OpenFlexure Microscope - The OpenFlexure Project
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Overview<br>Introduction to the OpenFlexure Microscope
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Documentation<br>Complete guides and technical documentation
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Build the microscope<br>Step-by-step assembly instructions
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Install the software<br>Set up and configure microscope software
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Use your microscope<br>Operating guides and best practices
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Get help<br>Support resources and troubleshooting
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Programming Clients<br>APIs and libraries for custom applications
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Software extensions<br>Add-ons and plugins for enhanced functionality
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Block stage<br>Precision sample positioning system
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Delta stage<br>Alternative stage design for specific applications
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Vendors<br>Suppliers and parts vendors
Community
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Forum<br>Community discussions and Q&A
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Events<br>Workshops, conferences and meetups
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Code of Conduct<br>Community guidelines and standards
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Contribute<br>Help develop and improve OpenFlexure
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Donate<br>Support the project financially
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Merchandise<br>Purchase official merchandise
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User Stories<br>Real-world applications and success stories
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Gallery<br>Images and videos from the community
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Social media<br>Follow us on social platforms
About
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About the project<br>Our mission to make microscopy accessible
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Team<br>Meet the people behind OpenFlexure
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Funding<br>Grant support and financial backing
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Medical devices<br>Regulatory compliance and medical use
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Media Coverage<br>News articles and external media featuring OpenFlexure
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Publications<br>Research papers and academic articles
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Media contact<br>Press inquiries and media resources
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Contact<br>Get in touch with the team
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Get help<br>Technical support and assistance
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flag<br>Get Started
[Image: A cropped section of a scan of stomach tissue, Source: OpenFlexure Microscope]
[Image: A cropped section of a scan of stomach tissue, Source: OpenFlexure Microscope, Objective: 60×, Imaging mode: brightfield illumination]
The OpenFlexure project is an open-source initiative focused on development of 3D printed, laboratory-grade digital microscopes and positioning stages, making high-quality microscopy accessible to all.
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Laboratory-grade imaging with motorised, sub-100 nm positioning for precise and repeatable analysis.
Built from 3D printed components using open designs that are easy to manufacture and modify.
Motorised motion and software control enable automated sample scanning and scripted, repeatable custom experiments.
Extend functionality with modular hardware, software plugins, and community-developed extensions.
An open and affordable microscope platform, built and used in laboratories and field settings in over 60 countries worldwide.
A selection of images captured using OpenFlexure Microscopes. These examples illustrate the range of biological samples, imaging modes, and applications supported by the platform.
Earthworm body wall
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Onion root
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Spider thorax
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Earthworm setae
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Fluorescence imaging
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Phase contrast imaging
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Bean root
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Earthworm intestine
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Thin blood smear
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Earthworm typhlosole
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Optical resolution test target
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Health and Life Science ResearchOpenFlexure supports research and training activities in life sciences, particularly in laboratory, educational, and exploratory settings.
Malaria microscopy research
Research into automated digital microscopy for malaria blood smear imaging, supporting training, quality assurance, and data-driven studies in low-resource settings.
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Pathology imaging research and education
Exploration of automated slide imaging for digital pathology workflows, training, and research, particularly in low-resource and global health contexts.
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Urine microscopy
Exploratory research into the use of OpenFlexure for portable urine microscopy, focusing on imaging workflows for education, training, and infection-related research contexts.
In preparation
Agriculture and Environmental ScienceOpenFlexure microscopes are used in agricultural and environmental research and teaching, supporting the study of plants, soils, and water samples in laboratory and field contexts.
Soil microscopy and soil health
Use of OpenFlexure microscopes to study soil ecosystems and microscopic organisms, supporting education, community engagement, and research into sustainable agricultural practices.
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Plant root growth studies
Highly customised OpenFlexure systems are being developed to image plant root growth over time, supporting experimental research in plant and crop science.
In preparation
Water quality monitoring research
Collaborative work investigating...