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Most practical 3d prints
š© Best useful 3D objects to make with a 3D printerć»Cults
š© Best useful 3D objects to make with a 3D printer
Download useful, practical and functional 3D models
Discover our TOP of the best useful objects to 3D print in everyday life. Whether you want to make your life easier in the bathroom, kitchen, home or at work, you will find everything you need in this list of 3D printer models. Life hack start now with your 3D printer!
Pen and Pencil Holder
Free
GROOVI MONSTER
Free
Mechanical Quick Grab/Release Phone Stand
Free
Filament clip / Universal filament clip
Free
Outlet Cellphone Holder
Free
Universal phone holder _ Samsung galaxy / Xiaomi Redmi
Free
Refrigerator Storage Box Fresh Spacer
Free
FLEXI BEETLE
Free
Egg Separator (Kitchen)
Free
Bag stopper
ā¬1
MONEY CLIPS
Free
Tripod smartphone
Free
Bag clips
Free
Switcherang: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Grip
Free
Headset Holder
Free
PUSHER FOR TUBE PASTE
Free
Cable Gland for Desktop Sit-Up
Free
Hand-Screw Clamp
Free
Cable Clip
Free
Customizable Rugged Waterproof Box
Free
v2 sound amplifier
Free
1.
Free
Egg tray
Free
Nut & walnut cracker [My grandma design]
Free
Cool Squeeze - Grip Fan
Free
Bag Clip with Screw Cap (Modified Version2)
Free
GuitarPicks
Free
Makeup Organizer Box
Free
3DMX / Crocmark (Bookmark)
Free
Tape dispenser
Free
Cookie Monster Cookie Cutter
Free
Optimized G-clamp
Free
Mini Vise
Free
Hex Phone Sound Amplifier
Free
Salt and Pepper Text Shakers
Free
Self-righting Gimballed drinks holder
Free
Pistachio Opener
Free
Solo Finger Pen
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
Bird lemon squeezer/MAJ
Free
Miyuka Beads Sorting Box
Free
Filament clip / Universal filament clip
Soap Dish
Mechanical Quick Grab/Release Phone Stand
Switcherang: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Grip
Here is our list of the best STL files of useful and functional objects to 3D print, all these 3D creations come from the site of 3D files Cults and are perfectly 3D printable.
This collection gathers useful free or paying 3D models to simplify your life. Designers from all over the world are facing the same issues as you and they have put their design skills at the service of innovative, practical and above all printable in 3D solutions!
In this TOP of useful 3D prints there is everything you need to make your daily life more effective and practical. You'll find everything you need to amplify the sound of your phone, tidy up your things, save toothpaste, repair things... One of the criticisms often levelled against 3D printing is that the makers only do useless things, this collection is the perfect example to prove the contrary. As proof, the 3D printer and the 3D file sharing platforms allow 3D designers from all over the world to put their skills and design ideas at the service of everyone.
If you print a file for home, don't forget to show us how you use it by posting a photo of the result! This will help designers to better understand the effect their ideas have on the daily lives of 3D printer owners.
67 Cool Things to 3D Print
3D printing is such a fun way to produce creative workāand it has totally taken off. Now, creators are using this amazing new technology to create all kinds of wild and wonderful 3D printer projects that were previously all but impossible to make at home.
These 3D printer projects are a great addition to your online design portfolio. This is such a hot space that shows your mastery of this chic craft could win you some big new clients. You can showcase a collection of cool things to 3D print and some of your best 3D printings too.
Want to get in on this cool 3D prints trend? Weāve compiled a list of 67 inspiring 3D printing ideas to fuel your next 3D printer design. So, what can you make with a 3D printer? Well, thereās something cool for everyone!
Next in our list of cool things to 3D print is a simple project that can be completed in approximately one hour and will produce a whistle.
It can produce an eye-popping 118db sound, perfect for camping or sporting events.
If thereās one thing we can all agree on, itās that earbud cords are a pain in the butt to keep organized. They constantly get tangled and eventually produce the dreaded earphone-crackle, rendering your treasured music-makers useless. This is a great example of what you can make with a 3D printer that can improve your everyday life.
A simple toy originally created for Settlers of Catan, this project is durable and (in our opinion) cute. This is one of those 3D printer projects you could use in a few ways: gaming, office desk decoration, childrenās toy, you name it! Plus, T-Rexes are (always!) cool.
