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# Frequently Asked Questions
## What material is best to print with? What about print settings?
Welcome to the PlanktoScope FAQ!
This is covered in the [printing instructions](https://build.planktoscope.org/planktoscope-microscope/latest/docs/#/0_printing). Short answer: use PLA, without any support material or adhesion layer. Layers of 0.1-0.3mm should be fine, I usually use 0.24. A brim might be useful, but not for the main body - use the "smart brim" instead.
The PlanktoScope project is a citizen science initiative that aims to improve our understanding of the role that plankton play in marine ecosystems. Plankton are tiny organisms that float in the water column and form the base of the ocean food web. Despite their importance, little is known about plankton populations and how they are affected by environmental changes.
## What's the best place to get STL files for a particular version of the microscope?
Through the PlanktoScope project, we are inviting individuals and communities to join us in collecting and analyzing plankton samples from bodies of water around the world. By participating in this project, you will be contributing valuable data to a global database that will help scientists better understand the health and resilience of marine ecosystems.
We're working on building nice pre-packaged zip archives of each version, but this is trickier than you'd think. In the meantime, the [printing instructions](https://build.planktoscope.org/planktoscope-microscope/latest/docs/#/0_printing) has a collection of lists of the right STL files for each major version.
This FAQ has been compiled to answer common questions about the PlanktoScope project and how you can get involved. We hope you find it useful and we look forward to working with you to advance our knowledge of the oceans!
## Are there nice simple instructions available for a particular version?
## I want order a PlantoScope, is there some selling the kits?
At the moment, the instructions try to cover all the options. Customised instructions are a [work in progress](https://gitlab.com/planktoscope/planktoscope-microscope/-/issues/24) and if you can help, please join in on that issue thread. Currently, you can most easily find the [current instructions in the online viewer](https://build.planktoscope.org/planktoscope-microscope/latest/docs).
The best thing is to say hello in our Slack channel. Maybe someone is arranging an order or there are currently some available.
## What's the magnification (or resolution, or field of view)?
## I want to build a PlantoScope, where should I start?
See [Resolution and Field of View](../Make%20a%20microscope/Resolution%20and%20Field%20of%20View).
If you have the technical know who then you can build it yourself, the required information can be found here in the documentation. Let others know about your intention to do this and say hello in our Slack channel, maybe someone is interested and would like to participate..
## How can I download a particular STL file?
## Where do i get support or find the necessary tools to build PlantoScope?
The STL files are automatically generated from OpenSCAD and are published [here](https://planktoscope.org/projects/microscope/build).
To find the necessary tools and knowledge to produce the PlantoScope, consider visiting a [Fablab](https://fablabs.io) or [Hackspaces](https://wiki.hackerspaces.org/) in your region. These organizations often have a culture of openness and may be willing to support you with your project.
## How can I print the microscope without soluble support material?
And if you have specific questions or problems, you can always report them in the Slack channel and in the best case you will find someone there who can support you.
The microscope should print fine without any support material, and often without a raft or brim. We've never used soluble support. I have tested this on quite a lot of different plastic extrusion printers (RepRap, Ultimaker, MakerBot, Retr3d, and many more) and they all worked fine. Give the test piece a try first if you are unsure, and read the [issue](https://gitlab.com/planktoscope/planktoscope-microscope/-/issues/55) if you want more details.
## I am looking for an older version of the PlantoScope where the housing could still be manufactured with a laser cutter. Where can I find the corresponding design files?
## What's the best way to contact you with questions about the microscope?
We encourage everyone to [raise an issue](https://gitlab.com/planktoscope/planktoscope-helpdesk) if you have found something confusing or need more information - it means the answer stays online so others can find it. If there's something that, for whatever reason, isn't appropriate for GitLab, contact Richard Bowman at the University of Bath (no emails here to avoid spam, but I'm quite googlable).
## How do I know if it's printed correctly?
This isn't documented as nicely as it could be but Richard made together some diagrams of the [quality checks](https://gitlab.com/planktoscope/planktoscope-microscope/-/blob/master/docs/original_images/microscope_body_quality_checks.pdf) he does to make sure it's printed OK.
## You refer to bits of the microscope and I don't know which bit you mean
There's a reference sheet on [the names of bits of the microscope](https://gitlab.com/planktoscope/planktoscope-microscope/-/blob/master/docs/original_images/microscope_body_part_names.pdf). This is for an older design, but should be useful.
Even though the development is now focused on a more sustainable approach based on recycled wood, the design for the acrylic housing is still available on [Github](https://github.com/PlanktoScope/PlanktoScope/tree/acrylic_case).