Dremelfuge

This is the best idea ever*. It really is incredible cool



*warning may really be the wheel but still

Thanks Dave! I put a lot of love into it, I'm glad you like it! :)

I fully agree with *dave, simply genius and so simple.

I have been looking for a DIY centrifuge or mini-centrifuge for some time. I have been developing a few methods of processing herbal medicine extracts using a centrifuge (in part). Your great product will facilitate that and allow me to teach others the process so people can create their own medicines. I could foresee your sales jumping once I finalize my method and make the process public. I certainly hope so, it would be great to see your products take off!

Someone mentioned Doctors without Boarders and I fully agree. This tool has vast uses in the 'bush' and for NGO's doing their good works. This could really make a difference where centrifuges and mini-centrifuges are needed but impractical, too expensive or unattainable. Another point is one could set this rig up to run off of solar energy (solar cells/batteries) or even a car battery I assume...

I have a few questions if you don't mind. I am ordering units next month.

a) what size centrifuge vials for the rotor?

b) to increase production I plan to buy a dozen or so units from you, then buy a dozen or so Dremel 300s and make two rows of Dremel centrifuges, each rotor centrifuge with 6 vials. Would you suggest the "recessed edition" or "chuck edition"? I assume the chuck edition would be the most cost effective considering I am buy all new Dremel 300s.

Thanks for your great works!

ps. I hope you have a patent-pending on your products!

Hi Chris!
Sorry for the late reply, but I don't seem to receive notice of comments on my things! I'll be glad to answer your questions, absolutely.

Firstly I'll say that it's fortunate you didn't order one already; as I hope I made clear, I have been awaiting my own for testing before being truly satisfied that the final product is suitable. It arrived today, and it is certainly strong, smooth and accurately made (moreso than my makerbot-produced one anyway!). However, it just so happens that the dimensions I gave shapeways were the same as those I used for my own, which include certain tolerances for error that weren't necessary. Long story short, the original three Dremelfuges produced by Shapeways were slightly loose, and I'm not comfortable with that!

So, I'm re-uploading with more accurate, tight tolerances. Any Dremelfuges made from now on should be much more secure.

In answer to your question, the Dremelfuge is designed to suit standard 1.5ml eppies, which are (in my experience) more or less identical across brands. If you want measurements, the diameter of the top of a 1.5ml eppie is 10.75mm, while the lip immediately above is 12.9mm. These dimensions are mirrored in standard spin column kits used in labs for DNA purification.

With respect to which Dremelfuge you need, that's a matter of A) Which tool you plan to use and B) How much force you want to apply. As a rule, faster tools mean more force, which makes the Dremel ideal for really powerful spinning. The "Recessed Edition" will *not* work with anything but a Dremel, and similarly the "Chuck Edition" will *not* work with a Dremel at all!

So, if you are planning to buy Dremels to match your 'fuges, buy the Recessed edition. I don't understand your comment about Cost Effectiveness.. are they not both the same price in your area?

Although I cannot offer any guarantees of safety or efficacy, I'm excited to hear about democratised science and DIY biology practise on the rise around the world. Your proposed applications sound really interesting, and I wish you the very best of luck!

Finally, I have no intention of patenting the design; in fact, I have shared it freely with the community on Thingiverse.com, because I believe in Open Innovation. I also see some potential for good "in the bush", and I'd hate to stall that with Patent Restrictions and heavy-handed licensing! The only right I reserve is to *sell* Dremelfuge. All other rights freely waivered.

All the best, and if you have any further questions you can also address them to @labsfromfabs on Twitter!

Thanks to Shapeway's new revision control feature, this version of Dremelfuge now boasts improved tolerances and should be ready to go. I've ordered my version and look forward to testing it fully!