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67 Cool Things to 3D Print
3D printing is such a fun way to produce creative work—and it has totally taken off. Now, creators are using this amazing new technology to create all kinds of wild and wonderful 3D printer projects that were previously all but impossible to make at home.
These 3D printer projects are a great addition to your online design portfolio. This is such a hot space that shows your mastery of this chic craft could win you some big new clients. You can showcase a collection of cool things to 3D print and some of your best 3D printings too.
Want to get in on this cool 3D prints trend? We’ve compiled a list of 67 inspiring 3D printing ideas to fuel your next 3D printer design. So, what can you make with a 3D printer? Well, there’s something cool for everyone!
Next in our list of cool things to 3D print is a simple project that can be completed in approximately one hour and will produce a whistle. It can produce an eye-popping 118db sound, perfect for camping or sporting events.
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that earbud cords are a pain in the butt to keep organized. They constantly get tangled and eventually produce the dreaded earphone-crackle, rendering your treasured music-makers useless. This is a great example of what you can make with a 3D printer that can improve your everyday life.
A simple toy originally created for Settlers of Catan, this project is durable and (in our opinion) cute. This is one of those 3D printer projects you could use in a few ways: gaming, office desk decoration, children’s toy, you name it! Plus, T-Rexes are (always!) cool.
Organize your desk, and add a little flair at the same time! With these simple 3D printer designs, you’ll have all you need to generate truly unique desktop organizers that not only keep your stuff where it needs to be but look cool as well.
You can 3D print a pencil holder that is unique to your own personality and have others mistaking your pencil holders again.
With a 3D printer you’ll be able to replace your dinnerware with new and original 3D printer designs in no time at all. Take this blueberry-themed bowl, for example. Why stop there? There are numerous other designs for plates and bowls out there to make eating at home a unique experience.
One of the cool things to 3D print is an abstract planter for your succulents and cacti. Why use traditional planters to hold your plants? There are cool 3D prints out there that don’t allow you to skip the traditional clay pots. These modular little guys are modern and fresh and guaranteed to make your mini-garden more attractive.
Get rid of those 72 measuring spoons from your utensil drawer and replace them all with a single implement! One of the most immediately useful and cool 3D prints in this list, it’ll make for an interesting tool that others will want when they see it.
Stop the tyranny of cords taking over your desk and entertainment unit and 3D print some space-saving cable management devices. You’ll cut back on desk clutter and all that cord-related aggravation. These are the blessed 3D printed objects that make life a little less annoying!
Nearly everyone these days has a smartphone, and we’ve likely all had moments where we wanted to prop up our phones for viewing video or photos and had to resort to piled books or whatever else is on hand. And it rarely works out as well as we hope! That makes this tiny project one of the coolest 3D printed objects on the list. Plus, they look like cats. Cats are good.
A perennial childhood favorite, kids love them just as much today. Of course, adults can enjoy these toys, too. They could be just the ticket to break through some creative block!
A truly inspiring 3D printing idea, these pop-out business cards allow you to speak to clients in a way they won’t have experienced many times (if ever) before! Rather than a drab piece of cardboard, hand them a toy they can assemble that speaks much louder than a traditional printed card.
Can’t sit still? Searching for a 3D printer project to help you focus? Look no further. Fidget spinners are an excellent way to occupy your mind, and this 3D printed object will definitely do the trick.
This is probably one of the most fun and cool things to 3D print, these gimmicky little toys are quite literally affixed to food items found in your house. A lemon helicopter? A banana-car? Why not! Easy to print and awesome for providing hours of enjoyment to restless rainy-day kiddos.
Definitely among the most interesting and cool things to 3D print in this list (and showcasing a bit more complexity than other entries), the dragonfly is a tiny little flying machine you can whip up in a short time. It’s perfect for providing a little entertainment for your kids on a rainy day.
Why settle for boring cutlery in your drawer? With minimal effort, you can produce some decorative handles for your eating utensils and wow visitors to your humble abode.
When they inevitably ask “so, what can you print with a 3D printer?”, you can tell them they’re eating with it!
Drop your phone into these useful little devices to amplify the sound from its speakers. They offer surprisingly high-quality sound—and now you don’t need to lug portable speakers around on picnics or at the beach.
If you’re looking for some more simple and cool 3D printing ideas, consider 3D printing a set of drink coasters. Thanks to simple 3D printer designs like this, we won’t need to spend our hard-earned cash on flimsy little discs anymore. Make your own coasters with whatever designs you want, and say goodbye to tacky freebies and over-priced novelty ones. This idea makes for one of the cool things to 3D print as gifts!