Organize your desk, and add a little flair at the same time! With these simple 3D printer designs, youāll have all you need to generate truly unique desktop organizers that not only keep your stuff where it needs to be but look cool as well.
You can 3D print a pencil holder that is unique to your own personality and have others mistaking your pencil holders again.
With a 3D printer youāll be able to replace your dinnerware with new and original 3D printer designs in no time at all. Take this blueberry-themed bowl, for example. Why stop there? There are numerous other designs for plates and bowls out there to make eating at home a unique experience.
One of the cool things to 3D print is an abstract planter for your succulents and cacti. Why use traditional planters to hold your plants? There are cool 3D prints out there that donāt allow you to skip the traditional clay pots. These modular little guys are modern and fresh and guaranteed to make your mini-garden more attractive.
Get rid of those 72 measuring spoons from your utensil drawer and replace them all with a single implement! One of the most immediately useful and cool 3D prints in this list, itāll make for an interesting tool that others will want when they see it.
Stop the tyranny of cords taking over your desk and entertainment unit and 3D print some space-saving cable management devices. Youāll cut back on desk clutter and all that cord-related aggravation. These are the blessed 3D printed objects that make life a little less annoying!
Nearly everyone these days has a smartphone, and weāve likely all had moments where we wanted to prop up our phones for viewing video or photos and had to resort to piled books or whatever else is on hand. And it rarely works out as well as we hope! That makes this tiny project one of the coolest 3D printed objects on the list. Plus, they look like cats. Cats are good.
A perennial childhood favorite, kids love them just as much today. Of course, adults can enjoy these toys, too. They could be just the ticket to break through some creative block!
A truly inspiring 3D printing idea, these pop-out business cards allow you to speak to clients in a way they wonāt have experienced many times (if ever) before! Rather than a drab piece of cardboard, hand them a toy they can assemble that speaks much louder than a traditional printed card.
Canāt sit still? Searching for a 3D printer project to help you focus? Look no further. Fidget spinners are an excellent way to occupy your mind, and this 3D printed object will definitely do the trick.
This is probably one of the most fun and cool things to 3D print, these gimmicky little toys are quite literally affixed to food items found in your house. A lemon helicopter? A banana-car? Why not! Easy to print and awesome for providing hours of enjoyment to restless rainy-day kiddos.
Definitely among the most interesting and cool things to 3D print in this list (and showcasing a bit more complexity than other entries), the dragonfly is a tiny little flying machine you can whip up in a short time. Itās perfect for providing a little entertainment for your kids on a rainy day.
Why settle for boring cutlery in your drawer? With minimal effort, you can produce some decorative handles for your eating utensils and wow visitors to your humble abode.
When they inevitably ask āso, what can you print with a 3D printer?ā, you can tell them theyāre eating with it!
Drop your phone into these useful little devices to amplify the sound from its speakers. They offer surprisingly high-quality soundāand now you donāt need to lug portable speakers around on picnics or at the beach.
If youāre looking for some more simple and cool 3D printing ideas, consider 3D printing a set of drink coasters. Thanks to simple 3D printer designs like this, we wonāt need to spend our hard-earned cash on flimsy little discs anymore. Make your own coasters with whatever designs you want, and say goodbye to tacky freebies and over-priced novelty ones. This idea makes for one of the cool things to 3D print as gifts!
If youāre an audiophile, youāll truly appreciate this entry as one of the best things to 3d print.
By converting audio files, you can create your own records that will play on turntables. Why limit it to music? Record your own special messages to loved ones and send out the love!
Simple 3D printer designs like this are great to have on hand. Hinges are always useful, and come in handy all over the house. These particular designs are super-simple, even by 3D printing standards, requiring just a single step!
With a sliding clasp, these unique chip clip designs work quite well and are fantastically simple things to 3D print.
A larger-scale project than other 3D printing ideas, the Drawing Machine is quite unique: attach a pen and create works of art from files on your computer. This 3D printer project can help you produce invitations, cards or any other manner of drawings.
Some nostalgic old-timey engineering comes into play with these uber-neat 3D printing ideas.
Relive the past and have your desk decorated with a sign that uses something other than LED or LCD displays!
