What you need for a 3D printing workshop

A 3D printing workshop needs more than a printer and a roll of filament. Each participant needs a working laptop, software, a stable print station and enough time to prepare and finish a model. Plan the equipment, consumables, safety items and printed materials before invitations go out. The list below covers the practical supplies for running the session, from spare print beds and USB sticks to name stickers, worksheets and coffee supplies.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Tableclothsqty 8

Equipment

3D Printersqty 6
Laptopsqty 6
Mouse and keyboardqty 6
Power stripsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
USB sticksqty 12
Presentation screen
HDMI cableqty 2
Timerqty 6

3D printing material

PLA filament spoolsqty 12
Spare print bedsqty 6
Construction kit glueqty 6
Sandpaperqty 30

Tools

Precision pliersqty 6
Side cuttersqty 6
Deburring bladesqty 12
Putty knivesqty 6
Digital calipersqty 6
Allen key setsqty 6

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 30
Nitrile glovesqty 60

Presentation

Name stickersqty 30
Pensqty 30
Notepadsqty 30
Worksheetsqty 30
Print samplesqty 12
Arrows and signageqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving spoonsqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 60 pieces
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 crates
- Sandwiches - 36 pieces
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Vegetarian meal platters - 8 pieces
- Meal trays - 22 pieces
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Paper straws - 50 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan one printer and one laptop per participant where possible. If equipment is shared, set up a rotation and prepare enough sample models so nobody is waiting without a task.
Buy more PLA filament than the final models require. Allow at least 20% extra for failed prints, calibration pieces and demonstrations, and check that every spool fits the printers you have reserved.
Prepare a complete tool set for each print station, or at least one set for every two participants. Include precision pliers, side cutters, deburring blades, putty knives, digital calipers and Allen keys before the workshop starts.
Pack safety equipment before shopping is finished. Provide one pair of safety goggles per participant and enough nitrile gloves for at least two changes per person if models will be trimmed or finished during the session.
Print worksheets, instructions and sample models at least one day in advance. Test every laptop, install the required software and bring USB sticks, HDMI cables and power strips as backups rather than trying to solve connection problems on the day.

Frequently asked questions

How many 3D printers do I need for a workshop?: Plan for one printer per participant for hands-on work, or one printer for every two participants if the workshop includes demonstrations and shared print time. For 12 participants, that means 6 printers for a shared setup or 12 for individual stations.
How much PLA filament should I buy for a 3D printing workshop?: Estimate the filament needed for the planned models, then add at least 20% for test prints, calibration and failed jobs. For a workshop using 500 g of model filament, buy at least 600 g in total.
What tools does each participant need for 3D printing?: Give each participant access to cutters, pliers, a deburring blade, a putty knife and digital calipers. One complete tool set per two participants is a workable minimum; one set per person avoids queues during finishing.
When should I test the printers and laptops?: Run a technical test at least one day before the workshop. Install and open the software, connect every laptop, calibrate the printers and complete a sample print before participants arrive.

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.