Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025
Design of an Open-Source, Low-Cost Bioink and Food Melt Extrusion 3D Printer
Published on: March 2, 2020
Toward an open-source 3D-printable laboratory
Mason C McNair1, Sebastian C Cocioba2, Peter Pietrzyk3
1Plant and Environmental Sciences, Pee Dee Research and Education Center Clemson University 2200 Pocket Road Florence South Carolina 29506 USA.
Premise:
Low-cost, repairable lab equipment is rare within the biological sciences. By lowering the costs of entry using 3D printing and open-source hardware, our goal is to empower both amateur and professional scientists to conduct research.
Methods:
We developed a modular system of 3D-printable designs called COBLE (Collection of Bespoke Laboratory Equipment), including novel and remixed 3D-printable lab equipment that can be inexpensively printed, assembled, and repaired for a fraction of the cost of retail equivalents.
Results:
Here we present novel tools that utilize 3D printing to enable a wide range of scientific experiments. We include additional resources for scientists and labs that are interested in utilizing 3D printing for their research.
Discussion:
By describing the broad potential that 3D-printed designs can have in the biological sciences, we hope to inspire others to implement and improve upon these designs, improving accessibility and enabling science for all.