When it comes to 3D printing metal, there are people who may choose to use a laser cutter instead. The reason is that 3D printed projects using metal can be costly and time-consuming. However, the two are quite different. 3D printing is an additive process, while laser cutting is a subtractive process. Depending on your needs, those that are looking to create multiple pieces at a quicker pace may choose the laser cutter as it can conveniently cut multiple materials and larger size.
With digital trends of raw and rustic design, you might be considering 3D printing cool things at home with metal. However, printing metal is extremely costly due to its process and the machinery required. If youāre looking for cool things to 3D print at home with a metal-looking finish, we recommend using materials on the market that can create metal-like 3D printed objects instead.
These materials give the illusion that your 3D printed pencil holder or camera mount is made out of metal but without the actual cost.
Thanks to 3D printing, it has also made highly-customizable prosthesis possible. One of the coolest things about 3D printed prosthesis is that they can create custom fits for the patient and also a much lower cost. Instead of creating static designs that are āone size fits allā, 3D print gives companies the opportunity to create products that are affordable and personalized. What would have cost lots of money to create is now more accessible thanks to 3D printed prostheses.
Beyond science, 3D printed homes and shelters have also become one of the cool things to 3D print across the world. To address the housing issue around the world, companies have been using this technology to print emergency shelters and 3D printed homes. With this technology, companies and cities can build a community in a much shorter amount of time and for a cost cheaper than traditional home building methods.
Each home inside the community can then be purchased at a more affordable cost.
If you love architecture and buildings, companies have created kits that allow people to replicate architectural structures and other cool things with a 3D pen. For boardgame lovers, you 3D print your own figurines by drawing it with your 3D pen. You can also turn your favorite cartoon show characters or movie heroes into 3D. While a 3D pen allows you to draw 2D things to 3D, their limitation tends to be the size of the project you can make. If youāre looking to 3D print a life-size chair, it may be easier to use a printer because 3D pens may not be able to create something as durable.
- Tangram: A super easy and fun game to play with your kids or friends. If youāre going on a road trip or simply trying to pass time, this 3D printed tangram makes for portable entertainment.
- Klƶts (Quick shoe ties): Some cool things to 3D print for your kids are these quick shoe ties.
With this project, youāll spend less time worrying about their shoelaces being undone and risking a fall. - Puzzle Keychain: This heart puzzle is perfect as a gift or personal use. If youāre tight on schedule for an anniversary or valentineās day gift, this heart puzzle is one of the quickest things to 3D print.
- Door Stop: Some things to 3D print for practical uses are these door stops. Whether youāre using it at home or for your office, printing them is super easy and fast.
- Light Switch Locks: This definitely tops for cool things to 3D print, especially for parents. This awesome tool can prevent your kids from turning the lights on and off at home. Keep certain lights off to save energy.
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Now get out there, get creative, and start turning heads with amazing 3D creations!
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50 Cool Things to 3D Print / Sudo Null IT News
No ideas for 3D printing? Tired of worthless trinkets? Here is a list of 50 cool really useful things for 3D printing.
Like us, you're excited about the possibilities of 3D printing. But, unfortunately, the horizon is littered with trinkets, trinkets and other unnecessary things. We are in danger of being buried under a heap of useless rubbish.
Throw off the shackles of mediocrity! Let's create really useful things! Here is a list of cool things that you can make on a 3D printer right now. Prove to your family and loved ones that this wonderful technology can be used daily and in practice.
No access to 3D printer? No problem. Just upload your files to our 3D printing price comparison system and choose the best price, ONLINE!
Don't have a 3D printer to print these amazing things? Then come to
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #2: Power Outlet Shelf
Attach a shelf to your power outlet to support your phone while charging. The shelf has a slanted recess that allows you to keep your smartphone or tablet upright.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #3: Soap Dish
Elegant bathroom soap dish with two washable compartments. You can change the pattern of the inner pallet if you wish.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printable Cool Item #4: Nightstand Tag Handles
The art of storage doesn't have to be boring. The Hobb Knob is a small pen with a label to describe the items in the drawers. Now you will never lose your socks!
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool 3D printable item #5: coasters with geometric patterns
When it comes to hot drinks, mug circles are an inevitable risk.
Things take a much more serious turn if there is a coffee-addicted inhabitant in the house. Available in three designs, these coasters help you avoid unsightly stains.
