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Best 3d printer objects


The 34 Coolest & Most Useful Things To 3D Print 2022

Today, there are many cheap and affordable 3D printers available to anyone, and everyone’s on the lookout for the coolest things to 3D print. From practical to aesthetic, everyday use or conversation starter, there are plenty of awesome things that can be made using 3D printing.

Getting a good 3D printer is an exciting thing, but it’s also a great way to experience analysis paralysis. What cool 3D printing ideas are out there? What functional and useful things can I print? The base question is; what capn you make with a 3D printer and why?

From practical 3D printed items to cool print designs, 3D printing lets you print household decorations, neat touches, and awesome innovations across many industries.

New and creative 3D printing ideas come up every day, and designers all over the internet are sharing their creations and thoughts for the world to use.

With new technologies and ideas being shared throughout the internet for households and companies, here are some of the coolest and best things to 3D print. Any of these designs make for great home use, or excellent 3D printed gifts for that personal touch.

Musical Instruments

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

  • Playing a musical instrument is cool enough as it is, playing an instrument you designed and printed yourself goes beyond cool
  • Models and materials are cheaper than buying a traditionally made instrument
  • Customizations make the instrument truly yours

Learning an instrument has crossed everyone’s mind at some point for one reason or another. Fortunately, 3D printing has your back.

From guitars and violins to flutes and ocarinas, there are many cool 3D models out there for anyone who has ever wanted to bring a little more music into their homes and learn a new life skill while they’re at it.

Musicians tend to have affinities with their instrument of choice, and what better way to start that partnership than by laying down your favorite tunes on 3D printed creations you’ve designed and made yourself?

There are plenty useful 3D prints when it comes to finding your next musical obsession. From recorders to guitars (both mini and acoustic), and even violins, there are many cool 3D printable instruments to indulge in.

If you’re already set or music, you can still find models for accessories like guitar picks, metronomes, and rhythm keepers like tambourines and maracas. To show off your cool new instrument, you can also add sheet music holders and guitar stands to your list of future 3D printer creations.

Musical instruments of all kinds for all ages and levels are available all over the internet. By taking these 3D printing ideas, you can add your own touches and colors to make your new instrument completely yours.

Learning an instrument is a challenge, but they are without a doubt one of the coolest things you can make with a 3D printer today.

Recorder Flute by ArturoV here / Violin models by eashwarps here / Free acoustic guitar model by yuvabalaji here / Rhythm makers by MakerBot here / Guitar stand by Rapidhearts here / Sheet music holder by manikin13 here

Wallets and Card Holders — Really useful things to 3D print

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

  • They are must-haves for organizing
  • They neaten up your workspace
  • The different designs offer a variety of uses

Cards are a big part of modern life. From credit to loyalty, memberships to drivers’ licenses, there are cards for everything.

Over time, our wallets can become cumbersome with the things, which can be especially annoying if you have a penchant for tight pants. And many of the cards we carry aren’t even needed every day.

Even when we decide to only carry what we need, we often end up still having various cards strewn around our desks, in drawers, and around the house. So, while not immediately the coolest, card holders are definitely up there with the most useful things to 3D print.

These card holders are available to print as plastic wallets in any color or design, and even be compact for easy storage and portability. On the reverse, there are also transparent card holders fitted with keychain holders for added security for everyday use credit cards or licenses.

SD cards as well are a pain to keep track of. They’re tiny, fragile, and very easy to lose down the back of the sofa. For this, there are useful 3D prints available for SD card holders and protectors to ensure your photos and files are kept safe and somewhere you can see them.

Compact card holder model by jsugahara here / Playing card organizer model by Flashsolutions here / SD card holder by Terbium here / Keychain card holder model by les_kaye here / Wallet model by Brandon2255p here

Read more: 15+ cool 3D printed wallet files

Speakers/Sound Amplifiers

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

  • They don’t need electricity
  • They are light and easy to move around
  • They can be used with a variety of devices
  • They’re safe to use in the kitchen or bathroom

Not only are sound amplifiers one of the coolest things to 3D print, they’re also pretty useful. Wireless speakers are commonplace nowadays and have a variety of uses, so why not 3D print your own?

Many people enjoy listening to podcasts while they clean, or music when they cook. There are also those of us who like some background music while we sing in the shower. For these reasons, speakers are a must. Any audiophile asking themselves what are the best things to 3D print, a top answer should be a sound amplifier.

As with all wireless electronics, the main drawback is the battery, which needs to be regularly considered to avoid sudden silences. And this is where the functionality of 3D printed analogue speakers come in.

Acting as amplifiers, this neat 3D printing idea is available for phones of all shapes and sizes. All you need to do is put your device in so the speaker is inside the structure, and voila!

3D printed sound amplifiers don’t need their own power source to work, making them resistant to water (and steam, for the shower singers). Their cool status comes from their simplicity, not to mention they’re a good way to make your lifestyle a little more green.

Hex Phone Sound Amplifier model by edditive here / iPhone sound amplifier by tunnelPigeon here / Sound amplifier V2 by TiZYX here

Read more: 3D printed phone case files you can print

Or: 3D printable phone stands

Self-Watering Plant Pots — useful 3D prints for your home

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

  • They can look however you want to go with your plants or other decorations
  • Many designs come with little touches like mosquito catchers
  • They literally do one of your chores for you

Plants are a nice feature for any home. They can brighten up a room, bring a little life to empty space, and provide something akin to company for those who need to be indoors more often than they’d like.

However, like all living things, plants need care, and not everyone has the time or energy to remember to water them as often as needed.

