Microscope Slide Preparation Holder

This holds standard 75mm x 25mm microscope slides for you while you are preparing them.

Sizing

Measure your slides, they may not be exactly the size they claim to be!

There's a little bit of tolerance in the model (76.2mm x 25.2mm), but you can scale this up slightly if you need.

It is designed to hold a slide securely while having minimal contact with the side itself.

• Eight large studs hold the slide in position, stopping it moving sideways, 

   

• Four smaller studs raise the slide up from the base plate of the holder,

   

• All these are near the ends of the slide, as far away from the central area as possible.

Apart from these studs, the slide does not touch anything.

A positioning grid is shown at the centre. This is a square of size 18 - 22mm (to match typical square cover slips), with a central ‘crosshairs’ design.

Printing

You can print this in one color, or change color after the base plate is printed to give better contrast for the positioning grid.

This can be printed in PLA, PETG, or ASA etc.

Sterilization

Labs may have requirements for sterilization. There is a belief that 3D prints cannot be sterilized, but in a lab setting there are plenty of effective options. This paper gives good data on how 3D printed models can be sterilised:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8998920/

In this, while noting that "Grooves between the layers could reduce the effectiveness of bacterial decontamination methods." they conclude "All four sterilization methods tested in this study (autoclave 121 °C sterilization, autoclave 105 °C sterilization, plasma sterilization, and gas sterilization) were effective in destroying microorganisms."

Usage tip

If you need to stop it moving around you can use some labelling tape to stick it to the bench.

If you found this useful, please consider giving it a "Boost". This is free, and raises the profile to help others find it too.

Other 3D models to download for your lab:

Tiered slide rack:

Designed to make it easy to access and view your slides:

https://makerworld.com/en/models/1202081

Slide holder box:

A holder for slides. Easy print, one piece, no need for supports or assembly

https://makerworld.com/en/models/814338