If you’re an audiophile, you’ll truly appreciate this entry as one of the best things to 3d print.
By converting audio files, you can create your own records that will play on turntables. Why limit it to music? Record your own special messages to loved ones and send out the love!
Simple 3D printer designs like this are great to have on hand. Hinges are always useful, and come in handy all over the house. These particular designs are super-simple, even by 3D printing standards, requiring just a single step!
With a sliding clasp, these unique chip clip designs work quite well and are fantastically simple things to 3D print.
A larger-scale project than other 3D printing ideas, the Drawing Machine is quite unique: attach a pen and create works of art from files on your computer. This 3D printer project can help you produce invitations, cards or any other manner of drawings.
Some nostalgic old-timey engineering comes into play with these uber-neat 3D printing ideas.
Relive the past and have your desk decorated with a sign that uses something other than LED or LCD displays!
When it comes to 3D printing metal, there are people who may choose to use a laser cutter instead. The reason is that 3D printed projects using metal can be costly and time-consuming. However, the two are quite different. 3D printing is an additive process, while laser cutting is a subtractive process. Depending on your needs, those that are looking to create multiple pieces at a quicker pace may choose the laser cutter as it can conveniently cut multiple materials and larger size.
With digital trends of raw and rustic design, you might be considering 3D printing cool things at home with metal. However, printing metal is extremely costly due to its process and the machinery required. If you’re looking for cool things to 3D print at home with a metal-looking finish, we recommend using materials on the market that can create metal-like 3D printed objects instead.
These materials give the illusion that your 3D printed pencil holder or camera mount is made out of metal but without the actual cost.
Thanks to 3D printing, it has also made highly-customizable prosthesis possible. One of the coolest things about 3D printed prosthesis is that they can create custom fits for the patient and also a much lower cost. Instead of creating static designs that are “one size fits all”, 3D print gives companies the opportunity to create products that are affordable and personalized. What would have cost lots of money to create is now more accessible thanks to 3D printed prostheses.
Beyond science, 3D printed homes and shelters have also become one of the cool things to 3D print across the world. To address the housing issue around the world, companies have been using this technology to print emergency shelters and 3D printed homes. With this technology, companies and cities can build a community in a much shorter amount of time and for a cost cheaper than traditional home building methods.
Each home inside the community can then be purchased at a more affordable cost.
If you love architecture and buildings, companies have created kits that allow people to replicate architectural structures and other cool things with a 3D pen. For boardgame lovers, you 3D print your own figurines by drawing it with your 3D pen. You can also turn your favorite cartoon show characters or movie heroes into 3D. While a 3D pen allows you to draw 2D things to 3D, their limitation tends to be the size of the project you can make. If you’re looking to 3D print a life-size chair, it may be easier to use a printer because 3D pens may not be able to create something as durable.
- Tangram: A super easy and fun game to play with your kids or friends. If you’re going on a road trip or simply trying to pass time, this 3D printed tangram makes for portable entertainment.
- Klöts (Quick shoe ties): Some cool things to 3D print for your kids are these quick shoe ties.
With this project, you’ll spend less time worrying about their shoelaces being undone and risking a fall. - Puzzle Keychain: This heart puzzle is perfect as a gift or personal use. If you’re tight on schedule for an anniversary or valentine’s day gift, this heart puzzle is one of the quickest things to 3D print.
- Door Stop: Some things to 3D print for practical uses are these door stops. Whether you’re using it at home or for your office, printing them is super easy and fast.
- Light Switch Locks: This definitely tops for cool things to 3D print, especially for parents. This awesome tool can prevent your kids from turning the lights on and off at home. Keep certain lights off to save energy.
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Contents:
- Introduction
- Can you 3D print a 3D printer?
- How does it work?
- Why should you build your 3D printer from scratch?
- RepRap, the first self-replicating 3D printer
- 3D printed 3D printer: Improving the technology with iterations like Prusa i3
- Building the future of self-replicating 3D printers: Spatial applications
Introduction
Can you 3D print a 3D printer?
Yes, it’s possible to 3D print a 3D printer! Some self-replicating 3D printers have been created, and there are already several versions of them.
Though, these types of 3D printers can’t do the whole job themselves. You have to 3D print each part of the 3D printer individually, and then assemble them yourself. Also, there are still a few parts of a 3D printer that can’t be 3D printed as electronic components. So you can 3D print a 3D printer, but not totally for now.