Plant pots may seem basic, but they really become one of the most functional things to 3D print when you add in a self-watering feature.

These plant pot models come with water pipes that you can fill, these will water the plants as needed so you only need to remember to water the pot itself, which you’ll need to do far less often.

Some available models are mosquito-proof to prevent blockage, and a careful filtration system to make sure your plants aren’t overwatered.

For the color-coordination conscious, 3D printed plant pots are open to full customization. Any color can be used to go with any flower.

Small self-watering plant pot model here / Self Watering Planter model by daless14 here / Mosquito-Proof Self Watering Planter model here

Read more: 20+ 3D printed planters and plant posts

Vehicles — Some of the coolest things to 3D print around

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

  • They’re greener than machine-made vehicles due to less need for importation
  • They offer faster and cheaper repair times
  • They just look cool

While a fully 3D printed car is still a while away, 3D printing in the automotive industry has been on the rise for years.

From classic restoration and car parts to 3D printed prototype cars and buses, the automotive industry is looking to 3D printing for a variety of benefits.

And it isn’t just four-wheeled roadsters that are seeing a rise in 3D usage. BMW began prototyping 3D printed motorcycle frames for years, and BigRep revealed their concept for a completely 3D printed motorbike in 2018.

Vehicles of all kinds are being improved with 3D printed creations and innovations, and not just automobiles. E-Mobility company Floatility has developed a solar powered electric scooter made with 3D printing. Silicon Valley announced their hopes to release a 3D printed bicycle later this year, made using one piece of carbon, boasting that it is ‘impact resistant’ as this single-piece design isn’t held together using joints or glue.

And what’s a cooler thing to print than a car? A skateboard, of course! Designs for skateboards modifications and improvements using 3D printer creations have been in development for a while now, and many engineers are confident that they will hold up to industrial safety standards and be available for home-printing on a wide-scale basis soon.

3D printed skateboard model by fntsmn here

Clothes — a new 3D printing idea

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

  • They make for unique and slick designs
  • Clothes and accessories can be customized to accent your personality
  • From everyday wear to cosplay, 3D printing is quickly breaking into the world of fashion

Fashion can be a surprising industry. A concept as simple as a shirt or a dress can be reinvented time and time again with innovations that push the bounds of creativity in surprisingly cool ways. Because of this, practical 3D prints are being used today both on and off the catwalk.

Amazing 3D prints are changing the world of fashion, and designers are taking advantage of the new styles they can accomplish with the unlikely alliance. The clothing designs realized using 3D printing range from the mind-boggling to the mundane, and the intricate meshes that can be brought to life have even made an impact in Hollywood.

The kinks are still being worked out, the rise of 3D printed clothing is bringing us closer having our own clothes with amazing 3D printed creations to wear while out on the town. Though what makes this one of the coolest options for 3D design ideas, is the accessorizing.

Cosplay, fancy dress, 3D printed jewelry, and personally designed trinkets and decorations are all available for using new and complex 3D printed objects, breathing life and style into any outfit or costume.

Flying Toys — Fun things to 3D print

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

  • They’re easy to print and use
  • They have very simple designs
  • They are safe to use inside and out
  • They’re just plain fun

Of all the cool things to 3D print to excite the fun-lover in all of us, there are fewer things cooler or simpler than a flying toy.

Letting something go or throwing it just right to watch it fly through the air brings a simple kind of joy that delights old and young alike. What makes these particularly cool things to 3D print is how basic and easy most designs are.

Cool 3D printing models of momentum-powered plastic propellers (which are strangely fun to look at) are available.

Running on little more than rubber bands and air resistance, flying toys are elegant in their simplicity. Whether something to fidget with when idle, an excuse to hear your kids laugh, or something to straight-up confuse and excite a household pet; 3D printed flying toys are a cool, fun, and simple little distraction from a world that needs a little bit more basic joy that the smallest of things can give.

These flyers are made using minimalist designs, which not only aid flight, but also mean they are safe for both indoor and outdoor use due to their light weight, small size, and round designs.

  • If you’d like more ideas for 3D printed toys, you can check out our favourite 3D printed toy ideas here.

Flying Butterfly model by tigermcho here / Flying Bat model by tigermcho here / Propeller flying toy model by fernianr here

Impossible Tables — Impress your friends!

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

  • They must be seen to be believed
  • They are awesome to look at, and even cooler to use
  • You’ll sound pretty smart telling your friends how they work (because they will ask)
  • They are fantastic conversation starters

Likely the number one cause of double takes today, the impossible table is one of the coolest conversation starters that you can 3D print for your home décor. If you’ve ever wanted to see a piece of string support the weight of a soda can, then this is the household addition for you.

While there is less magic involved than many of us would like to think, the very possible impossible table is one of the coolest 3D printed objects, and they are practical too. From soap holders for your bathroom, or a raised pen holder for your desk.

Impossible tables are cool not just because of their gravity-defying structure, but the fact that they can be folded and taken on the move, adding a little bit more shelf space to anywhere you’re going.

A little assembly is required, but once you understand how it works (if you don’t already), you can explain to your friends that no, you did not become a wizard overnight, and it is in fact a marvel of engineering and physics.

Whether for practical use or a fun centerpiece, you can find some of the best 3D printable models ready for download or even just take note of the necessary objects and design your own in any shape or size you want (just make sure you have strong enough supports for your design!)

