Story
Overview
Standard digital microscopes typically only provide a perpendicular, top-down perspective, which makes it challenging to evaluate solder fillets, inspect QFN/BGA joints, or observe three-dimensional micro-structures.
bbScope solves this by adding an articulated 3D rotating optical attachment to a standard WD100 microscope setup, giving you a full 360° orbit view around the focal target in real-time.
▶️ Watch the build and demo video (English subtitles and dubbing available):
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How It Works: Optical & Mechanical Design
1. Optical Path:
- The assembly fits onto a microscope lens with a 100mm working distance (WD100).
- Light from the target enters a **37×37×1mm mirror**, reflects into a **25×25×25mm reflection prism**, passes through a **concave lens (Ø22mm, f=-232.2mm)**, and enters the microscope objective.
- An internal polarizer sheet eliminates harsh specular glare from solder joints and metallic surfaces.
2. Mechanical & Kinematics:
- **CNC Aluminum Mounts (`bot.step` & `rotate.step`)**: Provide rigid coaxial alignment and smooth rotation.
- **Magnetic Quick-Disconnect Coupling**: Neodymium magnets maintain retention while allowing smooth manual rotation and quick disassembly.
- **3D Printed Adapters (`top.stl` & `Mirror_3Dv2.stl`)**: High-precision SLA/MJF 3D-printed mounts interface directly with the lens threads and mirror tilt mechanism.
- Four M2 calibration screws allow fine-tuning of tilt and concentricity.
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Bill of Materials (BOM)
Optical Components
- Concave lens: Ø22mm, focal length f = -232.2mm
- Reflection prism: 25 × 25 × 25 mm
- Surface mirror: 37 × 37 × 1 mm
- Polarizer sheet (fits inside lens mount)
Mechanical & Custom Parts
- `rotate.step` (CNC aluminum)
- `bot.step` (CNC aluminum)
- `top.stl` (SLA resin 3D printed)
- `Mirror_3Dv2.stl` (MJF nylon 3D printed)
- `prism_cover.stl` (3D printed cover)
- High-precision ball bearing
Fasteners & Assembly
- 4×3mm Neodymium magnets
- M2×4 Elastic slotted dowel pins
- M2×4 & M2×6 Screws + M2 washers
- T9000 industrial adhesive
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Assembly Steps
1. Tap dowel pins into `rotate.step`.
2. Glue magnets into `rotate.step` in uniform polarity orientation using T9000 adhesive.
3. Fix the concave lens in the center of `rotate.step`.
4. Affix the 25×25×25mm prism directly below the concave lens.
5. Press the bearing flush into `bot.step` and insert dowel pins.
6. Glue magnets into `bot.step` with opposite polarity (attracts to `rotate.step`).
7. Bond `top.stl` and `bot.step` together around the bearing.
8. Install polarizer inside `top.stl` and screw `top.stl` onto the lens thread.
9. Snap the mirror into `Mirror_3Dv2.stl` and secure to `rotate.step` with M2 screws.
10. Magnetically couple `rotate.step` and calibrate the four screws for concentricity.
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Links & License
- GitHub Repository: https://github.com/RealCorebb/bbScope
- License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