Download from Pinshape
3D Printing Cool Thing #6: Hinge Lamp
This hinged modular lamp consists of 6 main parts: base, body and top with LEDs. To make the lamp taller, you can add the required number of elements.
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #7: one-handed bottle opener
This boomerang-shaped bottle opener is useful for people who have difficulty performing activities that require the application of force, for example, when opening a plastic bottle. Print it out and give it to your grandmother. She will appreciate this gesture.
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #8: shower head
Is swimming under a waterfall on your list of things to do before you die? The next best thing is a 3D printed shower head (probably).
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #9: Secret Shelf
Hide valuable documents and stash from prying eyes on this secret shelf.
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #10: jar handle
Enhance empty jam jars with a printed handle. What could be easier?
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #11: Plastic Wrench
A full size general purpose plastic wrench. Actually for screwing and unscrewing around the house.
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #12: business card holder
"What a delicate yellowish hue, and the thickness is tasteful, oh my god, even the watermarks." Do you have such a business card? Find her a pair in the form of this business card holder, printed in its entirety (yes, already with a hinged lid). Instructions for adding a custom logo are included.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printable Cool Item #13: Alien Invader Shaped Toilet Paper Holder
Brighten up your bathroom with this functional printable model of a classic alien invader... ahem holding your toilet paper.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #14: lift platform
Here is a fully assembled lift platform. Printed in full. No need to fiddle with a bunch of details. The adjustable height can be used to lift or support an object of acceptable weight.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #15: Plant Drinker
Houseplants fallen victim to neglect? FORGET ABOUT IT. Print out this simple automatic plant drinker and your conscience will be clear.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #16: earbud holder
We spend a lot of money buying headphones on the go, but we don't protect them enough when we use them.
Hide your headphones safely in this 3D printed holder.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #17: Package Pen
We all know this situation. You trudge home from the supermarket, loaded with bags of groceries. The force of gravity causes plastic to crash into your palms, am I right? ENOUGH. Print these bag handles and forget about chafed palms forever!
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #18: tablet stand
There are times when you need to free your hands when using your smart device, such as watching TV shows or cooking recipes. This simple stand supports 7" and larger tablets in both portrait and landscape modes.
Download from Pinshape
Cool 3D Printing Item #19: Plant Drinker #2
Another horticultural art contraption. It is especially suitable for kitchen plants. The next time you buy fresh herbs for cooking, transplant them into this neat device and they'll stay fresh all week long.
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #20: door stop
Tired of everyone slamming doors at home or in the office? Then you need an UNCOMPROMISING door stop. Light weight, child safe, designed for easy installation and easy fabrication on an FDM 3D printer. The creator of the stop also claims that the device can be used to repel zombie attacks, however this version has not been verified.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #21: Windshield Scraper
If you want to quickly and easily get rid of snow and ice on your car windshield with this handy scraper. Printed without support, at the end there is a hole for a lace.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #22: Water Hose Control
This special nozzle regulates the flow of water in the garden hose, about 2 liters per minute. Itās great if you have water limits set in the height of summer.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #23: Modular Wine Rack
Whether you're new or a connoisseur in the world of wine, this modular wine rack is the perfect storage solution for your fine drink. bottles of WIRA. It can be expanded (or narrowed) according to your collection by printing only the required number of modules.
Download from 3DShook
Cool thing for 3D printing #24: whistle for protection
This original design whistle is easy to make and carry. Durable and very loud. How loud? How about 118 decibels? This is more than enough to get people to hear about your emergency.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printable Cool Thing #25: Apple Headphone Holder
Download from ThingiVerse9
3D Printable Thing: Cool Thing #20016 Holder of an umbrella for a wheelchair
Download with Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No.
28: Protection for disk
Download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 29: Form for Snegles
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool 3D Printable Item #30: Wine Bottle Protector
Download from MyMiniFactory170004
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 31: Pocket ashtray
download from Myminifactory
Cool Press No. 32: Rodist Rodper 9000 9000 9000 9000 download from MYMINIFACTORY
3D Printable Cool Item #33: Apple Remote Stand
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #34: Key Holder
Download with Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 35: Holder of the cutlery for people with disabilities
Download from Myminifactory
Current Passing No. 36: Cover wine bottle
Download from MyMiniFactory
Cool thing for 3D printing #37: Paper cup holder
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No.