Circular impossible table model by Linx3D here / Impossible table pen holder model by mifulapirus here / Round impossible table model by 95teetee here

Gears/Orreries/Clockwork Models — Satisfying and useful 3D prints

Why they’re cool 3D printing objects:

  • They look awesome and can be very soothing to watch
  • They are impressive to make, and a great choice for any hobbyist who likes to work with their hands
  • They are very satisfying to finish, look at, and (let’s face it) brag about

Models and statuettes may be a cool 3D objects to print and decorate with, but that doesn’t mean they’re restricted to immobile toys. For the more engineering-minded people, you can find models for the individual components that make up mechanical/clockwork structures.

Of all the cool 3D printed stuff on this list, these are the most intricate and perhaps the most creative.

Like a jigsaw puzzle, these pieces can be put together to make any manor of animated talk-piece. Clocks are among the most complicated objects to 3D print, but the designs available are too cool to pass up. There’s even an old wood-style design that self-corrects for daylight savings.

For a less practical (but still awesome) decorative addition, you can find moving models of Sisyphus, though we don’t recommend keeping this one by your workstation, as the myth can become something of a downer.

For the astrologically inclined, there are models and pieces to build an orrery by combining several cool 3D printing models. Don’t worry, we won’t judge if you decide to include Pluto.

Automatic adjusting clock model by gzumwalt here / Sun Earth Moon orrery model by LarkysPrints here / Planetarium model by Zippitybamba here / Moving Sisyphus model here

Kitchen Utensils — the most useful things to 3D print

Why they’re a great 3D printing idea:

  • There are some unique and quirky designs to add character to any kitchen
  • Many of the designs are not only cool, but practical too
  • Cooking something yourself with 3D printed tools you made yourself is the height of dinnertime satisfaction
  • They make for good dinner table conversation

When seeking out the most useful things to 3D print, look no further than the cool models available to create your own kitchen utensils. These designs are not only practical, they’re also a natural conversation starter at the dinner table.

Small ‘credit card cutlery’ models are available for portable dining, as well as cookie cutters in all shapes and sizes to match any holiday or event. But this wouldn’t have made a list of the coolest things to 3D print if we didn’t talk about some of the really awesome and actually useful cool things to 3D print for everyday use.

We also have an article on 50+ fun 3D printed cookie cutters

Have you ever wanted a cutlery drying stand shaped like an elephant that runs the water straight back into the sink from the trunk? How about a bottle opener gun that can shoot your beer cap straight into the recycling? When asking yourself what useful things you can make with your 3D printer, surely these should be some of the first to come to mind.

For those who like to cook but don’t like the constantly changing measurements, there are also all-in-one measuring cups available as one of the most useful things to 3D print so you never have to second guess your rice or flour quantities again.

Bottle opener gun model here / All-in-one Measuring Cup model by HAPPYANZLE here / Easter Bunny cookie cutter by elk here

Toothpaste Squeezers

Why they’re a useful thing to 3D print:

  • They make no mess and take the effort out of using the last of your toothpaste.
  • They save money and time
  • They’re practical and make your bathroom neater

It’s strange to think how much money we spend on toothpaste every year, especially when most of the time we end up throwing away the tube before it’s even empty. 3D printing toothpaste holders and dispensers is a neat and easy way to save a few pennies and reduce waste.

There are workarounds, of course, and every household seems to have its own technique to get the most out of their toiletries. But none are as simple as these 3D printed toothpaste squeezers.

For a quick solution, the slide-and-lock model just needs a pull to squeeze the toothpaste out.

If you want a little more character, there’s also an awesome 3D printable Hulk hand to add a little heroism to your oral care.

The simplest of these designs, however, is the toothpaste holder, which wraps the bottom of the tube around to get every last drop.

Toothpaste Holder and Squeezer model by Alishanmao here / Slide-and-Lock Toothpaste Squeezer model by KikiTay here / The Hand Toothpast Squeezer model here

Medical Supplies

Why they’re cool things 3D printing ideas:

  • They make shortages of medical supplies less of a concern
  • They are safe and easy to sterilize
  • Customized prosthetics suit the needs and wants of the patient
  • Future developments could save thousands of lives by reducing wait times on transplant lists

Shortages of medical tools is a constant concern for healthcare professionals, and suppliers are always trying to make sure supply rooms are fully loaded. As a result, hospitals and practices all over the world have begun looking to 3D printed medical objects to ease these concerns.

3D printed medical supplies are cool in the sense that they can literally be lifesavers. While still in the early stages, 3D printed creations are proving themselves to be valuable resources to medicinal fields.

Surgical instruments are being made cheaply, and 3D printed prosthetics have seen a boom due to their quick manufacturing times and easy customizability. Even dentists have taken to 3D printed creations to ensure faster and more accurate procedures.

Bioprinting – a biomedical offshoot of 3D printing – sees the restructuring of biological material for tissue and organ transplants. Using body scans, orthopedic implants can be made by using 3D printing to reconstruct the affected bones or joints.

We may even not be too far away from a working 3D printed heart, how cool is that?

Other articles you may be interested in:

  • Easy and fun 3D prints
  • 3D printed wind turbines
  • 3D printed fishing lures
  • 3D printed RC planes
  • 3D printed RC cars
  • 3D printed pokemon prints
  • 3D printed chess sets

The crazy and coolest things people have pri

Why you can trust Pocket-lint

(Pocket-lint) - The world of 3D printing is well and truly here with printers in homes, online stores and even supermarkets offering 3D printing services. The result is all manner of weird and wonderful 3D printed objects.

In the home people can download or design files and print off objects in plastic. This can be helpful for cheap and easy replacements of parts about the house, quick toys and even furniture.

Then there are metal 3D printers as well as organic models. These are generally used by companies or universities and have created things like guns and even human organs. Food printers are also here making it possible to print sweets as well as proper meals.

