3D Printed Universal Sample Weighing Device

Authors: CHLOUBER, BRIAN - Baylor College Of Medicine; Dzakovich, Michael

Submitted to: Dataset
Publication Type: Database / Dataset
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/4/2026
Publication Date: 4/4/2026
Citation: Chlouber, B., Dzakovich, M.P. 2026. 3D Printed Universal Sample Weighing Device. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.60705/3dpx/23391.2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.60705/3dpx/23391.2

Interpretive Summary: Problem: In many labs, scientists weigh samples directly into tubes to save time and avoid losing material. But there’s a problem: most labs don’t have proper holders to keep these tubes steady. Instead, people use makeshift setups that can tip over, cause spills, or be uncomfortable to use. These setups also don’t work well for different tube sizes, which leads to inconsistency and frustration during experiments. Accomplishment: To fix this, we designed a 3D-printed sample holder. This device can securely hold tubes of multiple sizes—2, 4, 15, and 50 mL—and can position them either straight up or at a 45-degree angle for easier access. It is very lightweight, so it can be safely used on sensitive lab balances, and it can be quickly rotated to fit the user’s needs. Instead of needing multiple holders, this one device works for many situations. Contribution of Accomplishment: This solution helps solve the problem by making lab work safer, more consistent, and easier to perform. It reduces the risk of spills and contamination, improves comfort for lab workers, and simplifies workflows. Overall, it helps researchers handle samples more efficiently and reliably, leading to better experimental results.

Technical Abstract: Ergonomic 3D printed sample holder designed to hold 2, 4, 15, and 50 mL tubes securely. Weighing samples directly into their analysis or storage tubes saves time and prevents sample loss or contamination from weigh boats. However, laboratory employees rely on makeshift containers to keep their tubes upright. These solutions lead to inconsistencies, sample loss due to instability/spills, are rarely ergonomic, and are inflexible to varying types of tubes. This multi-sided device is designed to hold 2, 4, 15, and 50 mL tubes securely at a either a 0 or 45 degree angle allowing for easy sample placement. Its light weight (20 g) makes it amenable to commonly used analytical balances which have strict weight limits due to the sensor's fragility. This device can be quickly rotated to suit the needs of the user and eliminates the necessity to have a variety of containers to secure different sized tubes.