How I 3D-printed my own mini press

Have you ever wanted to try printmaking, but felt intimidated by the cost and size of traditional printing presses? Well, I have some good news for you: there is a way to make your own printing press using a 3D printer and some simple materials. And the best part is, it’s tiny, portable, and affordable!

The Open Press Project is an amazing initiative that aims to make printmaking accessible to everyone. They have designed a 3D-printable printing press that fits in your backpack and lets you print anywhere, anytime. You can download the files for free on Thingiverse and print them yourself, or order a ready-made press from their website.

I decided to give it a try and print my own mini-press using PLA filament. It took me about 10 hours to print all the parts, and another hour to assemble them. The instructions were very clear and easy to follow, and the result was a cute and functional press. I was so excited to test it out and make some prints. I gathered my linoleum blocks, carving tools, ink, and paper, and started creating some tiny designs. Although I had to get to know the press first, the process was very simple and satisfying. 

I was amazed by how it worked and wanted to introduce the Tiny Lino project to other printmakers in my area. I would like to start hosting some mini workshops and teaching people how to make their own prints at local markets. Please leave a comment on this blog and share if you would like to see the tiny press in action or even try your hand at making a tiny lino live at a market. 

If you are curious about printmaking and want to be inspired, I highly recommend the Open Press Project. You can find more information and inspiration on their Instagram. Happy printing!