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YOU CAN 3D PRINT A REAL PRINTING PRESS

A 3D-printed tabletop press that produces real linocut and etching prints for the cost of filament and a few bolts, where a compact metal etching press costs over a thousand dollars.

by Nick Phan (Some Print Dude)

FULL CAD BOM FIRMWARE DOCS

WorkshopArt

Built with3D printing

difficulty
●●●○○
time
a weekend-plus
license
CC BY-NC
repo
repo ACTIVE0 stars

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Videos
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COMPAREE VERDICT

This is a real tabletop printing press you 3D print, with a 5:1 gearbox and pressure knobs, for the cost of filament plus two threaded rods, two lock nuts, glue and oil — where a compact metal etching press such as the Conrad E-9 sells for 1,379 dollars. It takes a lot of filament and a weekend-plus to print and assemble, but the payoff is a tool that produces actual prints from linocuts and, with the v2, etching plates. The non-commercial licence means you can build one for your own work but cannot sell presses or the files. The 6-inch version is the original; the v2 adds 8-inch and 5-inch versions, extending wings and refinements. Assembly needs basic hand tools and a printer that holds tight tolerances; test the pressure on scrap paper before using good stock. If you already do printmaking and the cost of a metal press has kept you from trying, this is worth the weekend.

GOOD TO KNOW

  • —STL files and written assembly instructions are on Printables for 5-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch versions.
  • —Hardware is minimal: the Printables page lists two threaded rods, two lock nuts, super glue and lubricant, and the creator's video supply list also includes compression springs — check the list for the version you print.
  • —Licence is CC BY-NC — you can build one for yourself, but you cannot sell presses or the files.
  • —The creator has a YouTube build video, and the Printables page includes a PDF assembly guide.
  • —The press works for relief and etching; ink, paper and blocks are not included.
  • —Nick Phan also sells finished presses in the US if you would rather buy than print.

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Can I build this?

PrintAll press parts (frame, rollers, gearbox, pressure knobs, optional base and bed); parts fit within 210 mm. PETG or PLA.
BuyTwo 5/16 inch × 3 inch threaded rods (or M8-1.25 × 100 mm) with two lock nuts, super glue and lubricating oil; optionally a wooden base and press bed instead of printing them.
Tools3D printer with at least 220×220 mm bed, hex keys, spanners, drill for alignment if needed.
SkillsIntermediate 3D printing (large prints, support removal) and basic assembly. No prior printmaking knowledge required.
TimeTwo to three days: one day printing, half a day assembly, half a day adjustment and test prints.
Cost$ — the filament is the main cost; the hardware is two threaded rods, two lock nuts, glue and oil. Ink, paper and blocks are separate.
SafetyNo real hazards. Threaded rods can pinch fingers during assembly; use care when tightening.

Build at your own risk. Projects involve tools, electronics and sometimes mains voltage — follow the creator’s safety notes.

Videos

How to make a 3D printed printing press

The creator's own build video, linked from the Printables page as the assembly instructions.

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Gallery

Start here

Navigation into the creator’s own docs — we don’t rewrite the guide, we route you to the source.

  1. 1.Pick a size(6-inch (Printables 634673) is the original; 8-inch and 5-inch v2 (Printables 1017715) add options. Start with 6-inch unless you know you need wider.)
  2. 2.Download files and read the BOM (STL files, a PDF assembly guide and a short hardware list (two threaded rods and lock nuts) are on Printables.)
  3. 3.Print the parts(PETG or PLA; parts fit within 210 mm. The v2 needs a printer that can hold about 0.15 mm tolerances; expect long prints for the large parts.)
  4. 4.Assemble and tension(Follow the written instructions; test roller pressure with scrap paper and a test block before committing to a final print.)

Resources

Documentation, files and community threads for this build — we link straight to the original sources and never rehost the creator’s files.

KNOWN ISSUES

  • The CC BY-NC licence forbids selling presses or the design files; if you want to sell presses, talk to the designer, who sells finished ones himself.
  • Under-tensioned rollers give patchy, uneven prints. Test on scrap paper with a cheap block before using good stock.
  • Bed width limits the print — the 6-inch press takes blocks up to 6 inches wide and the v2 adds an 8-inch version for wider work; length is limited only by the bed you make.
  • Threaded rods must be straight and clean; bent or rusty rods bind during operation.
  • The build video and the PDF assembly guide on Printables are your references; watch the video before you start tensioning the rollers.
  • Ink, paper, brayer and blocks are not included — budget for them separately if you are starting from zero.

Can I sell prints I make with this press?

The licence is CC BY-NC, which covers the press design: you cannot sell printed presses or the files. It does not cover your own artwork, so prints you make with the press are your work; if in doubt, ask the designer.

What is the largest print I can make?

Width is the limit: the 6-inch press takes blocks up to 6 inches wide, and the 8-inch version goes wider. Length is up to you — the bed can be any length you make it, from wood or metal.

Does this work for etching and relief?

Yes. It handles both intaglio (etching) and relief (linocut, woodcut) with appropriate pressure adjustment.

How much does the hardware cost?

Very little: two threaded rods and two lock nuts, plus super glue and lubricating oil. The filament is the main cost.

Is PETG better than PLA?

PETG is stronger and less brittle under pressure, but PLA works if you print with good infill and wall count. PETG is the safer choice.

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Discussion1

FROM THE COMPAREE TEAM

Beyond filament, the press needs two threaded rods, two lock nuts, glue and oil. What would you print first?

CompareeTEAM7d agoedited

Practical notes from our verification: the files are on Printables under two separate project pages (634673 for the 6-inch press, 1017715 for the 8-inch and 5-inch v2), each with a PDF assembly manual, and the creator links a YouTube video with instructions. The extra hardware list is short: two 5/16 x 3 inch threaded rods (or M8 x 100 mm) with lock nuts, super glue and lubricating oil, plus wood for the base and press bed if you do not print them. The non-commercial licence is the single most important detail: if you planned to sell prints or offer printing services, this press is not legally usable for that. The creator notes all parts fit within 210 mm, so it prints on most standard printers, and the v2 needs a printer that can hold about 0.15 mm tolerances. Correction (4 October 2026): we re-checked this page line by line against the project's own repository, documentation and videos, and fixed errors in earlier versions.

Nick Phan (Some Print Dude)

Nick Phan designed the Phantom Plastic Printing Press to make printmaking accessible without the cost of a metal press. He shares the files for free under CC BY-NC and also sells finished presses in the US for makers who would rather buy than build.

Star the project on GitHub

DISCLAIMER

  • Comparee is not the author of the projects featured here. All rights to each project belong to its creator — every page links to the original source, and we never host creators’ files.
  • Information is provided without warranty and may become outdated as projects evolve. Prices are indicative bands only — always check the creator’s parts list for current costs.
  • Building and operating any project is at your own responsibility. Protective equipment, safe workshop practice and compliance with local regulations are the builder’s responsibility.
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