Microscope Slide Holder

Slide Holders

This microscope slide holder is designed to streamline a lab technician’s workflow. It provides a stable and efficient solution for organizing and storing microscope slides, accommodating up to 1 gross (100) blank slides.

The holder's narrow design allows it to fit seamlessly into cramped spaces between workstations, ensuring that it maximizes available space. Each slide face is easily identifiable thanks to a unique tab located on one end, enhancing usability and efficiency.

For added flexibility, the holder is available in two plate options: single row and double row, allowing users to choose the configuration that best suits their needs.

Print Settings:

• No supports required for printing.
• Layer width is set to 0.2mm for added strength.
• The seam is positioned in the back to avoid unwanted inclusions in the tab or customization prints.
• Prints well on textured plates without needing adhesives.
• The tab (slide face indicator) is designed as a negative part (not printed), allowing for easy customization to an alternate color if desired.

Part Features:

• Compatibility: Tested with slides measuring 25 x 75 x 1mm.
• The walls of the holder are offset from this measurement based on user feedback for ease of use. The additional length and width of the holder walls enhance comfort when inserting or removing slides.
• The minimalist design supports consistent and efficient prints and accommodates unique requests, such as adding custom text.
• The chamfered stand at the base of the holder increases stability with minimal additional material cost, helping to prevent accidental tipping.

Background:

In my career and personal life, I’ve always enjoyed making things.  I’ve found producing useful tools for people a rewarding experience.  Collaborating on a new concept often creates novel solutions and makes the experience more memorable.

What started out as a simple idea with my favorite collaborator (my darling wife), turned out to be a great unique and rewarding experience of its own.  After submitting prototypes of the slide holder idea; lab techs liked them so much they also offered invaluable and encouraging feedback.  Their enthusiasm helped improve the design and finished product. 

1 of 2 slide holder in lab demonstrating stability on uneven surfaces	2 of 2 slide holder in lab supporting the close proximity workflow

I learned that slides have different textures on each side and the reasons behind this. Presented with a new requirement to ensure that the holder indicates which way the slides are facing, I came up with a solution that I thought was fun to share here. For the holder face design, these are some concepts I presented.

Tab prototype picture	Heart prototype picture

I was fortunate to work with a wonderful and interesting team!  What a pleasure to work on this design and create a useful tool for them.  I’m proud to have made a small contribution to their success and will surely welcome any opportunity to work with them again.

Your support and feedback have been incredibly encouraging! If you've found my designs helpful and would like to support my work, I've set up a Ko-Fi page for tips.

Yours in Collaboration,

MJDD