This also stands for plastic 3D printing only. Other types of 3D printers such as metal 3D printers, liquid resin or ceramic 3D printing are not possible to be produced in this way.
How does it work?
3D printing a 3D printer is no different than the manufacturing method of any other 3D printed object. You can actually find the pieces online, but you might need 3D modeling or CAD software to make adjustments. Your parts would be 3D printed layer by layer, the process repeats. You should assure material extrusion runs smoothly and that it produces thin layers.
You should also pay attention to the surface finish, although with FDM technology it won’t be the smoothest.
Why should you build 3D printed 3D printer?
Producing your own 3D printer can actually give you a lot of room to learn. It allows you to know the project inside out and dig really deep into all the mysteries of 3D printing. You will gain a lot of knowledge, but also become an expert in case of any repairs.
3D printing gives you new design freedom. Thanks to that you can customize and personalize your own 3D printer according to your needs. No other technology gives you the opportunity to produce a fully adjustable machine to produce your parts.
RepRap, the first self-replicating 3D printer
The first self-replicating 3D printer was invented by Dr. Adrian Bowyer through the RepRap project, senior lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath, who started his research in 2005.
His first functional machine, called the RepRap “Darwin”, with 50% of self-replicated parts, was unveiled in 2008.
Here’s a video of Adrian Bowyer assembling the RepRap project:
The 3D printed 3D printers made by the RepRap project use the Fused Deposition Modeling FDM printing technology, with plastic 3D printing materials. They are desktop 3D printers, and thus they are limited in terms of applications compared to industrial Additive Manufacturing .
Moreover, they can’t totally print themselves. As they are plastic 3D printers made of plastic parts, they can 3D print some parts of themselves, just like they could totally build other 3D printed objects. You then need to assemble them yourself and to add the components who can’t be 3D printed, like electronics or metal parts (since it’s a plastic 3D printer).
3D printed 3D printer: Improving the technology with iterations like Prusa i3
Over the years, since the RepRap project is open-source, with all the 3D models available online, there have been many iterations of this printable 3D printer from various manufacturing aficionados. The Prusa i3 is part of these improvements, and it’s now one of the most used 3D printers in the world. It was designed by Josef Prusa in 2012. Two improved versions have been released since then: the Prusa i3 MK2 in 2016, and the Prusa i3 MK2S in 2017.
Why is it such a success? Its lower cost (you can find its 3D design files for free), and the ease of construction and of modification have made it a must-have for hobbyists, but also for some professionals (even if it doesn’t replace the performance of an industrial 3D printer). It’s popular also in the education field.
Like the previous versions of the RepRap project self-replicating 3D printers, it can only 3D print some of its parts, the ones that are in plastic, but not the metal parts, nor the electronic components.
Indeed, it’s not suited yet for metal 3D printiers. But it can be used to create various 3D printed objects, for instance, consumer products, jigs and fixtures or even medical devices..
Building the future of self-replicating 3D printers: Spatial applications
A self-replicating desktop 3D printer is an interesting concept, but in the end, we could 3D print 3D printers for applications way more impacting. The most interesting one is clearly spatial exploration.
Indeed, there are many scientists trying to find a way to 3D print a 3D printer directly in space. One of these machines would be sent to the moon (as a first step), and then recreate itself from lunar materials. A team of researchers from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Carleton University in Ottawa is currently working on this. Their goal is to then 3D print whole lunar bases, as well as conducting in-space manufacturing of satellites.
This self-replication machine 3D prints a mix of materials such as plastic and iron, in varying proportions, depending on the part needed.
The raw material needed to create a similar mixture could be extracted from the lunar regolith, a material covering almost the entire lunar surface.
One of the hardest parts to build when 3D printing a 3D printer is the motor. Alex Ellery, who is leading the project, said in June that the team was close to being capable of printing a fully functioning electric motor from a material similar to what can be sourced on the moon, which is a true revolution.
But there’s another prerequisite for a fully self-replication: electronics. Ellery explained that this one might take much longer to solve. Once it will be possible to use the exact same 3D printed 3D printers to create motors and electronics, these machines will allow the creation of any kind of manufacturing machine, like 3D printers, milling machines, drills or excavating machines. Thus, they will not just self-replicate, but also contribute to the creation of spatial manufacturing centers. And sending only one of these 3D printers to space will allow the creation of huge factories.
