Merit Laboratories
Merit Labs Specialized Tool
Founded 35 years ago, Merit Laboratories is an independent environmental testing laboratory specializing in comprehensive analytical services. The company offers a full spectrum of environmental analyses including testing of groundwater, air, soil, wastewater, consumer products, etc. Merit Laboratories serves a diverse clientele, including the Department of Defense, environmental consulting firms, landfills, and energy providers.
Part of the air sample collection process involves manually extracting air samples through a ruby valve that ensures a consistent, constant flow rate. The restricted flow makes the syringe plunger difficult to pull. To help scientists in the field more easily collect samples, Merit Labs commissioned Thingsmiths to make a plunger pulling tool. The tool gives users a mechanical advantage when pulling the plunger and locks the syringe into a fully deployed position. Once the sample is collected and the plunger is no longer under tension, a gate can be lifted and the syringe can be removed from the tool.
The tool includes a slide channel, a number of pins, and a locking mechanism. A majority of the components are printed in a high-wear nylon polymer. Other hardware includes shoulder screws, metal rods, and a sheet metal handle. Using a combination of additive manufacturing and traditional manufacturing allows these tools to be produced quickly and modified easily if necessary.