A 3D Printer in the lab: not only a toy

Abstract

Although 3D printers are becoming more common in households, they are still underrepresented in many laboratories worldwide and regarded as toys rather than as laboratory equipment. This short review wants to change this conservative point of view. This mini-review focuses on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers and what happens after acquiring your first 3D printer. In short, these printers melt plastic filament and deposit it layer by layer to create the final object. They are getting cheaper and easier to use, and nowadays it is not difficult to find good 3D printers for less than 500€. At such a price, a 3D printer is one, if not the most, versatile piece of equipment you can have in a laboratory.