Apart from that, the potential applications of additive manufacturing from space are numerous. Indeed, it would also be possible to 3D print space-based solar panels on satellites turning sunlight into energy and to then send this solar power down to earth. Or even to build 3D printable space shields to protect the Earth against solar radiation to fight against global warming.
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50 Cool Things to 3D Print / Sudo Null IT News
No ideas for 3D printing? Tired of worthless trinkets? Here is a list of 50 cool really useful things for 3D printing.
Like us, you're excited about the possibilities of 3D printing.
But, unfortunately, the horizon is littered with trinkets, trinkets and other unnecessary things. We are in danger of being buried under a heap of useless rubbish.
Throw off the shackles of mediocrity! Let's create really useful things! Here is a list of cool things that you can make on a 3D printer right now. Prove to your family and loved ones that this wonderful technology can be used daily and in practice.
No access to 3D printer? No problem. Just upload your files to our 3D printing price comparison system and choose the best price, ONLINE!
Don't have a 3D printer to print these amazing things? Then come to
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #2: Power Outlet Shelf
Attach a shelf to your power outlet to support your phone while charging. The shelf has a slanted recess that allows you to keep your smartphone or tablet upright.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #3: Soap Dish
Elegant bathroom soap dish with two washable compartments. You can change the pattern of the inner pallet if you wish.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printable Cool Item #4: Nightstand Tag Handles
The art of storage doesn't have to be boring. The Hobb Knob is a small pen with a label to describe the items in the drawers. Now you will never lose your socks!
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool 3D printable item #5: coasters with geometric patterns
When it comes to hot drinks, mug circles are an inevitable risk.
Things take a much more serious turn if there is a coffee-addicted inhabitant in the house. Available in three designs, these coasters help you avoid unsightly stains.
Download from Pinshape
3D Printing Cool Thing #6: Hinge Lamp
This hinged modular lamp consists of 6 main parts: base, body and top with LEDs. To make the lamp taller, you can add the required number of elements.
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #7: one-handed bottle opener
This boomerang-shaped bottle opener is useful for people who have difficulty performing activities that require the application of force, for example, when opening a plastic bottle. Print it out and give it to your grandmother. She will appreciate this gesture.
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #8: shower head
Is swimming under a waterfall on your list of things to do before you die? The next best thing is a 3D printed shower head (probably).
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #9: Secret Shelf
Hide valuable documents and stash from prying eyes on this secret shelf.
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #10: jar handle
Enhance empty jam jars with a printed handle. What could be easier?
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #11: Plastic Wrench
A full size general purpose plastic wrench. Actually for screwing and unscrewing around the house.
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #12: business card holder
"What a delicate yellowish tint, and the thickness is tasteful, oh my, even the watermarks." Do you have such a business card? Find her a pair in the form of this business card holder, printed in its entirety (yes, already with a hinged lid). Instructions for adding a custom logo are included.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printable Cool Item #13: Alien Invader Shaped Toilet Paper Holder
Brighten up your bathroom with a functional printable model of a classic alien invader... ahem holding your toilet paper.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #14: lift platform
Here is a fully assembled lift platform. Printed in full. No need to fiddle with a bunch of details. The adjustable height can be used to lift or support an object of acceptable weight.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #15: Plant Drinker
Houseplants fallen victim to neglect? FORGET ABOUT IT. Print out this simple automatic plant drinker and your conscience will be clear.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #16: earbud holder
We spend a lot of money buying headphones on the go, but we don't protect them enough when we use them.
Hide your headphones safely in this 3D printed holder.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #17: Package Pen
We all know this situation. You trudge home from the supermarket, loaded with bags of groceries. The force of gravity causes plastic to crash into your palms, am I right? ENOUGH. Print these bag handles and forget about chafed palms forever!
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #18: tablet stand
There are times when you need to free your hands when using your smart device, such as watching TV shows or cooking recipes. This simple stand supports 7" and larger tablets in both portrait and landscape modes.
Download from Pinshape
Cool 3D Printing Item #19: Plant Drinker #2
Another horticultural art contraption. It is especially suitable for kitchen plants. The next time you buy fresh herbs for cooking, transplant them into this neat device and they'll stay fresh all week long.
