Cool 3d printed gadgets

20 Useful Household Items You Can Make With a 3D Printer

When 3D printing first arrived, enthusiasts imagined a future of desktop factories where people wouldn’t need to drive out to a store to get things they needed anymore. Instead, they could just download pre-made designs from the internet and print them from the comfort of their own home.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, that day has finally come.

Modern 3D printers may not be in every household quite yet, but the internet is already filled with millions of ready-to-print objects. Name practically any household item you could ever need, and there’s likely a printable version of it online. Not all these things are worth the plastic they’re printed from, but some of them are downright genius — not to mention totally free to download.

Below you’ll find a collection of notable examples for an assortment of useful items — but keep in mind that the objects pictured aren’t your only option. There are tons of alternate designs available online, so feel free to search around!

Shower heads

Ever wanted a little more choice when it comes to your bathing experience? 3D printed shower heads are the answer. These faucets may not play music, change colors, or save water, but who knows what the 3D printed shower accessories of tomorrow hold!

Bottle openers

There’s nothing worse than needing a bottle opener and not having one handy. Okay, so that’s obviously not true — but whatever. Why suffer through such a minor inconvenience when you can easily print a bottle opener for every room of your house?

Planters

There are hundreds of 3D printed flower pots to choose from online, but this simple capsule design is one of our favorites — as is this self-watering planter from Parallel Goods.

Outlet protectors

These 3D printed outlet plugs are an easy way to prevent children from inserting objects into electric outlets. Safety considerations aside, 3D printing your own lets you add some flair to an otherwise mundane item.

Pen holders/desk organizers

Do you have an inordinate number of pens and no place to arrange them? Good news: there’s a veritable truckload of pen holders online that will help you display all your writing utensils in an organized yet aesthetically pleasing fashion.

Drink coasters

Countertop rings can be unsightly. Thankfully, coasters exist to save us from this unspeakable tragedy. And the best part? They typically take just a few minutes to print.

Wall mounts … for anything

From guitars to skateboards to frames, there’s definitely no shortage of clever, creative, and customizable mounting solutions on 3D object repositories like Thingiverse.

Windshield scrapers

During if you live in a place that regularly freezes over, a decent (and easily replaceable) windshield scraper is a must. The beauty of rolling around with a 3D printed one is that, if you lose or break it, you can just print another one right away.

Measuring cups

Measuring cups are crucial for the exact science of baking, but they always seem to go missing after a few years (especially if you move around a lot or live with roommates). Luckily, there are hordes of them in different shapes and sizes for you to print.

Citrus juicers

Ever get to a point in a recipe and realize you are woefully ill-equipped to extract the juice from a lemon? Save yourself the dread and print yourself up a citrus juicer on the cheap.

Chip clips

So you failed to completely demolish that bag of Cool Ranch Doritos in one sitting, huh? We’ve all been there. Thankfully, there’s a variety of handy clips to keep your choice munchies fresh until you’re ready to give them another go.

Toothpaste tube squeezers

Dental hygiene is nothing to laugh at, and neither are micro-ounces of wasted toothpaste. The good news, however, is that finding the right tool to help you squeeze every last drop from the tube should be a breeze.

Candle holders

Are you a big candle person? (No — not you, giant man made of wax!). Well if you are, and you’re running out of clever ways to house and display your flickering flames, check out the numerous candle holder designs available online.

Vases

Want to show off those cuttings you’re so proud of, but tired of the boring vases you’ve got? Out of all the things you could decide to print, vases may be the most numerous. You’ve got a ton of options here.

Doorstops

So you finally managed to lose that wedge of wood you’ve been using to hold the door open for 25 years? Why not replace it with something more thoughtful, functional, or quirky? There are zillions of great doorstop designs on the web, including the fantastic one pictured above.

Earbud holders

Anyone who has owned earbuds is no stranger to the dark magic that happens when you attempt to store them. Avoid all those tangles and frustration by printing yourself a stylish and practical cable organizer/holder.

