Example designs

We have compiled a set of essential design files that are necessary to produce a RIVETs system for a variety of applications. The pieces can be fabricated directly from a 3D printer and used with good success. In practice we typically fabricate the clamp system out of stainless steel as described in the associated manuscript. These clamps are then integrated in to existing rigs (e.g. in XY translation stages) by means of complimentary steel slots that can be produced as inserts into plastic or aluminum equipment. Details on the slot devices, tolerances that we have found essential for good performance and manufacturing tips will be provided here in the near future. In the meantime if these are essential to your application please contact Josh by email.

The design (.stl) files included in the compressed folder archive are shown below and can be viewed in the open source, cross platform viewer GLC player for which a link is provided under Software. The compiled files can be obtained by downloading RIVETS Essentials.

RIVETS essentials

IN VIVO ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
original post
DESIGN: J. Osborne
IN VITRO ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
brain Slice chamber
DESIGN BY: J. Osborne
IN VIVO IMAGING
Low profile post
DESIGN: J. Osborne
IN VIVO IMAGING
Low profile post
DESIGN: J. Osborne
CLAMP SYSTEM
Narrow clamps
DESIGN: J. Osborne
CLAMP SYSTEM
Wide clamps
DESIGN BY: J. Osborne
Reference
If you use RIVETS for experiments please reference our paper: Osborne & Dudman (2014) PLoS One 9(2): e89007PDF version
Fabrication Resources
Our rapid prototyper of choiceObjet Connex 350
The company we have used for the clamp systemRonal Tool & Die
Companies that can be used to provide 3D printed materialsApplied Rapid Technologies
Software
All of the design files included on the site are in the .stl format. Most were designed in AutoDesk Inventor, but there is also freeware that can be used to view and edit files for printing. AutoDesk Inventor SketchUp Makerware GLC player (freeware viewer)
Additional Resources
There are a number of great repositories of objects that are much less focused than our repository here. Thingiverse 3D Warehouse