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

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.