Zipper pull replacements

The feeling of losing a zipper pull handle is a truly hopeless one, but not if you can print! With various styles and methods of installation, you’ll be sure to find your preferred zipper miracle with no fuss.

Drain covers/ hair traps

Whether it’s hair in your shower or noodles in your sink, a clogged drain is never fun. Keep gunk out with a drain cover of your choice — be it for sink, shower, or tub.

Smartphone and tablet stands

Want to give your device of choice a bit more posture, but don’t want to pay for a pricey branded phone stand? Print one! They come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations.

Phone cases

Tired of getting a new phone case every time you get a new phone? Well, if you pick up a 3D printer, you’ll be able to fabricate a brand-new, fully-customized smartphone case whenever you need one.

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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.

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.

Unit

3D printed schools

In Ukraine, an organisation known as Humanitarian Innovative Technologies is working on 3D printing schools. An interesting use of 3D printing for humanitarian aid in an area ravaged by war.

The first school is opening in 2023 in Lviv providing some educational infrastructure for children for the thousands of children displaced in the region.

Writing by Adrian Willings and Luke Edwards.

50 3D Printing Ideas

It looks like we'll soon be drowning in useless stuff made for 3D printing projects. But you can do something that will really be useful! If you're running out of ideas, here's a list of 50 3D printable items you're unlikely to throw away.

Bag clip with screw cap

Now the bag clip will have a new feature - a hole with a lid for quick access, as in the photo. This clip is easy to print and convenient to use. Strange that no one thought of this before. nine0003

Author: Minkix

Download: Thingiverse

Modular Furniture Connector

This connector allows you to quickly assemble modular furniture. The default model is designed for 17×17 mm wood, but the size and material can be changed to suit your needs using a parametric file for customization.

Author: LeFabShop

Where to download: Cults

Sealant cap

No more throwing open sealant tubes away. The screw cap for the nozzle presses the o-ring tightly against the body of the tube and closes the access of air to the solvents inside. nine0003

Author: The-Mechanic

Where to download: Thingiverse

Laptop niche

Now the laptop will always be at hand, but hidden from prying eyes in a special niche that is attached to the bottom of any coffee table.

Author: Too Snide

Download: Thingiverse

Phone holder - Candice

Elegant and simple, perhaps the easiest thing you can print on a 3D printer.

Author: Clem.C2

Where to download: Cults

Polypanels

The idea for Polypanels came from Devin Montes. A polypanel is a series of three-dimensional building blocks. The individual elements of a Polypanel look simple, but if you print a lot of them and different types, you can create all sorts of complex designs. Something like LEGO where you can design each brick.

Author: MakeAnything

Where to download: MyMiniFactory

Coat Hook

This coat hook is designed as an E3D attachment and can be printed multiple times to fit all your clothes.

Author: Filar3D

Where to download: Cults

Plant Pot

This anatomical brain flower pot is easier to print than it looks, creator DrFemPop says. For assembly, it is only necessary to glue the parts after printing. It turns out an original house for plants. nine0003

Author: DrFemPop

Where to download: Cults

Door Holder

This is a simple solution for holding a door. Double-sided adhesive tape is sufficient for surface mounting.

Author: Akiraraiser

Where to download: Thingiverse

Piggy bank

A simple piggy bank for beginners, no complicated settings.

Author: lecaramel

Where to download: Thingiverse

Cable ties

This tie is perhaps the simplest and most ingenious of all devices. Clips are printed as a whole sheet at once, and then the required amount can be cut off from it.

Author: Sunshine

Where to download: Cults

Roller ruler

An indispensable device if you need to measure the length of something non-linear: a piece of rope, a curved line, a perimeter with bends, etc. The ruler is called Geneva and has step 5 mm.

Author: MechEngineerMike

Where to download: Thingiverse

Pliers

This small, solid piece of plastic can easily replace your pliers / pliers. These forceps take the force to the handles and redistribute it at the end of the grip. It's definitely pliers. Just smarter.

