Leeuwenhoek ball-lens microscope — 3D-printable model preview

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Science & education Simple

Leeuwenhoek ball-lens microscope

See cells with a single glass bead lens

A slide-sized plate with seats for a 2 mm and a 3 mm glass bead, the trick Antonie van Leeuwenhoek used in the 1670s: tape a specimen to the back, hold the bead to your eye and see cells at up to 150 times, with a lens that cost almost nothing.

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Size: 76 × 26 × 7 mm
Shape: Rectangular
Walls: 2.0 mm
Volume: 3.9 cm³
Est. weight (PLA): 4.9 g
Parts to print: 1
Category: Science & education
Made by: Krypto
Built in: 34 steps

What’s in it

Rectangular, 76 × 26 × 7 mm, with 2.0 mm walls
2 holes in the floor
Raised text: “X150”, “X100”

How to print it

Glue in 2 mm and 3 mm glass beads.

Prints flat as a plate, no supports.

Filament: at most about 4.9 g of PLA printed solid (roughly $0.10 at $20 per kg); normal infill uses less.

To get the files, open it in the generator and choose File › Download STL (one file per part) or Download 3MF (every part on one plate).

Questions

What size is the leeuwenhoek ball-lens microscope model?

The leeuwenhoek ball-lens microscope model measures 76 × 26 × 7 mm (width × depth × height). You can change every size in the free SO3D.xyz generator before you download it.

Does it need supports?

No. Glue in 2 mm and 3 mm glass beads. Prints flat as a plate, no supports.

How much filament does it use?

At most about 4.9 g of PLA (3.9 cm³ printed solid), roughly $0.10 of filament at $20 per kg. Normal infill uses less.

Can I change it?

Yes. Open it in the SO3D.xyz generator (free, in your browser), change the size, walls, dividers, holes, text or anything else, then download it as STL or 3MF for your slicer.

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Make it fit your space

Change the size, walls, dividers, holes and labels of the leeuwenhoek ball-lens microscope model in your browser, then download it for your printer. Free, no CAD needed.

Customize this model