Update:

V3

Received some feedback / ideas and I think this is the final iteration. 

• Ditched the support structure altogether - just made the whole palate way thicker 
• Added a shallow convex curve on the bottom and concave curve on the top.
  • Idea is as pressure is applied, it will flatten out

V2

Alright it's only been a day but figured these notes might help folks who may be designing their own version:

• Plate is now thicker, and the cross supports are taller
  • Previous model still bent too much for my taste when applying a bunch of pressure
• Added a top and bottom model
  • Bottom has holes for the bolts, Top has slots. This is so you don't have to unscrew the nuts all the way to take the top plate off. If you don't care about this just print 2 of the bottom ones.
• Added spacer / stencil model
  • Optional - helps to cut cardboard / paper that fits in the press. Can also print a few and throw one in every few flower layers for added stiffness.
• Added a bolt hole in the middle. I don't have plans to use this, but you could put a big boy bolt in the middle and really clamp it down if you want?

How to use

1st of all - if you are able to, you're probs better off just using wood. If you live in a small apt in a city like me though, this isn't a bad alternative.

Print 2 (top and bottom) cut out some cardboard squares, and some parchment (or any paper) squares (~ 100 x 100 mm). You can print the spacer model to use as a stencil to help. Layer like so:

Cardboard → Paper → Flowers → Paper → Cardboard → Paper → Flowers… etc

Get some bolts / wing nuts / washers, and clamp your stack down tight. I don't remember the size I used but the hole diameter is 5.2mm… so smaller than that.

Use the stiffest filament ya got. I used ~40% infill I think, but the more the merrier if you don't care about material use.

Now google how long you should wait / other flower pressing tips becuase I have no idea and that's what I'll be doing shortly.

Print Tips

Use the stiffest filament ya got. I used ~40% infill I think, but the more the merrier if you don't care about material use.

I used a 0.8mm nozzle for speed, but it made the bottom look god-awful on the bottom (have to use supports for the curve). Functionally it doesn't matter, but you can use a smaller nozzle if ya want.