Author: BYU CMR

Where to download: Thingiverse

Cylindrical textured box

Beautiful tube from Syboulette decorated with hexagons. Well suited as a kitchen utensil for storing oatmeal, rice and other crumbly substances. nine0003

Author: Syboulette

Where to download: Cults

Door stopper

This stopper is modeled after the Guyer Anderson cat statue in the British Museum. The design is hollow, which allows you to fill the limiter with something for additional weight.

Author: Duaneindeed

Where to download: Cults

Plague Doctor Mask

Not exactly the most useful item on the list since bubonic plague is a thing of the past. But a mask can come in handy, for example, when you need to clean up after your pet. And you can also go to the carnival in it. nine0003

Author: Odrivious

Download: Cults

Universal Spool Holder

This adjustable spool holder uses a spring and an adjustable rewind clutch. It's the perfect place to store those pesky wires.

Who made it: Vincent Goenhuis

Where to download: Thingiverse

Sturdy waterproof box

This tight-fitting box will keep things from getting wet. Print it in PLA or PETG, add a flexible TPU seal and M3 screws for the spring hinge, and you're done. nine0003

Author: ZX82

Where to download: Cults

Dice

This dice is suitable for flat 3D printing and has a face size of 16mm.

Author: Devin Montes (MakeAnything)

Where to download: MyMiniFactory

Collapsible Coat Rack

Really cool coat rack. That's all there is to say about her.

Author: Komaru

Where to download: Thingiverse

Business Card Holder

Great for showing off your new business cards to your Wall Street friends. What could be more delightful than this Zippo card holder with flip-top lid.

Author: PentlandDesigns

Where to download: Cults

Pencil and pen holder

Iceberg or melting beehive? Be that as it may, this is a handy pen and pencil holder that is cheaper to print than to buy.

Author: BeeVeryCreative

Where to download: Cults

Groovi Monster Audio Amplifier

This is a passive smartphone audio amplifier that looks stylish and does the job well. It's called Groovi Monster for a reason.

Author: 3DShook

Where to download: Cults

Cup holder

Can be used not only as a cup holder, but also as a coaster for hot dishes. The dimensions of the template are easily adjusted to suit any size cookware. nine0003

Author: jmdbcool

Where to download: Thingiverse

Clamp

Designed for fixing various materials, including the ends of the wire in the coil. Also great as a clothespin replacement.

Author: Med

Where to download: Cults

Pencil Box

Suitable for storing all your desk trivia and trinkets (memory cards, rubber bands, pencils, paper clips, etc.).

Author: Monkey3D

Where to download: Cults

Headphone holder

This is a duck. Yes, you can hang headphones on it.

Author: Toshi_TNE

Download: Thingiverse

Polyhedral Succulent Pot

Unusual geometric pots for your growing succulent collection. These small pots can be configured to be connected together.

Author: PrintFutura

Download: Cults

Survival Whistle

This is a survival whistle with original design. It is durable, easy to make and very loud (118 dB is more than enough to be heard in an emergency).

Author: Joe Zisa

Where to download: Thingiverse

Measuring Cube

Simple and original measuring cube for the kitchen. On each side there are recesses for measuring the volume of ingredients (in cups - according to the American system, and in metric units for everyone else). It is best to print with PETG material, it is the safest for products. nine0003

Author: iomaa

Download: Thingiverse

Hinge

This is a parametric hinge that can be sized to fit your needs.

Written by Rohin Gosling

Download: Thingiverse

Car Eyeglass Holder

Attaches to your car's sun visor. Glasses will always be at hand.

Author: Trevor Long

Download: Thingiverse

Opener

The simplest things are usually the most useful. Convenient and easy to print opener. Covers the sharp edges of the cork as much as possible, protecting you from injury.

Author: Jeremy Peterson

Download: Thingiverse

Superhero Keychains

Sometimes you need to remind yourself of your hidden superpowers. Stylish and cool keyrings are well suited as a small gift.