3D printing is helping to make products appear on the market faster as cheaper and easier prototyping can be achieved. Cars have been 3D printed as well as basic houses. While they're still in the early stages of development it's possible that the future of large-scale production could be 3D printed.

We've rounded up a broad range of 3D printed products here right now.

Osaka University

3D-bioprinted structured Wagyu beef

Scientists from Osaka University have been working on 3D printing a meat alternative that's said to be comparable to Waygu beef. The "meat" contains muscle, fat and blood vessels arranged in a way that apparently has a striking resemblance to the expensive Waygu meat. 

The researchers have said this will not only help potentially provide an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to meat but a customisable food source too. Future customers will be able to order the meat customised with specific levels of fat (for example) tailored to their needs. 

If you're interested in the science of it you can read more about it here. 

Osteoid/Deniz Karasahin

A cast that helps you heal

Medical uses for 3D printing might well be our favourite use of this tech.

In 2014, designer Deniz Karasahin created this brilliant concept of a new cast for broken limbs that not only looks awesome but also helps the healing process. The 3D printed cast included a low-intensity pulsed ultrasound system that was designed to help damaged bones to heal faster - as much as 38 per cent faster in fact.  

Natural Machines

3D printed pizza

Foodini is a 3D food printer capable of printing an entire pizza in one. This printer, designed by Natural Machines doesn't just produce pizzas, it can manage other foodstuffs as well - burgers, spaghetti and more. Of course, a device like this is fairly high-end and in 2016 one of these printers would set you back around $2,000. But perhaps this sort of thing is a taste of the future?

TheFutureofThings

Bio-printing replacement body parts

3D printing is a fairly exciting field, not just in creating new gadgets and gizmos, but also in the field of medicine. There have been various advancements in the bio-printing space over the last few years. These have included research into 3D printing for tissue repair and reconstruction, limb replacement, kidney transplants and even heart transplant. 

Organovo has been pioneering this tech of late and was even involved in 3D printing liver and kidney tissue that could be used to treat failing human organs. An amazing life-saving tech that we can't wait to see future developments of. 

R-BRUSH/3D NextLevel

A dragon's head

Out of the Netherlands comes this fantastic 3D printed dragons head which adorns a Game of Thrones-themed boat. 

It was printed by 3D NextLevel and painted by R-Brush but it also impressive for other reasons - like the fact that it's equipped with a flamethrower and smoke machine for dramatic effect. 

captaincurrylaughingmaniacally

Hodor door stop

Game of Thrones fans will either chortle quietly or shed a single sad tear over this one. A 3D printed door stop crafted to show the word Hodor. 

University of Maine

The world's largest 3D printed boat

In October 2019, the University of Maine managed to set not one, not two, but three Guinness World Records for using the world's largest polymer 3D printer to print the largest boat ever printed.  

The 25-foot, 5,000-pound 3D-printed boat known as 3Dirigo might not be the most exciting or interesting-looking 3D print on our list, but it's certainly an impressive feat. Even more so when you watch the timelapse of it being crafted. 

The prototype printer itself is something special too. A beast of a machine that's able to print huge object as much as 100-feet long by 22-feet wide and 10-feet high. It's said that the printer will be used for rapid prototyping of civilian, defense and infrastructure applications.

kittenxlady

A little help for a furball

Instagrammer Kittenxlady posted this image in 2017 showing her favourite little kitten rocking some fairly awesome custom 3D printed wheels. The purrrrrrrrrfect little setup to help the little furball get about despite health problems. 

Thomas Tetu/3dvarius

A 3D printed electric violin

With humble beginnings in 2013, the 3Dvarius soon made a move to Kickstarter with the promise of an awesome looking 3D printed violin that was designed to create a symbiosis between itself and the musician. Precise machining, an innovative design and an eye-for-detail saw the 3Dvarius turn from a concept into a fully functioning musical instrument that really stands out from the crowd.     

willcalderone0630/Reddit

Darth Vader pen holder

While many of the 3D printings on this list might be useful, practical or helpful in one way or another, some are just awesome. This little 3D printed version of Darth Vader is a fantastic example. The dark overlord has been turned into a humble pen holder, bowing the knee to his owner. 

WinSun

The world's first 3D printed house

Back in the hazy days of 2014, a private Chinese company known as WinSun crafted the first ever 3D printed house. Four large 3D printers were put to work to spray concrete layer-by-layer to construct the walls. 

This 3D printing method was said to be incredibly cheap and the lack of manpower involved meant costs could be kept even lower. At the time it was suggested that a house could be printed for less than $5,000. 

Grass Roots Engineering

A full-sized kayak

This amazing kayak was 3D printed from a home printer section by section over 42 days. It was lovingly crafted by Jim Smith, a 3D Systems engineer, who made the craft from around $500 worth of materials. Those materials included ABS plastic, machine screws, brass inserts and a healthy dose of silicone caulk to keep the canoe watertight. It took around 1,012 hours to print but it works!

3D Systems

Edible printings

In 2015, 3D Systems announced the ChefJet Pro 3D. A 3D printing device that was able to 3D print sweets and candy treats. The result is some fairly awesome edible creations with flavours ranging from chocolate to vanilla, mint, sour apple, cherry and watermelon.

Pinhole

A 3D printed pinhole camera

Pinhole is a camera that can be 3D printed and loads 35mm film for shots. This device originally started life on Kickstarter before becoming a reality. It's designed to bring old-school photography to the modern age. The end result is pretty cool too as the 3D printed camera is strong, robust and durable - much more than modern digital cameras that could easily break if dropped. 

If you love this idea, you can even print your own camera by following these instructions. 