38: Case for blades
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 39: Holder for a children's bottle 9000 from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #40: Towel Rack
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #41: Holder for a glass
Download with Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D Press No. 42: Holder for a phone in the shower
download from Myminifactory
Twisting thing for 3D printing No. 43: Holder No. 43: Holder No. 43: for beer glasses
Download from MyMiniFactory
Cool thing for 3D printing #44: MacBook Pro stand
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 45: Protection for SD-Cart
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing No. 46: BATERIOUS 9000
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #47: Ice Cream Cone Holder
Download from MyMiniFactory
Printable Cool Item #40016 shower set
Download from Myminifactory
Cool Spring No.
49: Evacal separator
download from Myminifactory
Cool Press No. 50 for 3D:
Download from MyMiniFactory
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20 Uses for 3D Printing
3D printing has progressed at such a rapid pace in recent years that we will soon stop talking about what can be created using additive manufacturing. It will be easier to mention what cannot be done. Yes, this list will continue to grow rapidly. But for now, let's take a look at some examples showing the wide range of 3D printing possibilities. We warn you in advance: the list is far from complete.
A fetus
A gift for impatient parents
Young parents often experience an irresistible desire to acquire all sorts of items, one way or another related to their child, even if not yet born. The Japanese company Fasotec offers future parents models of unborn babies made from images of real fetuses obtained using magnetic resonance imaging.
The finished model consists of two materials - a fetal figurine made of white photopolymer, and a transparent material that imitates the shape of the mother's womb. At around $1,275, the fun isn't cheap, but Fasotec already has some competition. So, 3D Babies offers a similar service for only $200, although the size of the finished model is much smaller, and the quality is not quite on the same level.
Although the desire to get such a model may seem a bit strange, there is a perfectly logical explanation. As it turns out, the idea was originally aimed at giving blind parents the opportunity to "look" at the ultrasound of the unborn child.
Weapons
Functional 3D printed receiver from AR-15 without any numbers
The possibility of 3D printing of weapons has seriously alarmed law enforcement agencies around the world. After all, even simple FDM printers allow you to create all-plastic guns. Although such a weapon is primitive, even a disposable pistol with a single cartridge in the hands of a criminal can cost someone a life, and it is impossible to trace such a weapon.
However, there are also people who believe that 3D printing of weapons should be allowed. Thus, the US Constitution gives citizens the right to freely carry weapons, although certain restrictions still apply. The non-profit organization Defense Distributed, which released the Liberator plastic pistol into the public domain, went further by unveiling the design of the lower receiver of the AR-15 carbine. AR-15 is actually a civilian counterpart, even a prototype of the M-16 automatic rifle, which is in service with several countries of the world. The lower part of the receiver bears the registration number - this is the only part of the rifle that cannot be purchased as a spare. Thus, the printing of this part can bypass the need to register weapons. Some countries have already banned the 3D printing of weapons, although it is not entirely clear how to apply this ban in practice.
Clothing
One of Snezhana Gross' designs
Some consumables for 3D printing, especially soft photopolymers, are quite suitable for making clothes and even underwear.
The bra in the illustration was laser sintered from nylon. This design from Continuum Fashion aims to showcase the possibilities that 3D printing opens up for couturiers. However, don't think this is an experimental model: the company offers finished products for sale on the Shapeways website.
Russian designers did not bypass the new technology either: Snezhana Gross demonstrated casual wear designs integrating functional 3D printed components.
Art
Easy to print. Take a picture - as lucky
Would you like a replica of the Venus de Milo? No problem, just choose the material and printing method. True, marble is not yet on the menu, but sandstone imitators are already available. Gypsum was one of the first materials for 3D printing. A three-dimensional image of the original can be obtained using a regular photo and then converted to 3D. In addition, more and more 3D scanners have recently appeared on the market, including portable hand-held options that can capture images of large objects.
It remains a mere trifle - to agree on a stereo photo session with the security of the Louvre.
Although, if you are too lazy to make digital models yourself, you can always download them.
Products
What's for breakfast?