Author: Formbyte

Where to download: Cults

Headphone stand

It will be useful for music lovers and gamers who use headphones a lot and often. After all, now they will no longer roll around anywhere.

Author: MakerBot

Where to download: Thingiverse

Bag Clip

The model consists of two printed parts. Allows you to keep packages closed and keep food fresh longer.

Author: Walter Hsiao

Download: Thingiverse

Plastic wrench

Handy wrench, but don't choose soft plastic to make it.

Author: Daniel Noree

Where to download: Cults

Sliding Decal

No more worrying about whether cups are clean or dirty right now in the dishwasher! With the help of a special mechanism, the slider easily changes the inscription on the plate.

Who made it: MiddleFingerBoss

Where to download: Thingiverse

Collapsible basket

Cool picnic item. A folding square basket with five sections is printed from several parts and then glued together. For product safety, it is recommended to use PETG plastic.

Author: PatternToPrint

Where to download: Cults

Self-watering plant pot

Houseplants are dying from your forgetfulness? This will not happen again! This pot will water them by itself, and your conscience will be clear. nine0003

Author: Parallel Goods

Where to download: Cults

Maze Gift Box

Cash is not the most original gift. But if you present them in such a gift box, your friend will surely like it. The lucky recipient will have to work hard to get to the prize, because there is only one right way.

Author: Robert

Download: Thingiverse

Wired headphone holder

The headphones will now be protected from tangling and breakage.

Author: Robert

Where to download: Thingiverse

Tube Squeezer

Will help squeeze out the contents of the tube to the last drop. Wide enough to fit most tubes on the market. Printed in three separate parts.

Author: Justin Otten

Where to download: Thingiverse

Webcam Shutter

The best thing for the paranoid and just for those who are uncomfortable being under the gun of a webcam. Instead of sticking tape or sticky tape over the lens, attach a slider shutter to the body and open it when you need a video call. nine0003

Author: Horizon Lab

Where to download: Cults

Hexagonal Prefabricated Drawers

Useful to free your desk from the noodles of cables, wires and just every little thing. The design can be easily expanded if necessary.

Created by Dan O'Connell

Where to download: Cults

Wall Phone Shelf

Attach the shelf to a power outlet and place your phone on it while charging. The model also has a corner slot that holds your smartphone or tablet upright for watching videos. nine0003

Author: Tosh Sayama

Where to download: Cults

Card Shuffle Machine

Awesome item for poker lovers. This device will help to shuffle the cards and deal them during the game.

Author: LarsRb

Where to download: MyMiniFactory

Box with a secret lock

Box for storing things in a place inaccessible to prying eyes with a secret multi-stage opening mechanism.

Author: 3DPrintingWorld

Where to download: Thingiverse

Digital Sundial

Yes, your eyes don't deceive you. This is a digital sundial and it really works. They are designed to pass only the right beams at the right time and at the right angle to display the actual time in 20-minute intervals. Only works during daylight hours, of course.

Author: Mojoptix

Where to download: Thingiverse

Keyring

Designed in the shape of a stylish Swiss Army knife, it looks amazing. Printed from two plates and the keys are held in place with standard hex nuts and bolts.

Author: Craig Blanchette

Where to download: Thingiverse

Translation of the article “50 Cool Things to 3D Print in June 2019”

What kind of gadget? 3D printer”

07/06/2016

Once the great Michelangelo, when asked how he creates his sculptures, replied: “I take a stone and cut off everything superfluous. ” This principle is followed by many modern industries, converting materials into tons of shavings, sawdust and other waste. But there is another approach, akin to pottery - when, in fact, there is no waste, which makes production cheaper, more environmentally friendly and more accessible. 3D printers are just the technical embodiment of this approach.

