SyriGo - Open Hardware Programmable Syringe Pump by Ocram

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

PLEASE NOTICE: This is a work in progress and not meant for rebuilding yet!!Update 03.11.16: The SyriCtrl Board v1.1 is fully tested and working now. You can prebuilt it, or use it for other projects. It is basically an arduino with integrated stepper driver! You can find all files (including BOM) in the download section.
Check out the regular updates on project progress in the "custom" section below.
Our Lab was purchasing a programmable syringe pump and I was amazed at the exorbitant prices of such devices (more than 2000€ for an entry-level pump).
I searched for Open Hardware solutions, but no published pump seemed to be really suitable for laboratory use. Existing pumps are often bulky, not fully contained from the enviroment (and thus hard to clean) and unpleasant to the eye or impractical to use.
I therefore tried to design my own pump, based on a Nema17 Stepper motor, controlled by a standardized Pololu(-like) shield, an ATmega8 and full USB-support via a MCP2200.
This pump features:-Very small bench-size of only 28 x 7 cm (lab space is money!)-Fully contained, seal-able unit including the control PCB-Easy and fast 3D printing of all plastic parts (you can print all parts in one afernoon)-Mechanical parts are readily available-Total cost under 100€ (probably under 50€ if you are good)-Control (of multiple pumps) by a PC-Is fully programmable since it understands Gcode-Takes any syringe between 0.8 and 3.3 cm outer diameter (and thus anything from µl Hamilton to 60 ml Braun!)-Fully modular for later updates
All plastic parts are easily printable with almost any FDM printer without the use of support material. Mechanical parts are readily available online, as well as the electronic parts. The PCB is designed to 8 mil spacing and can be produced by etching or ordered online for under 20€.
The ATmega is programmed with an ISP programmer or via an arduino bootloader by USB serial. If you don't have an ISP programmer, you can buy an ATmega8 with a pre-installed bootloader. The MCP2200 can be used "as is" and does not need programming. It is natively supported by Windows and Linux and there are drivers easily aviable for Mac.
The pump is controlled by a serial port over a PC. Its firmware is capable of interpreting basic Gcode (like a 3D printer). On the hardware-site, the pump only features a "pause"-button and a "fast-forward" and "fast-reverse" for mounting the syringe.
The pump also features an universal syringe mount, which can take syringes with a diameter between 0.8 an 3.3 cm.
Maximum extrusion (pump) rates and accuracy depend on the used syringe and the hardware configuration.
PLEASE NOTE AGAIN: This is a work in progress and NOT meant for reproduction yet!!!
Please stay tuned for updates. Email me if you have further questions.
The following will need to be done to finish the project:-Finalize the 3D parts design.-Fully implement firmware Gcode capability. Fix minor bugs in firmware.-Finalize the PCB design.-Write a dedicated manual for the pump including building instructions.-Program or find a Gcode host-Add a BOM
Disclaimer: This device is intended for research or hobby use only. Not for medical use.