Scanning Tunneling Microscope

Fall 2025 documentation @ CMU

Development Log — Tip Etcher - Replicable Progress with Unforseen Challenges

Date	Item / Notes
09/08/2025	Purchase Order • Contacted BairdLabs via WhatsApp and placed an order for the Simple Tungsten Tip Etcher Kit
09/29/2025	Assembly • Received shipment from BairdLabs LLC • Assembled Baird Labs Simple Tungsten Tip Etcher kit following official build-guide video from bairdlabsllc.com. Build Guide: https://youtu.be/4HjVKDu4558 • Full Assembly completed. Kit included all necessary mechanical and electrical components—no additional parts required.
10/19/2025	Cathode Ring Issue • Discovered that the stainless-steel cathode ring arrived slightly deformed from shipping, causing improper fit in the provided glass beaker. • Attempted reshaping; glass beaker cracked during refitting. • Contacted Baird Labs — vendor acknowledged issue and shipped replacement ring and beaker with looser tolerance for future customers. Ring Fabrication Contingency • For other hackers, here is a fabrication procedure if unable to procure replacement from vendor and issue persists:  1. Measure inner circumference of electrolyte beaker.  2. Cut stainless-steel strip slightly longer than circumference.  3. Use ring roller to form consistent curvature.  4. Spot-weld overlap to close the loop and ensure conductivity.
10/24/2025	Replacement Ring + Glass Beaker Arrived • Expected arrival of Replacement parts on 10/24/2025 • Will update when arrives with this step and next steps.

Development Log — Positioning System - Replicable Progress with Unforseen Challenges

Date	Item / Notes
09/08/2025	Hardware Procurement • Created and finalized the Positioning System Bill of Materials (BOM), listing all required fasteners, aluminum, and piezo actuators. • Ordered all parts from vendors that sell into the U.S. market, including McMaster-Carr and Digi-Key.
10/05/2025	3D Printing — Shell and Shell Cover • Printed the shell and shell cover in PLA on a Bambu X1 Carbon while awaiting shipment of mechanical parts • STL files: Shell.STL, Shell_Cover.STL. • Shell: Grey PLA — 215 °C nozzle / 50 °C bed, 30 % infill, brim adhesion, 43 min. • Shell Cover: White PLA — 200 °C nozzle / 60 °C bed, 10 % infill, brim adhesion, 50 min. Printing Issue and Remedy: • Slight corner warping observed on the shell-cover; plan to increase bed temperature to 55 °C and widen brim adhesion in future prints.
10/21/2025	• Ordered Parts arrived, planned next steps to CNC aluminum and complete assembly