Design files for 3D printed moulds used for optical coherence elastography sample fabrication

This record contains the mould design files used to fabricate repeatable samples and phantoms for optical coherence elastography (OCE) experiments associated with the accompanying PhD thesis. The moulds were developed to control sample geometry (diameter, thickness, aspect ratio), improve surface flatness and parallelism, and enable fabrication of both homogeneous and structured heterogeneous phantoms.

The archive includes:

• Compression testing moulds for cylindrical samples (silicone elastomers and water-based gels such as agarose hydrogels).

• Homogeneous sample moulds used for OCE system characterisation.

• Heterogeneous phantom moulds, including a two-material column phantom and a controlled-geometry inclusion phantom workflow.

Files are provided in:

• SLDPRT (.SLDPRT) for editable CAD exchange and long-term compatibility.

• STL (.stl) for print-ready geometry.

Notes:

• Dimensions are specified in millimetres.

• Printing outcomes depend on printer type, material shrinkage, and post-processing. Users are encouraged to verify key dimensions (for example, with calipers) and to perform small test prints if tight tolerances are required.

• Some silicones may exhibit cure inhibition on certain printed materials or residues. Where relevant, use an appropriate barrier coating and/or release agent, and validate on a small test cast prior to critical experiments.