Stethoscope

This project aims to create a research-validated stethoscope whose plans are available freely and openly. The goal is for the bell to cost ~USD$1-2 to produce, and the rest of the stethoscope to cost approximately the same.

Currently, the stethoscope resulting from this project functions as well as the market gold standard, the Littmann Cardiology III.

Bill of Materials

Printed parts:

• 1 stethoscope head (head.stl)
• 2 ear tubes (eartube.stl)
• 1 earplug mold (earplug_mold.stl)

Other hardware: Some vendors are suggested. See Bill of materials ODS file for more information.

• 40cm Silicone 12mm OD, 8mm ID

• 8MM I.D X 12MM O.D NGP60 Clear Transulcent Silicone Hose Pipe Tubing (USD$6.95)

• 20cm UPVC 6mm OD, 4mm ID

• Hi-Flex 4mm ID - 6mm OD Flexible PVC Tubing : Clear (USD$11.48)

• Silicone for ear plugs

• Moldable Silicone Ear Plugs (USD$1.80)

• Diaphragm: Cut from a report cover with approx 0.35mm plastic sheet

• Staples 21639 report cover (UPC 718103160223) (USD$8.84)

• Silicone / Rubber ring for diaphram mount

Print Instructions

All printed parts should be printed with PLA plastic at 0.2mm layer height, though it is acceptable for the first layer to be 0.3mm. Infill should be 100%.

Assembly Instructions

• Insert silicone into mold and allow to set as per manufacturer instructions.
• Attach the diaphragm to the stethoscope head.
• Attach the stethoscope head to the silicone tube.
• Attach the silicone tube to the T-Piece.
• Attach the T-piece to the ear tubes.
• Attach the ear tubes to the molded earplugs.
• Test the stethoscope as per the validation instructions.

Other stethoscopes

Others have made 3D printed stethoscopes too. See:

• https://www.youmagine.com/designs/stethoscope-chestpiece