Culture Vial Rack

Updated 2025/1/31:

Parameterized FreeCAD© model designed to change length×width (baseLength and baseWidth) based on vessel diameter and desired spacing between vessels. Height parameter (baseHeight) is based on the height of vessel (vialHeight / 3) to discourage tipping over of a fully loaded rack. The number of columns and rows can be customized according to the user's needs.

A 1.015 multiplier is used for the vessel diameter to compensate for variation from shrinkage/expansion due to cooling of the part/the “smooshing” of melted filament onto previous layers respectively.

Parameters can be customized within the Spreadsheet within the FCStd file.

SHA256 checksum for vialHolder_parameterized.fcstd: 27e181c3da3d009a0a7f8674c8a98919632d69e599ec7f8d826a50dd47db52ee

SHA256 checksum for vialHolder_parameterized_noWatermark.fcstd:
2163d2adf89b41c0c2592673f0e6958fce30b93b4bf4119cb66e6b2941d09c46

(Note that the checksums will change if you modify the file(s) at all.)

There are plans to:

• Re-create the parameterized model in more popular CAD programs (requests welcomed), but please do not hold your breath until that is done.
   
• Add letters and numbers for rows and columns, akin to a 96-well plate.
   
• Add dove-tails to the sides so that racks can be connected together

Known issue(s):

• The included stl file is for vials with specs listed in the spreadsheetSpecs.png file. If you print it expecting it to be perfect for whatever random vials you have, you're gonna have a bad time.
   
• Size of author's "watermark" on the bottom designed to scale with baseWidth, but currently the placement does not center.
   
• Multiplier (1.015) in holeDiam may not be the best for every vessel. It's recommended to print a 2×2 rack first to check the fit.