About

The Printess is a low-cost, open-source 3D printer developed by the Skylar-Scott Lab at Stanford University in 2024. We wanted to create a tool for direct ink writing of soft and biological materials that could be built entirely from 3D-printed and off-the-shelf components. This bottom-up design allows for limitless customization and open-source dissemination amongst engineers, biologists, and enthusiasts. To date, we've built dozens of Printessas for $250 each to support teaching and research laboratories at Stanford.

We designed all 3D-printed components in SolidWorks and Onshape. Open-loop motion control is driven by stepper motors and open-source control boards with Marlin firmware. Files and instructions for constructing and operating a Printess yourself can be found on GitHub. If you would like to instead purchase a fully assembled Printess, you may also do so here. Please note that Mark Skylar-Scott holds no financial stake in Printess, and we aim to continually maintain and improve this open-source project for the community.

Please contact us if you need assistance in building a Printess.