Learn to build and use the updated 3D Patternator.v6, an advanced open-source 3D bioprinter based on mechanical extrusion technology.
About the workshop
The 3D Patternator is a direct-ink-writing 3D bioprinter developed by the 3D bioprinting team in the Kaplan Lab at Tufts University, Medford, USA. Built from a combination of commercially available and 3D-printed components, the system uses mechanical extrusion to enable high-resolution 3D printing of a broad range of bioinks, including ultra-low-viscosity bioinks via Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH) printing.
In this 3-day hands-on course, participants will learn how to convert a commercial FDM printer, such as the Geeetech Thunder or equivalent, into a high-performance open-source 3D bioprinter. By assembling the printer themselves, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the underlying technology and acquire the skills needed for long-term maintenance, repair, and future upgrades.
The workshop combines expert-led lectures with practical training sessions. Participants will learn how to operate the 3D Patternator, optimize print settings, prepare bioinks and support baths, design G-code workflows, and print complex structures both in air and within gel-based support baths using FRESH printing.
At the end of the course, each team will take home the 3D Patternator they built during the workshop. Shipping within Europe is included.
The course is hosted by the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna.
Course program
The workshop includes three dedicated training sessions focused on building the 3D Patternator, followed by three additional hands-on 3D bioprinting sessions.
Training topics include:
- Assembly and modification of the 3D Patternator
- Introduction to mechanical extrusion-based 3D bioprinting
- G-code design and workflow optimization
- Bioink and support bath preparation
- Printing in air and in gel-based support baths
- Optimization of printer settings for high-resolution 3D bioprinting
- Practical troubleshooting, maintenance, and future upgrades
Your benefits
- Learn how to build and operate the 3D Patternator v3.0, an advanced open-source 3D bioprinter using mechanical extrusion technology.
- Gain hands-on experience through lectures, tutorials, and practical exercises.
- Perform high-resolution printing in both air and gel-based support baths using FRESH printing.
- Develop the skills needed to maintain, repair, and upgrade your own system.
- Take home your self-built 3D Patternator v3.0 after the course. Shipping within Europe is included.
When & Where
The Winter Workshop will take place from Wednesday, 25 November to Friday, 27 November 2026 at the: Medical University of Vienna, Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Vienna, Austria
This is a 3-day course with a daily schedule from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Costs
The course fee is €3,850 per slot, including one printer and one participant.
One additional participant from the same team may join for an additional fee of €750.
The fee includes, per team:
- All materials required to build a brand-new 3D Patternator
- Instructions, supervision, and technical support
- Bioinks and materials for practical training
- Food and drinks at the workshop venue during all three days
- One evening networking event
- Shipping of the completed 3D Patternator within Europe
Application timeline
Applications will be accepted until 5 October 2026. The workshop is limited to a maximum of 7 teams. Selected teams will be notified once at least four teams have registered, and no later than 14 October 2026.
Payment is due upon acceptance. The course will only take place if at least 4 teams are enrolled.
Application procedure
To apply or request further information, please contact us directly by email: karl.schneider@meduniwien.ac.at or vincent.fitzpatrick@tufts.edu
Past Event: European Open Source 3D Bioprinting Workshops
