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BioprintingDirect ink writingExtrusionCurated metadata

Low-Cost, Modular Modification to a Desktop 3D Printer for General Purpose Gel/Paste Extrusion & Direct Ink Writing

Building-block open hardware frequently used for hydrogel/biomaterial extrusion.

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Publication data

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Publication record

Matched by doi · retrieved 2026-07-21

Abstract

Abstract We propose a design for a simple paste extruder modification that can be used for the selective deposition and patterning of gels and pastes, using a desktop 3D printer as the primary platform. This technology has found use with a variety of materials in seemingly disparate fields, including the printing of ceramics, food and biological materials, each with a variety of material-specific solutions to enhance printability. However, we focus on a syringe-pump driven system that is simple, low-cost, modular, easily assembled and highly modifiable with a low barrier of entry in order to maximise the generalisability and range of printable materials.

Bibliographic details

Published
2021-03-11
Journal/source
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
Publisher
openRxiv
DOI
10.1101/2021.03.10.434735
Type
posted-content
Language
en
Volume / issue
Not supplied
Pages
Not supplied
ISSN
Not supplied

Access and metrics

Open access
Yes
OA status
green
License
cc-by
Version
acceptedVersion
Cited by
2
References
56
Retracted
No

Authors and affiliations

  1. Damien LeechCorresponding authorUniversity of Nottingham · University of the West of England
  2. Sonny LightfootUniversity of the West of England
  3. David HusonUniversity of the West of England
  4. Alexandros Ch. StratakosUniversity of the West of England

Topics and keywords

Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies3D Printing in Biomedical ResearchInnovations in Concrete and Construction MaterialsModular designPlastics extrusion3D printingInkwellExtrusion3d printerNanotechnologyMaterials scienceRecipe3d printedComputer scienceProcess engineering