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Updated: Sep 22, 2025

Three-dimensional Printing of Thermoplastic Materials to Create Automated Syringe Pumps with Feedback Control for Microfluidic Applications
Published on: August 30, 2018
Ender3 3D printer kit transformed into open, programmable syringe pump set
Sander Baas1, Vittorio Saggiomo1
1Laboratory of BioNanoTechnology, Bornse Weilanden 9, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
A cheap, open source 3D printer (Creality Ender 3) is transformed into an Open Hardware, programmable syringe pump set. Only 3 parts need to be purchased outside of the printer kit. All other parts are either in the Ender 3 kit, or can be 3D printed. No prior knowledge in electronics or programming languages is required. The pumps are controlled by the 3D printer firmware and motherboard and programmed in simple G-code text files. The total cost of a three pumps setup is ∼€170. The pumps are capable of reaching stable flows down to 5 µL/min using cheap, disposable 10 mL syringes. Higher flow speeds are also achievable, in the order of mL/min.

