Argus - Motorized Microscope Motion System - Focus Stacking & More!

Argus — Motorized Microscope Focus Stacking Machine

Argus is a motorized microscope for focus stacking macro photography, built almost entirely from the guts of old 3D printers. Focus stacking is the headline, but the motion really helps lining up a tiny subject dead center. Nudging the head in 0.02 mm steps instead of fighting it with your fingers makes precise alignment far easier.

BETA Release:

This is a working design, but it was purpose built and needs improvement for mass adoption.

Planned updates for V1 include:

• Endstops on all axes

• Y Axis addition

• Threaded bed plate for fixturing

• Machine vision camera mount

Important Notes:

This is not a print-and-assemble project. It runs Marlin firmware on a controller board and a RepRap screen, so the Z axis steps through focus planes in repeatable increments. The base plate needs to be laser cut and tapped. Budget for wiring, flashing firmware, and some tuning. If you are comfortable building a printer from a kit, you will be right at home. If you are not, this is a solid one to grow into.

Print all motion parts with a rigid filament. This is a precision motion device, and flex in the frame shows up as blur in your stack. PLA is not a great choice. Fiber-filled materials like ASA-CF and PC-CF are my recommendation.

Hardware Required:

• 2x Nema 17 motors (I used Creality 42-40s): https://amzn.to/4vaRH5T

• 350mm Leadscrew, TR8x4 for finer step distances: https://amzn.to/44abSpI

• 275mm Leadscrew, TR8x4: https://amzn.to/yourlink

• 2x Leadscrew Nuts, TR8x4: https://amzn.to/4v2KGEb

• 2x Leadscrew Couplers, 5mm to TR8: https://amzn.to/4aqMY90

• MGN12 Linear Rail, 250mm: https://amzn.to/4wiRyhM

• MGN9 Linear Rail, 350mm: https://amzn.to/3QLtMfu

• 12864 RepRap Encoder Wheel Screen: https://amzn.to/4gg8D7o

• Controller Board of choice (Marlin firmware compatible)

• Andonstar Microscope (246ms or similar): https://amzn.to/4fbK4Ya

• White LED strips: https://amzn.to/4eQPczz

• 24V Power Brick: https://amzn.to/3QVZZ3w

• 24V to 5V Adapter: https://amzn.to/4ggBWXC

• DC Barrel Jack: https://amzn.to/4aPbctN

• USB-C Bulkhead Connector: https://amzn.to/3SCkx1G

• 4x Anti Vibration Feet: https://amzn.to/4xZmTrC

• 40x M3 heat inserts: https://amzn.to/4welxYb

• M3 Hardware: https://amzn.to/4oXVvpS

• M5 Hardware: https://amzn.to/4aqTMDt

• Acrylic or metal for the base plate (requires laser cutting and tapping)

• Rigid Filament: PC-CF or ASA-CF

• 3D Printer: https://mrly.link/coreone

Files Included:

• Printed Part STLs

• CAD (STEP & F3D)

• Example Marlin configuration (Starting point ONLY, see note!)

Marlin Firmware Config Note:

The included config file document is a guide I shared to save you the worst of the setup pain. It is a starting point, not a guarantee! Your controller board, motors, and wiring may differ from mine, so read before you flash and adjust to your own hardware. Do not flash it blind and assume it's plug and play. FOLLOW AT YOUR OWN RISK! (V1 I hope to have precompiled firmware .bin files.)

Recommended Print Settings:

• 0.2 mm Layer Height

• 4 or 5 Perimeters

• 40%+ infill (Gyroid or Adaptive Cubic Recommended)

• NO Supports Required

• Rigid Filament Strongly Recommended (PC-CF or ASA-CF)

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