Although giant hot dogs are still far away, 3D printers have already learned how to print minced meat. An example of this is the Foodini culinary printer, a simple and practical device using syringe extrusion. Moreover, printing is possible not only with minced meat, but also with any pasty product - dough, cheese, tomato puree. The only thing that Foodini is not yet capable of is heat treatment. It is to be expected that soon there will be devices that combine 3D printing with refrigeration units and, say, microwave ovens. Then sci-fi tales of "replicators" can come true. One press of a button, and the device will lay out the desired pizza and bake it to the delight of the user. Just one question: do you like thin dough or fluffy?
Characters
Model parts used to animate ParaNorman's protagonist
Whether it's a miniature version of a giant robot from a favorite manga, a creepy alien creature from Alien, or a Keanu Reeves action figure (as in a black cape and sunglasses, and with a beard and a sandwich sitting on a bench), 3D printing allows you to create replicas of game and movie characters for the delight of fans.
And the fact that such souvenirs can be printed even on household 3D printers opens up great opportunities for those who like to collect such models - after all, not all of them are available for sale. Do you want a model of a rare aircraft? Print it.
And what is most interesting, this application has already had the opposite effect. ParaNorman cartoon characters were still printed. Like the new RoboCop suit. True, inside it was still stuffing from a person. But why stop at simple visualization?
Home Robots
Early Terminator Prototype
The advent of inexpensive Arduino boards made it possible to design a variety of electronic devices at home. Here are your own 3D printed robots. You printed the case, inserted the servos and the board, and you have a new au pair. But what about people who do not understand programming or elementary soldering? Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are developing a project aimed at automating the design and construction of domestic robots.
Ideally, the user will only have to set the necessary functions for the future device, after which the system will compile the required design and send it to print. A few hours later, it will be possible to pick up a ready-made device - a robot-spider for wiping chandeliers or a machine for turning pancakes.
Aviation
3D printed part used in China's fifth generation fighter aircraft prototypes
The toy airplanes we have already mentioned. What about real ones? There is also a place for additive manufacturing in the aircraft industry, although here one cannot do without expensive industrial plants capable of creating high-quality parts, including all-metal ones. Leading aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin, are already testing laser sintering and melting technologies for the production of ventilation systems, structural components and even jet engine parts. Chinese engineers, on the other hand, set to work on a real scale, creating installations for the additive production of parts weighing up to 300 tons.
Space
Dragon v2 is Space's newest creation
The space industry is not far behind the aviation industry in its interest in 3D printing. NASA has successfully tested titanium rocket engine nozzles, and a few weeks ago, Elon Musk, the head of the private space company SpaceX, held a presentation of the new Dragon v2 orbiter, which also uses engines with 3D printed parts.
Bioprinting
Biopens can help treat fractures
Vessels, tissues, whole organs - several companies are simultaneously developing the production of organic imitators that are completely similar to natural tissues. Although transplantation of 3D printed organs is still far away, work in this direction is underway. In parallel with the production of organic tissues from scratch, methods are also being developed to restore damaged tissues, such as cartilage or bone. Devices called "biopens" are able to apply living cells to damaged areas, promoting their healing.
Prostheses
Titanium prosthetics with a porous structure for improved osseointegration
What if the tissues cannot be restored? 3D printing can help with prosthetics. Thus, the Swedish company Arcam creates installations for electron-beam melting, which make it possible to create virtually monolithic metal products, including titanium. Titanium orthopedic prostheses have become one of the most sought-after products created on the devices of this company - according to company statistics, their number exceeds thirty thousand copies.
Not only that, 3D printed limbs can compete with high-tech designs with one difference - their cost cannot be compared. How many people can afford a tens of thousands of dollars of prosthetic hands? How about a $50 fully functional prosthesis? And it's possible.
An even more common application of additive manufacturing is in dental prosthetics. If you have recently had a crown or bridge placed, it is possible that they were cast from models created with a stereolithography printer that prints with photopolymer resins.
Musical instruments
3D printed musical instruments
Guitars? Flutes? Drums? Easy. Broke your oboe - print a new one. Of course, professional musicians can argue: plastic guitar? Not seriously. But who said that all tools have to be made of plastic? The same neck can be printed from wood resin, similar in density to natural wood. You can even print a composite carbon fiber core. And as far as simply decorating your favorite harpsichord, 3D printing can work wonders here. It would be fantasy!
