Severe wear on FED3 food hopper after one night – metal replacement needed

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Mingxuan Lu

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Apr 17, 2026, 4:50:01 AM (6 days ago) Apr 17
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Hello,I recently got a new FED3 system. The food hopper has shown severe wear just after one single night with mice. I’m really worried it will get chewed and damaged during long-term experiments.
I noticed the same component on the official FED3 website is made of metal. Could you please let me know if this part is available for replacement? I’m currently in China.  Thanks a lot!
Thanks a lot! 82a5dff543395489da02c4a78f95644f.jpg

Lex

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Apr 17, 2026, 10:07:23 AM (5 days ago) Apr 17
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Hello - yes, that piece should be printed in steel - the mice can chew through plastic in a few days.  

The 3D design file for the nosepiece is attached, and also available here.  There are many places online that can print parts in stainless steel now - we have received these nosepieces from wenext.com (a Chinese company) in Stainless Steel 316 (SUS316L).  Last time I ordered they were ~$10USD each. You can pop that plastic one out and attach the metal one with super glue. Hope this solves the issue!  -Lex 

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Mingxuan Lu

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Apr 19, 2026, 12:42:18 AM (4 days ago) Apr 19
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Hello, thank you so much for your help.
May I ask how I can remove the plastic from this part?

Lex

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Apr 19, 2026, 10:01:29 PM (3 days ago) Apr 19
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I would grab it with pliers and t\ry to wiggle it out?  Sorry I've never seen one with plastic so I can't give more specific help!  Where did you get these FEDs from BTW?  

Mingxuan Lu

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Apr 20, 2026, 12:18:44 AM (3 days ago) Apr 20
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Hi there!
We got these FEDs from the official Labmaker website (www.labmaker.org). We were also surprised to see the plastic part instead of the metal one shown on their site.
If you need a copy of our order invoice, we’d be happy to send it over( LA#11607 ).

Lex

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Apr 20, 2026, 7:02:47 AM (2 days ago) Apr 20
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Nope I was just curious!  I'm not involved in the business of Lab maker or OEPS.  

I would email LabMaker with your photo and see if they'll supply you with a metal piece, they shouldn't sell them with plastic nosepieces!

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