Research laboratories, on average, spend at least $82,000 a year solely on their instruments and types of equipment, with the micropipette being one of the most costly. The micropipette ranges in price from $300 upwards to $800, limiting many research opportunities, as many labs operate on a tight budget.
Three-dimensional printing is a new technology that has enabled businesses and industries to print customized, high-cost equipment for their needs. There are 3 types of 3D printing: stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), and fused deposition modeling (FDM). Stereolithography is primarily used within healthcare systems for personalized fittings, anatomically accurate surgical guides, and new laboratory equipment. Utilizing this method allows for the quick development of lab instruments at a fraction of the market price.
In this project, I will be 3D printing a customized micropipette and comparing it to a store-bought micropipette, testing its accuracy and effectiveness.