Shoes
Luc Fusaro's stylish trainers
Eight-time world sprint champion Usain Bolt is famous for his love of gold. This includes not only medals, but also cars and even shoes. During his contract with renowned manufacturer Puma, Bolt wore signature gold-plated sneakers. And more recently, engineer and designer Luke Fusaro has taken on the development of sports shoes that Usain would like. Its distinctive feature is its golden color.
Oh yes - and it's also designed for 3D printing. The use of additive manufacturing has one important bonus, namely the ability to produce shoes that are precisely tailored to the size and contours of the athlete's foot. Such shoes are produced by laser sintering, although this technology has already had a competitor.
Drugs
3D printing can facilitate the production of mixed drugs and help with drug testing on living tissues often in combination with tissue engineering. Thus, the Organovo company directs its efforts to create artificial human liver tissues to test new drugs for toxicity without risk to human health. But the drugs themselves can also be printed by binding the drugs with a gel material. As a result, we get ordinary-looking pills, but with a complex content of drugs, tailored to a particular patient.
Cars
Doc Brown is introduced to 3D printing. That's the kind of reaction you'd expect
Most automotive components can be printed, but it's not economically viable when it comes to mass production.
But for prototyping new cars, 3D printing is great. As, however, for the production of unique machines or components. For example, you can print replacement parts for low-volume, discontinued models. Where else can you find parts for, say, the DeLorean that inspired the Back to the Future time machine? The only small company still making parts for this car is in Texas. Shipping parts can cost more than the machine itself, quite inexpensive.
Customization
Maximum glamor at minimum cost
Why not take a finished product and add decorative elements? Turn your bike into a work of art for everyone to envy. Gold-plated openwork fasteners on a black chassis will make passers-by look back. But it is not necessary to stop at the decorative aspect! Maybe you are not satisfied with the seat? Why not print a new one? Or add more comfortable handles? Klaxon style 1910s?
Furniture
One of Joris Laarman's clever designs
Toy furniture? No, not only.
The advent of composite materials for FDM printing makes it possible to print "wooden" furniture, almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Actually, the material Laywoo-D3 could not do without real wood in the form of micro-sawdust. This stuff even smells like wood! Finished products are easily machined and varnished.
Or do you prefer metal furniture? Dutch designer Joris Laarman has created his own machine for metal 3D printing, without the use of expensive powders, vacuum chambers and lasers. The device draws with metal in the air, allowing you to create elegant interlaced designs.
Jewelry
Beautiful and functional
A clear demonstration of the precision of 3D printing is its use in jewelry. It should be said right away that not all technologies are suitable for this task. Widespread FDM printers are attractive due to their cost-effectiveness, but in terms of print quality they do not reach the standards of jewelry production. The most popular choice is laser (SLA) and projector (DLP) stereolithography - installations using these technologies allow printing photopolymer parts of extraordinary accuracy.
Such products are used as master models when creating jewelry casting molds, greatly simplifying the production process.
But there is also an option for direct additive manufacturing of jewelry: laser sintering and melting technologies make it possible to create finished products from metal powder, including precious metal powders. True, the cost of such installations and materials is often too high for widespread use even by jewelers.
Construction
3D printing of buildings will help with housing problems
The possibility of using 3D printers for the construction of buildings has long occupied the minds of engineers around the world: the US military is seriously considering the use of 3D printing with concrete for the deployment of bases, the Chinese experts with might and main experimenting with the construction of concrete "boxes". True, these attempts are still quite primitive, because a real house will also need infrastructure - drainage, wiring .
.. Andrey Rudenko's attempts to build a full-fledged house are very promising. Andrey designed his own printer capable of printing with commercially available cement mixtures. Moreover, he already had competitors. Thus, the BetAbram company plans to put on sale printers for printing buildings up to 16x9m. The issue price is about $44,000 for the largest of the three models. True, "more" is not necessarily "better". Spanish developers are trying to go in the direction of miniaturization of 3D construction printers, creating robots that can use already built building elements as a working support.
Which method will be the most practical, time will tell. But if any of them succeeds, the construction industry can make a qualitative breakthrough, expressed in increased savings, safety and speed of building construction.
3D printers
What else can I print with a 3D printer? Another 3D printer! Even if not entirely yet: the necessary electronic and electromechanical components are not yet subject to printing, but this is only a matter of time.