Hawk University

The Rapid Racer

The Rapid Racer was 3D printed with 3,600 layers and is powered by s standard 18V drill by Hawk University.

Alice Spieser

The Down Up Tap

The Down Up Tap makes drinking from a tap easier, should you feel the need to. This 3D printed tap is essentially a dual-nozzled water dispenser for your sink that combines the standard functionally of a normal tap with a drinking fountain. No need to dirty up your glasses, just drink and go. 

Nike

First ever 3D printed football boots

In 2013, Nike showed off its new design of Vapour Laser Talon football boots. These were the first ever 3D printed football boots that were designed to help athletes perform at their best thanks to a lightweight design and powerful traction grips. 

Porsche

Porsche Cayman S

In 2013, Porsche released a free 3D printable file for its Cayman S. Fans of the car maker could then print their own vehicle and even colour it whichever way they wanted. Sure it's not as cool as the real thing, but it is considerably cheaper and official too. 

Papierfliegerei

The paper aeroplane gun

Looking to up your paper aeroplane game? Then this 3D printed monster may be the device you need. The 3D printed A6 V10 Paper Airplane gun can fire planes automatically and in large quantities. 

It might not be much to look at, but one version of this 3D printed gun, known as the PFM-A5 V2 was capable of holding up to 200 sheets of A5 paper and firing 120 paper planes a minute.

Pi-top

3D printed modular laptop

The Pi-Top is a 3D printed modular laptop that's designed to teach users how to print circuitry, learn to code and create awesome devices for the future.   This quirky (and surprisingly cheap) device was created to encourage users to invent new gadgets, gizmos and interesting creations for the future. 

Canyon Critters Rescue

A 3D printed tortoise shell

Say hello to Cleopatra, a tortoise with a 3D-printed prosthesis. She suffers from pyramiding due to poor nutrition, meaning her real shell has holes and broken parts that could get infected, but Roger Henry, a student from Colorado Technical University, designed her a new 3D-printed shell made of biodegradable corn-based plastic. She's also being properly fed by the Canyon Critters Reptile Rescue HQ in Colorado, and her new 3D-printed shell is expected to protect her until her actual shell heals in a few years.

TBWA/Hakuhodo

3D on the rocks

A Japanese advertising agency called TBWA/Hakuhodo created ice pieces called "3D on the rocks" to advertise Suntory Whisky, but it used Autodesk 123D, 3D designs, and a CNC router to carve the designs out of an ice block. The whole process is quite similar to 3D printing. The image above is just one of the many ice pieces the agency made.

Reddit

A reconstructed Toucan beak

3D printing certainly has plenty of awesome potential uses. This brilliant snap shows just how much difference this printing tech can make, not only to human lives but also to the animals that inhabit our world as well. Here, a Toucan has had its beak reconstructed with the power of a 3D printer. 

unseen art

3D printed artwork for the blind

3D printed objects are changing lives all over the world in wonderfully different ways.

This brilliant use sees classic paintings and artwork being transformed into 3D printed sculptures. In this form, it is hoped that the visually impaired will have a chance to experience and appreciate the art in new and awesome ways like they couldn't before. 

Reddit/KANNABULL

Mobility for a puppy

This photo is proof from Reddit that 3D printed prosthetics and mobility aids aren't just for humans. This poor little dog has unfortunately lost the use of his legs, but now has some 3D printed wheels to help him zip about the place. 

surviro/Reddit

Google Droid

When one Redditor's wheel bound brother was due to start a job at Google they took to the 3D printer to make them something awesome to act as a desk buddy. A lot of thought went into this little printing as well. Not only does the Droid's head move (and come off) but it also has magnets built into its posterior to keep it in the wheelchair. 

Kvant3dPrinting

Dragon lamp

The last series of Game of Thrones might well have had fans of the series divided on whether it was any good or not, but there's no denying the dragons were awesome. Making the most of the love for the winged mythical creatures, one Etsy seller has taken to crafting awesome 3D printed dragon lamps, complete with burning hell fire. 

JayLuvLL

Full-sized 3D printed Iron Man suit

A cosplayer going by the name Jayluvll really takes their hobby seriously. Employing a healthy dose of patience, over six months of effort and a multitude of 3D printed parts, they managed to craft this awesome looking full-sized Iron Man suit. Impressive!

ST314/Reddit

An accurate brain

Not an actual brain nor a replacement for a human brain that's been 3D printed (though that would be fairly awesome), this is instead an accurate printing of a brain created from an MRI scan. Reddit user ST314 created it after their son went through the scanner. Theyexplained how it happened:

"I extracted the data from his MRI using a script written by user miykael on github, prepared the shape in Blender, bisecting the brain on the horizontal plane so there would be two stable flat surfaces, and then ran it through the Qidi software to create a gcode file from the stl. The printer is a Qidi X-pro. I used 3D Solutech PLA filament (because they had decent iZombie brain coloured material). Total print time was about 20 hours for both hemispheres. Data prep of the polygons was about the same amount of time."

Apis Cor

Another house and plans for space

Since the first 3D printed house was churned out, other companies have been working on creating new constructions using similar techniques. This house, built by Apis Cor, was constructed in under 24-hours and cost just over $10,000 to print. Interestingly, the 400 square foot domicile is predicted to be durable enough to last up to 175 years. Other endeavours by the company include research into the possibilities of using 3D printing technology to construct habitats on other planets. 

lecaramel

Piggy bank

3D printing is still a fair expensive undertaking, so perhaps this design is essential for anyone looking to get into it. A 3D printed piggy bank for storing your spare change for your next printing project. 

