Open Source Electrospinning Device

This slideshow is part of: Eric Lima

Developed as part of the Open Source Laboratory initiative, the electrospinning device is used in the production of nano- and micro-scale fibers. A syringe filled with a polymer solution is mounted on a syringe pump, which slowly pumps out droplets of solution. A strong electric field is set up in an enclosure using a high voltage power source. The electrostatic forces produced by this field propel the droplets from the tip of the syringe, spinning it into fibers which are then collected on a rotating mandrel or a collector plate. 

The impetus for this initiative is to make transparent the technology essential to cutting-edge fields, such as bioemedical engineering and polymer material science - accessible to everyone and feasible to implement at a low cost. 

Visit the project site for further details about the setup, bill of materials, assembly and safety information.

 

 

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

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