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #20: door stop
Tired of everyone slamming doors at home or in the office? Then you need an UNCOMPROMISING door stop. Light weight, child safe, designed for easy installation and easy fabrication on an FDM 3D printer. The creator of the stop also claims that the device can be used to repel zombie attacks, however this version has not been verified.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #21: Windshield Scraper
If you want to quickly and easily get rid of snow and ice on your car windshield with this handy scraper. Printed without support, at the end there is a hole for a lace.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #22: Water Hose Control
This special nozzle regulates the flow of water in the garden hose, about 2 liters per minute. It’s great if you have water limits set in the height of summer.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #23: Modular Wine Rack
Whether you're new or a connoisseur in the world of wine, this modular wine rack is the perfect storage solution for your fine drink. bottles of WIRA. It can be expanded (or narrowed) according to your collection by printing only the required number of modules.
Download from 3DShook
Cool thing for 3D printing #24: whistle for protection
This original design whistle is easy to make and carry. Durable and very loud. How loud? How about 118 decibels? This is more than enough to get people to hear about your emergency.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printable Cool Thing #25: Apple Headphone Holder
Download from ThingiVerse9
3D Printable Thing: Cool Thing #20016 Holder of an umbrella for a wheelchair
Download with Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No.
28: Protection for disk
Download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 29: Form for Snegles
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool 3D Printable Item #30: Wine Bottle Protector
Download from MyMiniFactory170004
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 31: Pocket ashtray
download from Myminifactory
Cool Press No. 32: Rodist Roll for a glass 9000 9000 9000 9000 download from MYMINIFACTORY
3D Printable Cool Item #33: Apple Remote Stand
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #34: Key Holder
Download with Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 35: Holder of the cutlery for people with disabilities
Download from Myminifactory
Current Press No. LIVE wine bottle
Download from MyMiniFactory
Cool thing for 3D printing #37: Paper cup holder
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No.
38: Case for blades
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 39: Holder for a children from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #40: Towel Rack
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #41: Holder for a glass
Download with Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D Press No. 42: Holder for a phone in the shower
download from Myminifactory
Twisting thing for 3D printing No. 43: Holder No. 43: Holder No. 43: for beer glasses
Download from MyMiniFactory
Cool thing for 3D printing #44: MacBook Pro stand
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 45: Protection for SD-Cart
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing No. 46: BATERIOUS 9000
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #47: Ice Cream Cone Holder
Download from MyMiniFactory
Printable Cool Item #40016 shower set
download from Myminifactory
Cool Spring No.
49: Evacal separator
download from Myminifactory
Cool Press No. 50 for 3D:
Download from MyMiniFactory
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What does a 3D printer print
What does a 3D printer print? In this section, printer owners share their 3D printed work. If you have printed something interesting, show your print to a wide audience of 3DToday.
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Scale 1:24.
3D printing of master models from photopolymer Harzlabs, INDUSTRIAL ABS.
Layer height 35 µm.
Acrylic painting.
3D modeling, printing and sculpting: amforma
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TV shelf for Apple TV, Kinect or anything from decor.
Suitable for flat TVs with a thin (up to 5mm) top. Dimensions 300mm x 180mm x 120mm.
Printed in 0.3mm PETG, 50-80% infill. Without support and raft.
Print time approx. 12-15 hours.
Link to the model: https://3dtoday.ru/3d-models/for-home/accessories/navesnaya-polka-na-televizor
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Scale 1:10
Photopolymer: Harzlabs, INDUSTRIAL ABS + ANYCUBIC
Layer height 35 microns.
No primer.
3D sculpting: Wicked
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59
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Continuing the topic of applied miniature.
This time, unlike the hygrometer, the model is made by spare parts. This allows you to paint it more quickly and simplifies the possibility of mass production.
The diameter of the intended device is 96.5mm.
Scale 1:7.
This copy is a demo printed in Harzlabs, INDUSTRIAL ABS resin on an ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X 6K 3D printer. The layer height is 35 µm.
Hollow model....
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BRABHAM BT62 steering wheel 3D model for 3D printing.
Suitable for installation in a scale model.
Test model printed on Anycubic Photon S
3D printer
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Good day to all.
New Year's hare model is made under the router, but could not resist and printed on Foton Mono 4K. Printer settings are standard from CHITUBOX. Elegoo resin gray water washable.
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Scale 1:10
Photopolymer: Harzlabs, INDUSTRIAL ABS + ANYCUBIC
Layer height 35 microns.
No primer.
3D sculpting: Wicked
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Autoclave lid printed for a large dental clinic. The chosen material was Total GF30 Filamentarno!
Filamentarno! Total GF30
#3dprint #3dprint #3dscan #3dscan #3dprinter #3dp #3dprints #3dprintchelyabinsk #3dprintinchelyabinsk
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MCLAREN P1 GTR steering wheel 3D printable model.