What is a 3D printer and how does it work? nine0513

A 3D printer is a device that allows you to create objects with the same ease with which conventional printers print text. Of course, the speed of printing objects is significantly different from the speed of printing text - a modern printer will print one sheet in a fraction of a minute, and it will take several hours for an object. But hand-crafting the same item will also take more than a couple of minutes, and even an appropriate level of skill. And the 3D printer will do everything on its own, so that the freed up time can be usefully spent on other things. In fact, such a printer can be called a universal factory on your desk. nine0003

There are several basic technologies for printing objects. One involves the use of lasers, which crystallize the desired structure layer by layer from a special polymer. After the formation of the layer, a special clamp slightly lifts the object from the polymer bath and the next layer crystallizes. The process, in terms of entertainment, resembles the transformation of a liquid metal robot from Terminator 2. Although this technology is still at the development stage, it is already the fastest way to 3D print. However, it is also the most expensive one. Lasers, special polymers - all this is very expensive. Although now there are models that use LCD displays instead of a laser, and the price for them is more reasonable. nine0003

The second way is a little cheaper. Lasers are also used here (some artisanal implementations work with solar energy to print glass vases). In this option, a container with a powder filler is used. The laser sinters one layer of material, after which the next layer of powder is added and leveled, and the laser passes over it again. As a result, as the capacity is filled, the required object is formed. Upon completion of printing, it is pulled out and cleaned, and the remaining powdered material is reused. Such models are more often used in industrial solutions, as they are rather bulky (due to deep capacitance). nine0521

The third and most common type of 3D printer creates objects layer by layer by depositing molten material onto a print bed. Consumables in them usually come in the form of bays or bars. They are wound at one end into the print head, where the heating element is located. The molten material is fed through the extruder at the same speed, which guarantees the uniformity of each applied layer. The thinner the layers, the more precise and smoother the surface of the printed object will be. Most often, there are models with a single extruder, which allow you to print only one material at a time. But there are also devices with a large number of extruders, which make it possible to obtain not only objects of complex shapes, but also combining various materials. These are the slowest of the 3D printers, but also the most common, as they take up minimal space and do not require any special conditions. This technology is so simple that even a 3D pen printer was developed on its basis, allowing you to quickly and easily create small crafts and models. And at the same time, it is the most versatile – both solutions for printing buildings and bioprinters for printing internal organs have been created on its basis. nine0003

What is a 3D printer for?

The applications for 3D printers are varied. These devices, in addition to plastics, have mastered printing with metal, wood and mixed materials. Therefore, they are used not only for prototyping and various household trifles, but also for creating jewelry, dishes, art objects, mechanisms and many other things, up to parts of rocket engines. But this is the general case. At home, a 3D printer is useful for replacing broken parts of various devices - handles, gears, housings. It will allow you to forget about looking for a suitable smartphone stand or flower vase. The child will be able to supplement his homework with a visual embodiment of various geometric objects or chemical elements. And for fun, he will be able to print himself a designer, funny decorations for a doll, and even figures of cartoon characters or classmates. You can have fun yourself, testing your ideas in practice and creating designs that have never been seen before. nine0521

You can create everything yourself, or you can use the developments of other users. A lot of communities have formed around 3D printers, in which there is an exchange of recommendations, ideas and ready-made 3D models for printing. So if you got a printer and don’t know what to create, you can peep a couple of interesting ideas in them.

What models of 3D printers are on the market?

In the field of 3D printers, there is a division into open and closed systems. Openness implies the availability on the network of all circuitry, drawings, files for printing and instructions for creating and assembling your own printer. In fact, you can assemble it yourself from improvised materials, and then print another one for your friend. At the same time, the software of such systems is available in open source. The most popular and proven open system is RepRap printers. There are many models in this system. Some are assembled almost entirely from snap-on printed parts, some are geared towards miniature crafts, and some are geared towards large objects. But all of them are united by an open design, as well as the ability to improve and upgrade the device in the future. So, choosing an open system, you get not only a device for printing, but also a hobby for constantly improving your 3D assistant. nine0003

There are no less closed systems. They are more focused not on enthusiasts, but on end users. The issues of modernization and updating in them lie entirely with the manufacturer, and if he does not want to develop your model, but releases a completely new model, then you will have to come to terms with the fact that the device is outdated.