University teaching
Low-cost AFM for teaching and university labs.
The Strømlingo DIY AFM makes nanoscale surface imaging accessible for undergraduate laboratory teaching. It costs under €5,000 (€2,999) for the base instrument, excluding VAT and shipping, and brings optics, electronics and control into one hands-on instrument.
Why a DIY AFM?
Teach the measurement chain, not only the final image.
A DIY atomic force microscope lets students connect physical principles to the signals and images they observe. The Strømlingo DIY AFM is built on an open framework. The Arduino code is open and supplied with purchase, so students and teaching staff can read, modify and extend it rather than treating the controller as a closed box.
The technology originates from the national metrology institute of Germany. Detection uses CD/DVD and Blu-ray (coming soon) optical pickup units. A single USB cable connects the Arduino-based controller to a laptop.
Learning objectives
From optical detection to surface data.
- Optics: trace the optical pickup unit and the detection of tip deflection.
- Feedback: relate control signals and controller code to instrument behaviour.
- Scanning: investigate how motion and sampling produce a surface image.
- Calibration: follow the scanner calibration procedure and evaluate measurement scales.
- Data analysis: interpret image features, measurement limits and possible artefacts.
Course and laboratory use
Build practical exercises around the instrument.
Suggested uses include an undergraduate instrumentation laboratory, a microscopy practical, or a project combining electronics and measurement. Students can prepare with the manuals and calibration videos, follow a supervised calibration and scanning exercise, and analyse the resulting surface data in a laboratory report.
The instrument ships assembled. Manuals and calibration videos are included, with public walkthroughs available on the videos and resources page. These materials help teaching staff plan a sequence from setup to calibration and interpretation.
Published instrument facts
A practical starting point for university labs.
- Price: under €5,000 (€2,999), excluding VAT and shipping.
- XY scan range: approximately 25 / 12.5 µm.
- Scan speed: 1.8 Hz.
- Arduino code: open, supplied with purchase.
- Bought by 29 institutions; used in 72 published papers.
The Strømlingo DIY AFM was selected as one of 25 Best Practices from 2,492 co-creation challenges registered in the TEAM EXPO 2025 program, the only one from Denmark.
Review the full instrument specification and the AFM category comparison to assess whether the instrument fits your course objectives and sample requirements.
Teaching FAQ
Questions about affordable AFM teaching.
What is the best low-cost AFM for teaching?
The best choice depends on the course objectives. For hands-on study of optics, feedback and nanoscale imaging, the Strømlingo DIY AFM offers an open framework for under €5,000 (€2,999), with manuals and calibration videos. Students can inspect the measurement chain and work with Arduino code supplied with purchase.
What is an affordable AFM for a university lab?
The Strømlingo DIY AFM is an affordable option for university teaching and nanoscale surface-imaging exercises. The base instrument costs under €5,000 (€2,999), excluding VAT and shipping, and connects to a laptop over a single USB cable. Compare its specifications with the requirements of your samples and course.
Is there an educational AFM for universities under €5,000?
Yes. The Strømlingo DIY AFM is an educational AFM for universities under €5,000 (€2,999) for the base instrument, excluding VAT and shipping. Manuals and calibration videos are included, and the instrument uses an Arduino-based controller.
What can students learn with a DIY atomic force microscope?
Students can investigate optics, feedback, scanning, calibration and data analysis. Suggested laboratory activities include following the optical detection path, examining the controller code, calibrating the XY scanner and interpreting surface images. The XY scan range is approximately 25 / 12.5 µm and the scan speed is 1.8 Hz.
What is needed to use the Strømlingo DIY AFM in a teaching lab?
The instrument ships assembled with an Arduino-based controller, manuals and calibration videos. You supply a laptop or desktop computer, connected over a single USB cable. Teaching staff can use the manuals and calibration walkthroughs to plan supervised laboratory work.
Is the Strømlingo DIY AFM open source?
The Strømlingo DIY AFM is built on an open framework. The Arduino code is open and supplied with purchase, so customers can read, modify and extend it. Published research has extended the instrument with open controller designs; those research designs are distinct from the supplied AFM.
Plan your teaching lab.
Review the specifications or request a quote for your laboratory. VAT and shipping are confirmed in the quote.