3D Printing Workshop Checklist

A 3D printing workshop needs more than working printers and a table for each participant. You need to confirm the room, manage registrations, prepare laptops and slicer software, test every printer, and divide tools and materials between workstations. This checklist covers the preparation sequence, including details that are easy to leave until the last minute, such as spare nozzles, charged laptops, safe cable routing and enough time for sample prints.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Confirm the workshop venue
Send invitations
Open the registration form
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Finalize the participant list
Send confirmation to participants
Reserve a room
Reserve printers
Order catering
Do the shopping
2 people
Check the Printers Technically
2 people
Check filament stock
Charge laptops
Install slicer software
Print sample models
Print workshop guide
Prepare name badges
Set up work tables
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
Connect printers
2 people
Set up laptops
2 people
Safely cable the workstations
2 people
Prepare print surfaces
Distribute materials per workstation
2 people
Chill drinks
Set up the coffee and tea area
2 people
Set out snacks
Conduct a safety check
2 people

Event

Receive participants
2 people
Register attendance
Hand out name badges
Give safety instructions
Explain the 3D printing process
Demonstrate design software
Guide custom design
3 people
Check designs
2 people
Slice files
2 people
Load printers
3 people
Start first prints
3 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
Check prints in progress
2 people
Resolve printing issues
2 people
Present print results
Hand out your own prints
2 people
Check out participants

Aftercare

Turn off printers
2 people
Clear workstations
3 people
Store filament safely
Pack equipment
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Collect waste
2 people
Clean the room
3 people
Put tables and chairs back
3 people
Return borrowed equipment
Store leftover materials
Send a thank-you gift to participants

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Instruction table
Chairsqty 32
Storage cabinet

Equipment

FDM 3D printersqty 6
Laptopsqty 8
Projector
Projection screen
Fansqty 2
Power stripsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
USB sticksqty 8

3D printing material

PLA filament spoolsqty 14
Spare print platesqty 6
Spare nozzlesqty 12
Circuit board cleanerqty 2
Glue sticksqty 6

Tools

Precision pliersqty 6
Tweezersqty 12
Calipersqty 6
Allen key setsqty 6
Deburring bladesqty 12
Scouring spongesqty 12
Cutting matsqty 6

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 32
Heat-resistant glovesqty 6
Fire blanket
First aid kit
Warning signsqty 6

Communication

Name badgesqty 32
Pensqty 32
Workshop guidesqty 32
Presentation clicker

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 2
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 2
Vacuum cleaner
Mop
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Test every printer at least 2–3 days before the workshop, including the print surface, nozzle and filament feed. A sample model will reveal problems that a power-on check will not.
Charge all laptops the day before and install the slicer software before participants arrive. Allow at least 30 minutes per laptop to check that the software opens and exports a printable file.
Prepare one complete workstation kit for each participant or small group, including filament, tools, safety goggles and access to a printer. Count the kits against the final participant list after registrations close.
Set up and cable the workstations before the room opens, leaving clear walkways and keeping power strips and extension cords out of foot traffic. Put warning signs and safety equipment where participants can see them.
Send the final confirmation after the participant list is closed, and include the arrival time, room details and anything participants need to know about the session. Keep dietary requirements with the catering order rather than collecting them at the door.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a 3D printing workshop?: Start venue and printer planning at least 3–4 weeks before the workshop. Close registrations early enough to finalize the participant list, order catering and prepare the right number of workstations.
How many 3D printers do I need for a workshop?: Plan for one printer per workstation or small group, depending on how much hands-on time each participant needs. For a beginner session, testing every printer 2–3 days beforehand is more useful than adding untested equipment.
What should I prepare the day before a 3D printing workshop?: Charge the laptops, confirm slicer software, check filament stock and finish the workstation kits. Also verify the projector, cables, spare print plates, spare nozzles and safety equipment before leaving the venue.
How long does it take to set up a 3D printing workshop?: Allow at least 2 hours for tables, chairs, laptops, printers, materials and safe cable routing. Add extra time if you need to connect several printers or arrange a projector and instruction table.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.