Fig. 2. Pin-printing parameters and resulting sample deposition.

a Schematic overview of relevant parameters for pin printing. The deposited layer in height (h) and length (L) is a result of the sample properties (viscosity μ, surface tension σ, density ρ), contact angles (advancing at the grid θ_a, receding at the pin θ_r), and writing parameters (standoff distance δ, pin radius R, pin velocity u). b Photograph of the grid by the integrated camera shows the sample applied by pin printing. The pin is indicated by a yellow circle. c Low magnification cryo-EM atlas of the deposited and vitrified sample. One thicker square (arrow) is the result of retraction of the pin from the grid. Scale bars represent 50 μm.