3DWatsch

A printed belt

If you're always having trouble with your trousers falling down or just find it impossible to find a belt that actually fits, then perhaps 3D printing your own is the solution. Imagine the possibilities of setting your own fashion trend with 3D printed clothing that's surely unique if nothing else. 

iJet

A tiny Tokoyo

iJet took to Kickstarter in 2016 with this brilliant project that saw Tokyo being recreated in tiny three-dimensional 3D printed maps. An awesome highly-detailed and painstaking project with fantastic results. The massive city certainly looks pretty special in this tiny format. 

NASA

3D printed rocket parts

Even NASA has been at it. In 2013 the space organisation experimented with 3D printing techniques to create new parts for its space rockets. Obviously, these are some heavy-duty bits of kit as they needed to be able to withstand temperatures of up to 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Goes to show the potential future uses of this tech though. 

Jukka Seppänen

Vortex Keep

Ever fancied your very own castle, complete with foreboding moat and unsurmountable cliff face? Now you can, at least in tiny form anyway, thanks to this 3D printable model by Jukka Seppänen. This model is also awesomely designed to hold a small candle in the middle to add a brilliant glowing ambience to it at night. 

Printing_Joe

Cheshire Cats

3D printers are so versatile. They can be used to print everything from replacement limbs to simple little models to show your love for fairy tales. These instructions by Steve Solomon let you print your very own grinning Cheshire cat. These felines are no longer confined to Wonderland. 

mrhodes/ChaosCoreTech

Godzilla

This brilliant vision of Godzilla was created by Mark Rhodes taking inspiration from the original model by ChaosCoreTech and adding in a cool dose of angry waters below his feet and a brilliant system that used vape tech to blow smoke out of his mouth. 

FotisMint

Animated series Batman

We bet a modern Bruce Wayne would have a few 3D printers in his house. He'd probably also approve of his animated likeness being recreated in this form.  3D printing hobbyist Fotis Mint has created this fantastic looking model of the dark knight for people to print themselves. 

Printing_Joe/Nick Markellov

Mushroom lamp

One of the things we love about 3D printing is the way it can not only be used to create beautiful things, but useful things as well. Here Joe Prints has crafted a really colourful mushroom that also doubles as a nifty little lamp. 

grafitomi/eastman

Judge Dredd

This is an incredibly detailed 3D printed model of Judge Dredd, complete with his iconic scowl and massive shoulder pads. This model was crafted by grafitomi based on David Östman's printing instructions. We think it's fantastic and you can even view it in its full glory in video form on Instagram.

FotisMint

Guybrush Threepwood

From the classic Monkey Island, comes our favourite pirate-based character Guybrush Threepwood. Brilliantly recreated here by Fotis Mint. If this floats your boat, you'll be happy to know, he's also got the specs for scurvy seadog, Captain LeChuck. 

David Östman/Eastman

Stormtrooper helmet

This bust of a Stormtrooper helmet seems to be the perfect model for geeks everywhere. We'd imagine if you own a 3D printer, you're probably a Star Wars fan. Most people are anyway, aren't they? Even if you aren't you can still appreciate the level of detail and the presence of this one. Another classic David Östman creation, it's certainly popular. 

Fabio Bautista

Anonymous mask

Whether this mask reminds you of Guy Fawkes, the 2005 film V for Vendetta or the hacker group Anonymous, it's certainly striking. If you've always thought it was pretty cool, like we have, then you'll be happy to know you can now print your own thanks to Fabio Bautista. 

Kirby Downey

Portal gun

Based on Valve's awesome sci-fi puzzle games, this 3D printing features an awesome looking portal gun. Alas, it won't actually be able to blast teleportation portals for you to travel through, but you will be able to impress your friends, use it for Cosplay or just show off your geeky style with it on a shelf in your home. Kirby Downey's creation also includes cavity housing for LED lights so you can make it glow. 

Rob Pauza/William Graves III

Captain America's shield

For all you MCU fans, this one is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. The original instructions are for a small version of the shield, scaled to be around 10-inches. But because it's 3D printed, you can also go large and this image shows one user who did just that and made a real-life sized shield. See a video of the original here to get a taste of how awesome it is. 

Scan The World

Medusa

Seems rather fitting to include Medusa on this list - the mythical snake-haired woman whose mere gaze could turn men to stone. This 3D printing is one of many different ones by Scan The World.  Scan The World is an ambitious project to scan and recreate objects of cultural significance like this on. Making our past more accessible to everyone around the world, even to those who are unable to travel. 

MiniWorld 3D

The Brandenburg Gate

It might be tiny, but it's also an awesome piece of history that you can hold in your hands. This 3D printing was created to celebrate the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall but also works a brilliant tribute to history. 

Scan The World

Moai Head on Easter Island

Another creation from the Scan the World project is a 3D printing of the Moai Head from Easter Island. This is a modern recreation of one of the mysterious statues from the island and a fantastic work of art. 

makit

OpenRC Tractor

Many of these 3D printed items are awesome to both look and marvel at, but they don't necessarily do anything other than please the eye. This one does though, with a little extra effort, you can make a working tractor which is bound to get your wheels turning. 

Duke Doks

SNES Mini Raspberry Pi

The SNES Mini is an awesome classic console. But if you're a creative sort of person, then you might like to build your own rather than buy one. Duke Doks created this guide for printing your own SNES Mini housing for your Raspberry Pi to make it look more authentic. 

Byambaa Erdene

Groot

The second cutest character from Guardian's of the Galaxy (our favourite is Rocket) is certainly unmistakable. If you love Groot too, then you're bound to approve of this 3D print. You can even print Groot sitting, standing and waving. So plenty to choose from. We just like that the lines of the 3D printing process help accentuate the wooden creases of Groot's skin. 

