried printing any.
Here’s a fun one: Lab Centrifuge Fidget Spinner by Mat-Lek - Thingiverse
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I really should make this…
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Let’s do it!
I think I have some old files laying around somewhere…
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I’ve found some parametric tube racks that I was able to convert to SBS format. Here’s a 6x9 HPLC vial rack that I’ve done 1 print of and came out pretty nice. Largely remixed from this post on thingiverse.
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would love to see some more activity on this topic though!
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Thank you! You beat @luisvillaautomata to the punch 
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Hey man 
I’ve been swamped!
I have a some junk from when I started 3D printing… HPLC 48 position tube rack and 56 position Starstedt tube rack that we never use. Honestly, I may try the HPLC tube rack again, that would be nice! I do have a stackable 1000uL FTR tip box for the Hamilton Vantage E/E module.
I also printed a lab sonicator add on so we can fill the sonicator directly from the sink instead of using a beaker. It was recently thrown away when we bought a new sonicator. I get a lot of requests for that to be reprinted lol.
Finally, we printed some NMR tube spinners that are compatible with 4 inch NMR tubes.
I’ll see what I can share!
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My first 3D print was a centrifuge tube holder from Thingiverse, which I did for free at the library. That convinced my lab to let me buy a printer for the office.
My go to lately is Printables, followed by Thingiverse. A quick search for “centrifuge” gives tons of options and inspiration. Sadly, “SBS” is a noisy search.
Less popular, or perhaps just more niche, the NIH hardware section has a couple neat things to get ideas from. Their larger model selection is great as well.
A fun model to print: Dachshund Tube Holder (cleaned model) by gringer | Download free STL model | Printables.com
I found the simple geometric shapes of labware to be a great learning tool for modeling and creating your own custom models.
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I have some SBS tube holders that I designed in TinkerCad and are usable.
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Does anyone use PETG filament to make culture medium bottles? Do you have any experience? My colleague mentioned this, but I’m not sure if it’s suitable for the experimental scenario yet
I think it depends on the process more than the material. PETG may be fine but if you’re making it with FDM the material will be very rough and irregular at the microscopic level. Theres no chance youd be able to sterilize them for reuse. Its unlikely the part would sustain autoclaving. FDM parts are usually not even waterproof.
I use resin printing (especially SLA) for almost anything custom. Smooth finish, very durable, sufficiently watertight for most purposes. I havent tried using it for cell culture vessels though.
Check out craftcloud3d.com for very low priced 3D printing jobs
You can download 3D models and Gcode files from makerworld.com and Crealitycloud.com
Are you trying to make a lot of custom shapes or just a one off? PET bottles are blow molded from blanks usually. I have seen 3d printed molds used to thermo-form plastic sheets. Maybe you could make a two part 3d printed mold and blow a bottle blank into it.
I recommend Free3D, which offers many models of tools and accessories that are compatible with various 3D printer filament.