Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

NIH3D

3D-Printed Fixed-Count Bead Dispenser for Sample Homogenization

Created by
MDzakovich
Created:
10/23/26
Submitted:
10/24/26
Published:
10/24/26

Select an image below to view

Learn more about NIH 3D workflow outputs

3DPX-023789

Licensing:

CC-BY-NC-SA
35
12
Version 2

Category

Hardware & Devices
Devices and Hardware
Description

Handheld bead dispenser that allows for easy and repeatable distribution of beads into tubes for homogenization workflows. Dispenses one 1/4 inch bead, or two 1/8 inch beads.

Re-mixed from the following original model: https://www.printables.com/model/905028-glass-bead-dispenser/collections

Improved version created by Sasha Launey.

Non-3D printed materials needed:

- Screw and Nut (M3)

- 50 mL centrifuge tube

- 1000 µL Pipette tip

Assembly:

- Hold the outer case with the opening facing towards you.

- Slide the nozzle part into the outer case, with the nozzle on the right side. Pins should snap into place.

- Place the disk into outer case over the nozzle part. The hole to dispense the beads should be on the right.

- Place the adapter in the outer case over the disk.

- Secure the parts together using a screw and nut.

How to Use:

- Fill a 50 mL centrifuge tube with beads and attach the assembled adapter.

- When the disk tab is pushed to the left, it is in a closed position and allows beads to be collected into the well.

- Push the disk tab to the right to dispense beads.

Changes to the original:

- Made pegs on nozzle fit easier.

- Adjusted the nozzle to work with 1000uL pipette tip easier.

- Made two sliding disk inserts: one that dispenses two 1/8 in. beads at a time, one that dispenses on 1/4 in. beads.

Photo of the assembled bead dispenser
Photo of the bead dispenser
Individual parts labeled for convenience
Bead dispenser in use