Instructions
Pica Press build guide
Printing recommendations, file preparation, and step-by-step assembly for Version 2 of the Pica Press.
The 3D printed Pica Press is a passion project to bring one of my absolutely favourite types of presses to as many printmakers as possible. I fell in love with the proofing press from the first time I ran a Vandercook SP15. I wanted to create something for home for my lino cut printing that gave me the same amazing experience of a consistent pressure, and print quality. I have been around 3D printing and CAD design for about 10 years and it felt like time to create my perfect little table top press.
This is part of Printmakers Matrix, a project run by Ashley Andrews and Justin Holt. Printmakers Matrix is a community site that runs monthly print contests any printmaker can join. All contests are voted on by the community and are free to join at any skill level.
3D printing recommendations
For this large-scale project, we recommend using a CoreXY 3D printer, such as the Bambu Lab, Creality K, or FlashForge Adventurer series. We currently use a FlashForge Adventurer 5M Pro. These printers are ideal because the print bed moves only vertically, avoiding issues with bed-slinger styles when printing tall components without supports. Additionally, the high print speeds of CoreXY machines are beneficial for this extensive project, which can require over 24 hours of printing.
You can use any filament as there is no glue or support used to build the Pica Press V2.
Filament requirements
- 1× 1 kg roll of filament
Other tools
- Rubber mallet or hammer
Instructions for 3MF file
Version 2 is only available in 3MF files.
Open this as a project in your slicer. Sometimes it can bring over the printer we use. You may need to switch to your printer in your slicer.
Required hardware
In addition to the 3D printed parts, you will need the following hardware to complete your Pica Press. A full bill of materials is also included in the 3MF download package.
- 4
8 × 22 × 7 mm ball bearings (608-2RS)
What we used: PGN 608-2RS
- 2
20 × 42 × 12 mm ball bearings (6004 ZZ C3)
What we used: PGN 6004 ZZ C3
- 4
5/16" × 1-1/2" hex bolts
- 4
5/16" flat washers
- 8
5/16" hex nuts
What we used: A hardware set that includes bolts, washers, and nuts together (sets of 10)
Glass table top bumpers / anti-slip pads
What we used: Medium 72PCS 20.6 mm clear rubber bumpers (rubber feet for cutting boards), to keep the press from sliding on surfaces
Assembly instructions
Test print (do not skip)
Before starting, print plate #1, which is for checking the dimensionality of your printer. Some printers handle precise walls differently. If you are unable to align the two halves of the cube, then your printer is not configured for this file.
Bambu / Orca slicer settings
To modify the printer settings in a Bambu or Orca based slicer (most common), set X-Y hole compensation to +0.1 mm (expands the female slot) or X-Y contour compensation to -0.1 mm (shrinks the male pin).
The roller
Print the roller core and roller. On the roller, make sure the scarf joint is turned on in the seam setting. This makes the seam as close to non-existent as possible. In test prints, using scarf joint will not show up in pressed images.
The carriage
Press fit the 2× PGN ball bearings into the corresponding holes.
Add the smaller ball bearings to the hex head bolts. The head of the bolt will be on the inside of the carriage. Put a ball bearing on, then a washer and then 1 nut. Slip through the hole and add another nut to lock into place. Do this for all 4 holes on the carriage.
With the bearings installed, install the roller and core and snap the carriage together using the dovetail joints. No glue required.
The print bed
Line up the dovetail joints and bring the two halves together. The last little bit can be tight. Use your rubber mallet to gently tap the top of the print bed to bring the two parts evenly together. Hammering too hard can break the joints, so do this at the end of the travel of the dovetail and tap lightly.
Final assembly
Slide the carriage onto the rails on the side of the print bed. When sliding the back bearings on there may be a tiny bit of resistance, but they will pop under the rails. Your Pica Press is now ready to be used!
Happy printing!