A Laser-Cut Mini Gutenberg Press for the Classroom

Build a small, functional Gutenberg-style printing press from 3 mm basswood plywood and laser-safe stamp rubber.

I mainly work as an engineer, but besides that i teach “technology” at a secondary school in Germany. I developed this model as a compact craft kit for my Grade 6 class. Each student can assemble their own press, explore its mechanical principle and create a real print.

The model is a simplified educational interpretation, not an exact scale replica of a specific historical press but you can definitely use it like me in your classroom to teach the kids something about the history of book printing!

During our technology lessons, we explore paper as a raw material and look at how the production of books developed over time.

Instead of only reading about Gutenberg, movable type and early printing presses, the students build a small working model themselves.

The finished press allows them to:

🧩 assemble a mechanism from flat laser-cut parts
⚙️ observe how movement and pressure are transferred
🖨️ produce their own small print
📄 test different paper and printing methods
💡 connect history, engineering and digital fabrication

The project requires only a few materials and can easily be prepared as a complete classroom set.

At the end of this tutorial, I also provide illustrated teaching material about the Gutenberg press in both English and German.

📷 Here is my Instagram Link:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Da0ZxE2AsSw/

The complete model was designed in SketchUp Make.

I first created the press as a 3D model to check:

🔹 the overall proportions
🔹 the movement of the printing table
🔹 the position of the lever
🔹 the rubber-band mechanism
🔹 the order in which the parts must be assembled
🔹 whether all components can be made from one 3 mm material

The 3D model was especially useful for identifying collisions and planning the final assembly sequence. Here you can see the working mechanism in the design:

When i was pleased with the results, the design was converted into flat laser-cutting files.

Import the cutting files (dxf / svg) into your laser software.

Before processing:

1. Keep engraving and cutting lines on separate layers.
2. Confirm that the dimensions have not changed.
3. Check that the sheet is exactly 3 mm thick.
4. Mirror all text and graphics for the rubber stamp (see the pictures below) and put the text into a rectangle to only engrave the part outside the text.
5. Run a small material test before producing the complete kit.

The stamp design can easily be replaced with:

✏️ a student’s name
🏫 a school logo
🔤 a short word
⭐ a symbol or small illustration

Place the 3 mm plywood flat inside the laser cutter and secure it against movement.

Suggested Settings

Machine: P2
Material: 3 mm basswood plywood
Mode: Cut
Power: 80%
Speed: 25 mm/s
Passes: 1

After cutting:

🔹 remove the parts carefully
🔹 check that all slots are fully open
🔹 lightly sand visible smoke marks if necessary
🔹 keep the parts for each kit together

For classroom preparation, each set can be stored in a labelled envelope or small paper bag.

The stamp graphic must be mirrored before engraving so that the finished print appears correctly.

Engraving Settings

Machine: P2
Material: Laser-safe stamp rubber
Mode: Engrave
Power: 70%
Speed: 500 mm/s
Lines per centimetre: 160
Passes: 2

Cutting Settings

Power: 60%
Speed: 14 mm/s
Passes: 1

After processing:

1. Clean the engraved surface carefully.
2. Check that the raised printing areas are clearly visible. If necessary do another pass so that the engraving becomes deeper!
3. Make a test print.
4. Attach the finished rubber piece centrally beneath the wooden press plate (shown in the step assembly)

The order of assembly is important because the moving components are inserted before the second side panel closes the frame.

Step 1 – Build the First Half

Attach the first side panel to the base and add the connecting parts shown in the assembly animation.

Keep the structure straight and check that all tabs are fully inserted.

🎞️ GIF 1: Assembly of the first half

Step 2 – Prepare the Moving Parts

Assemble the movable printing table.

Then assemble the upper pressing unit and connect it with the rubber band as shown. The rubber band keeps the mechanism together and later helps the press return to its starting position.

Step 3 – Insert the Mechanism

Insert the movable printing table into the first half of the frame.

Then place the already assembled upper unit with the press plate and rubber band into its guides.

Step 4 – Complete the Frame

Attach the second side panel and close the construction.

Finally, install the side lever and test the complete movement before applying glue.

Check that:

⚙️ the table can move
⬆️ the press returns upward
↕️ the press plate moves vertically
🟡 the rubber band is not overstretched

🎞️ GIF 2: Final assembly and installation of the moving parts

A small amount of glue can be added if individual joints are loose. With accurately calibrated slots, most parts can also be assembled as press-fit connections.

1. Cut the Paper

Prepare a piece of paper measuring:

45.6 × 37 mm

A small cutting template makes classroom preparation much faster.

2. Apply Colour

Stamp ink is optional.

The raised rubber surface can simply be coloured with a felt-tip pen. This works surprisingly well for small prints and makes the project easier to use in the classroom.

Colour the entire raised design evenly without filling the recessed areas.

3. Insert the Paper

Place the paper on the movable printing table and align it with the edges.

4. Move the Table into Position

Slide the table beneath the press plate.

5. Press the Lever

Push the side lever down slowly and evenly.

Hold it briefly in the lower position so that the complete rubber surface touches the paper.

6. Release and Remove the Print

Release the lever. The rubber-band mechanism helps lift the press again.

Pull the table forward and remove the finished print.

Students can test how the result changes with:

🔹 more or less colour
🔹 different pressure
🔹 longer contact time
🔹 smooth or textured paper
🔹 different felt-tip pens