Steve Solomon

Wallace and Gromit

The most famous animated man and dog combo? Certainly one of the most entertaining to grace our televisions. Wallace and Gromit have filled us with joy over the years. We love this 3D printed model of the pair. It's amusing and a great likeness to the original too. 

Akaki Kuumeri/Thingiverse

Flight sim joystick

After Microsoft Flight Simulator released, people went mad for joysticks to the point that they all went out of stock or the prices got jacked up. 

Not to be deterred, Akaki Kuumeri crafted their own 3D printed joystick complete with working components and USB connectivity. A great solution to a first-world problem. 

Gary A. Donahue/Gad Blog

Stratocaster guitar

A real Stratocaster would set you back some serious amounts of money, but what about one you printed yourself? Sure, it's not quite the same, but it's awesome in its own way. 

It's worth noting that though you can print this guitar yourself, it's a tricky one to get working correctly. 

Ghost Design/Cults

Anti-germ door opener

In 2020, it's best not to get near people, touch things or go out in public, but if you need to then this might be a good solution.

A 3D printed door opener that looks like a knuckle duster but is actually designed to let you grip onto door handles and open doors without actually touching handles and thereby avoiding germs. 

FedorSosnin/Thingiverse

Mechanical keyboards

Gaming keyboards are great. Fancy custom keyboards are even better, but they're also very expensive. What about a 3D printed one? 

This is another one of those 3D prints that's complicated to pull off but oh-so-satisfying when it's finished. 

David_Ruiz

Batman miniature

This nifty little thing is a 3D printed miniature replica of the helmet from Batman vs Superman. It might not have been the best Batman flick, but there's no denying this helmet is fantastic. 

Format magazine

Flying courgette

If your kids won't eat their vegetables, maybe you can use 3D printing to make healthy food seem more interesting or appealing.  

3D print some wings and see if you can make a courgette fly further than a paper aeroplane. Mother told us never to play with our food, but she never had a 3D printer. 

Mas0n8or

A functional lightbulb

3D printed things are generally awesome but some are pretty uniquely impressive. This one, for example, seems to show a functional light bulb with a really nifty shape.

There's a guide here on how to make it and a tutorial video too. 

5yncr0

Phone charging station

If you're a Tesla fan, then this themed charging station for your smartphone might be the perfect 3D print. 

Apparently easy instructions are available to view here and hopefully, you'll be back on the road in no time. 

Roofofcar

Interesting shower head

If you've always thought your shower was a bit boring and doesn't have enough pressure or fun angles, then why not print your own?

This functional print gives you not only an interesting looking shower head but also according to users good pressure, droplet size and more.  

Writing by Adrian Willings and Luke Edwards.

🔩 Best useful 3D objects you can make with a 3D printer・Cults

🔩 Best useful 3D objects you can make with a 3D printer

Download useful, practical and functional 3D models

Discover for our TOP of the best useful items for 3D printing in everyday life. Whether you want to make your life easier in the bathroom, in the kitchen, at home or at work, this list of 3D printer models has everything you need. Start life hacking right now with your 3D printer!

Pen and pencil holder

Free

GROVIE MONSTER

Free

Mechanical quick release phone stand

Free

Filament clip / Universal filament clip

Free

Mobile phone holder in socket

Free

Universal phone holder _ Samsung galaxy / Xiaomi Redmi

Free

Refrigerator Storage Box Fresh Spacer

Free

FLEXI BEETLE

Free

Egg separator (kitchen)

Free

Bag stopper

1 €

MONEY CLIPS

Free

Tripod smartphone

Free

Bag Clips

Free

Switcherang: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Grip

Free

Headset Holder

Free

PASTE PUSHER

Free

Clamp with hand screw

Free

Cable Gland for Desktop Sit-Up

Free

Cable clip

Free

Adjustable rugged waterproof box

Free

v2 sound amplifier

Free

1.

75 mm "DAS FILAMENT" Filament Clip

Free

Egg Tray

Free

Walnut cracker [my grandmother's design].

Free

Cool Squeeze - fan grip

Free

Makeup organizer box

Free

GuitarPicks

Free

3DMX / Crocmark (Bookmark)

Free

Bag Clip with Screw Cap (Modified Version2)

Free

Tape dispenser

Free

Monster Cookie Cutter

Free

Optimized G-Clamp

Free

Mini Vise

Free

Hex Phone Sound Amplifier

Free

Salt and Pepper Text Shakers

Free

Self-aligning Gimballed drink holder

Free

Solo Finger Pen

Free

Pistachio Opener

Free

Tools tray

Free

Cable management Hive

Free

DIRECT SQUEEZER

Free

Phone Stand with Cable Routing

Free

Turbine Faucet Watersaver

Free

Geometric phone holder

Free

Print in Place Allen Key Holder Inspired by Wiha

Free

Joycon & Knuckles

Free

SD Card Mountain

Free

Bird lemon squeezer/MAJ

Free

Filament clip / Universal filament clip

Soap Dish

Mechanical quick release phone stand

Switcherang: Nintendo Switch 9 Joy-Con Grip0009

Here is a list of best STL files of useful and functional objects for 3D printing , all these 3D creations are taken from 3D file site Cults and are perfectly usable for 3D printing .

This collection contains useful free or premium 3D models of to make your life easier. Designers around the world face the same challenges as you and put their design skills to work innovative, practical and above all 3D printable solutions!

