Open MicroManipulator revises hardware to fix homing and joint problems

The Open MicroManipulator project has released revised hardware for its open-source motorized positioning platform, fixing collisions during homing and problems with joint restraint, linkage length and friction. The device is designed for optical alignment, electronic probing and microscopy. Off-the-shelf stepper motors and a closed-loop controller move the platform through commands sent over USB. The project reports movement increments down to 50nm, while warning that absolute accuracy is significantly worse. Its revised FreeCAD model includes pins and fasteners as a reference for required mechanical parts, but the bill of materials has not yet been updated. Printed parts can also suffer thermal drift.