This TOP Useful 3D Printing has everything you need to make your daily life more efficient and practical . You'll find everything you need to amplify your phone's sound, clean things up, save toothpaste, repair... One of the criticisms often made about 3D printing is that creators only make useless things, this collection is - perfect example to prove otherwise. As proof, the 3D printer and 3D file sharing platforms enable 3D designers from all over the world to put their skills and design ideas to the service of all.

If you print the file for home, don't forget to show us how you use it by posting a photo of the result! This will help designers better understand the impact their ideas have on the daily lives of 3D printer owners.

3D printer models

Looking for 3D printer models? The Internet is filled with sites that offer them for free. We have collected the TOP 10 catalogs that you can use to search and download free models in STL format. We hope you can find what you are looking for.

  1. Yeggi
  2. Yobi 3D
  3. STLfinder

→ myminifactory.com

My Mini Factory is a 3D model depository operated by iMakr, an online store that sells 3D printers and accessories. It also has one of the biggest 3D printer shops in Central London. The site contains 3D models designed by professionals, and all models stored on it are checked for quality. You can also make a request for the desired model, which their designers will create and put in the public domain. Billing itself as a 3D printing social network, MyMiniFactory is a thriving community of makers who love to showcase their creations. Users vote for the best models, which allows popular creations to rise to the top of the list and gain popularity. The site presents models that are stored on its social network, as well as outside it, for example, on the Thingiverse and YouMagine sites.

→ thingiverse.com

The most popular and famous site among 3D printer users, Thingiverse is owned by MakerBot Industries, the creator of the popular Replicator 3D printer series. The site allows users to store and share 3D model files that are used with 3D printers. It's a very popular site and has a large community of people hosting various categories of files on it. So if you're looking for "cool" printable stuff, Thingiverse is worth a visit. It is a portal designed to provide its users with ways to share their designs and to help print 3D creations. The site has a system that tries to find out what you like. The more you interact with the site, downloading and evaluating various developments, the better its recommendations will be.

→ 3dshook.com

Another online community for 3D printing hobbyists showcasing interesting 3D printer supplies, electronics and most importantly 3D models. The site contains many very interesting models of cars and buildings, as well as various add-ons and spare parts for your 3D printer. A huge catalog of paid and free models for a 3D printer. There are original unique products. Convenient search, navigation, rubricator. 3DShook has over 40 categories and adds over 100 new models to its collection every month. On 3DShook you can always find something for your home, animals, kids or something special for yourself.

→ youmagine.com

YouMagine catalog for 3D Systems Cube series consumer 3D printers. The site mainly offers various ways to buy 3D printer supplies and files, but it also has a number of cool free items available, mostly in the Kids section. Some of these elements can be customized by children using an online application. The company offers 3D modeling and publishing tools on its website for both hobbyists and professionals. The site offers a content warehouse where the community hosts and shares models. Registration is required to download files.

→ 123dapp.com

Autodesk 123D is a suite of computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling tools aimed specifically at hobbyists. Along with the toolkit, Autodesk also has a website where users can record their designs and share them with other users. Many of these models can be downloaded and printed using Autodesk as a utility to interface with the MakerBot 3D printer. The goal of the Autodesk website is to "help engineers build products faster." The site offers tools to help them collaborate on their files. For the casual 3D printing enthusiast, the best part of the site is the large library of free files created by a community of over a million engineers. Registration on the site is required, but the number of files that are then available is worth it.

→ cgtrader.com

Being primarily a place to buy and sell a wide variety of 3D models (not necessarily just those designed for 3D printers), CGTrader does offer a selection of free models that can be used on 3D printers. The site has a system that tries to find out what you like. The more you interact with the site, downloading and evaluating various developments, the body will have better recommendations.

→ cults3d.com

A French community and marketplace where developers can share or sell their creations. The site has a collection of high quality models that you can download. Users can follow the work of the designers they like and get instant updates when a new creation is posted on the site. The site's name, Cults, is a backwards spelling of St. Luc, the patron saint of artists. The site also supports English. This is a relatively new community, so the number of its users is not very large yet.

→ instructables.com

The Instructables website is a community where users can share their DIY projects. This also includes products obtained using 3D printers. The site also provides explanations and instructions describing how to build 3D elements, and some designers take the time to answer questions from site members. Instructables allows users to store and organize their 3D printing projects. This is done to help them work together in the future. You can think of this site as a GitHub 3D printing site where users can share their files, discuss projects, and participate in them. The site also offers the ability to make a request, so if you can't find what you're looking for, you can ask the site's community about it.

→ pinshape.com

Pinshape, a marketplace for 3D models, is similar in style (layout, appearance, and ability to capture likes) to the well-known site Pinterest. You can buy models from designers, or download them for printing yourself if they are offered for free. Pinshape allows users to host and share 3D model files on it. Basically, this site acts as an online store where you can buy 3D printed parts, or order your own 3D model to be printed. But if you look closely enough, you can find people who sell their products and also offer the files you need so you can print them yourself.

→ 3dfilemarket.com

A new and growing repository of 3D File Market models. All models are tested for suitability for 3D printing. You can download as many models as you like without registration, although you must provide your email address to access the 3D model files. This is a very simple site aimed at being a repository of model files for 3D printers, and nothing more. The basic design of the site allows users to put files on it for public access, and download files that they would like to use. The site contains many small, simple 3D models ready to be printed, as well as a good selection of everyday items and even spare parts for 3D printers.

Search engines for 3D models in various formats, including STL for a 3D printer. Use queries in English, these search services collect information about models from all over the Internet.

→ yeggi.com

Yeggi is a search engine that will browse major 3D printing sites to find files compatible with 3D printers.

Learn more