Top 10 3d printer projects

67 Cool Things to 3D Print

3D printing is such a fun way to produce creative work—and it has totally taken off. Now, creators are using this amazing new technology to create all kinds of wild and wonderful 3D printer projects that were previously all but impossible to make at home.

These 3D printer projects are a great addition to your online design portfolio. This is such a hot space that shows your mastery of this chic craft could win you some big new clients. You can showcase a collection of cool things to 3D print and some of your best 3D printings too.

Want to get in on this cool 3D prints trend? We’ve compiled a list of 67 inspiring 3D printing ideas to fuel your next 3D printer design. So, what can you make with a 3D printer? Well, there’s something cool for everyone!

Next in our list of cool things to 3D print is a simple project that can be completed in approximately one hour and will produce a whistle. It can produce an eye-popping 118db sound, perfect for camping or sporting events.

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that earbud cords are a pain in the butt to keep organized. They constantly get tangled and eventually produce the dreaded earphone-crackle, rendering your treasured music-makers useless. This is a great example of what you can make with a 3D printer that can improve your everyday life.

A simple toy originally created for Settlers of Catan, this project is durable and (in our opinion) cute. This is one of those 3D printer projects you could use in a few ways: gaming, office desk decoration, children’s toy, you name it! Plus, T-Rexes are (always!) cool.

Organize your desk, and add a little flair at the same time! With these simple 3D printer designs, you’ll have all you need to generate truly unique desktop organizers that not only keep your stuff where it needs to be but look cool as well. You can 3D print a pencil holder that is unique to your own personality and have others mistaking your pencil holders again.

With a 3D printer you’ll be able to replace your dinnerware with new and original 3D printer designs in no time at all. Take this blueberry-themed bowl, for example. Why stop there? There are numerous other designs for plates and bowls out there to make eating at home a unique experience.

One of the cool things to 3D print is an abstract planter for your succulents and cacti. Why use traditional planters to hold your plants? There are cool 3D prints out there that don’t allow you to skip the traditional clay pots. These modular little guys are modern and fresh and guaranteed to make your mini-garden more attractive.

Measuring Cube

Get rid of those 72 measuring spoons from your utensil drawer and replace them all with a single implement! One of the most immediately useful and cool 3D prints in this list, it’ll make for an interesting tool that others will want when they see it.

Cable Holder

Stop the tyranny of cords taking over your desk and entertainment unit and 3D print some space-saving cable management devices. You’ll cut back on desk clutter and all that cord-related aggravation. These are the blessed 3D printed objects that make life a little less annoying!

Nearly everyone these days has a smartphone, and we’ve likely all had moments where we wanted to prop up our phones for viewing video or photos and had to resort to piled books or whatever else is on hand. And it rarely works out as well as we hope! That makes this tiny project one of the coolest 3D printed objects on the list. Plus, they look like cats. Cats are good.

A perennial childhood favorite, kids love them just as much today. Of course, adults can enjoy these toys, too. They could be just the ticket to break through some creative block!

A truly inspiring 3D printing idea, these pop-out business cards allow you to speak to clients in a way they won’t have experienced many times (if ever) before! Rather than a drab piece of cardboard, hand them a toy they can assemble that speaks much louder than a traditional printed card.

Can’t sit still? Searching for a 3D printer project to help you focus? Look no further. Fidget spinners are an excellent way to occupy your mind, and this 3D printed object will definitely do the trick.

This is probably one of the most fun and cool things to 3D print, these gimmicky little toys are quite literally affixed to food items found in your house. A lemon helicopter? A banana-car? Why not! Easy to print and awesome for providing hours of enjoyment to restless rainy-day kiddos.

Definitely among the most interesting and cool things to 3D print in this list (and showcasing a bit more complexity than other entries), the dragonfly is a tiny little flying machine you can whip up in a short time. It’s perfect for providing a little entertainment for your kids on a rainy day.

Why settle for boring cutlery in your drawer? With minimal effort, you can produce some decorative handles for your eating utensils and wow visitors to your humble abode. When they inevitably ask “so, what can you print with a 3D printer?”, you can tell them they’re eating with it!

Drop your phone into these useful little devices to amplify the sound from its speakers. They offer surprisingly high-quality sound—and now you don’t need to lug portable speakers around on picnics or at the beach.

If you’re looking for some more simple and cool 3D printing ideas, consider 3D printing a set of drink coasters. Thanks to simple 3D printer designs like this, we won’t need to spend our hard-earned cash on flimsy little discs anymore. Make your own coasters with whatever designs you want, and say goodbye to tacky freebies and over-priced novelty ones. This idea makes for one of the cool things to 3D print as gifts!

If you’re an audiophile, you’ll truly appreciate this entry as one of the best things to 3d print. By converting audio files, you can create your own records that will play on turntables. Why limit it to music? Record your own special messages to loved ones and send out the love!

Simple 3D printer designs like this are great to have on hand. Hinges are always useful, and come in handy all over the house. These particular designs are super-simple, even by 3D printing standards, requiring just a single step!

With a sliding clasp, these unique chip clip designs work quite well and are fantastically simple things to 3D print.

A larger-scale project than other 3D printing ideas, the Drawing Machine is quite unique: attach a pen and create works of art from files on your computer. This 3D printer project can help you produce invitations, cards or any other manner of drawings.

Some nostalgic old-timey engineering comes into play with these uber-neat 3D printing ideas. Relive the past and have your desk decorated with a sign that uses something other than LED or LCD displays!

When it comes to 3D printing metal, there are people who may choose to use a laser cutter instead. The reason is that 3D printed projects using metal can be costly and time-consuming. However, the two are quite different. 3D printing is an additive process, while laser cutting is a subtractive process. Depending on your needs, those that are looking to create multiple pieces at a quicker pace may choose the laser cutter as it can conveniently cut multiple materials and larger size.

With digital trends of raw and rustic design, you might be considering 3D printing cool things at home with metal. However, printing metal is extremely costly due to its process and the machinery required. If you’re looking for cool things to 3D print at home with a metal-looking finish, we recommend using materials on the market that can create metal-like 3D printed objects instead. These materials give the illusion that your 3D printed pencil holder or camera mount is made out of metal but without the actual cost.

Thanks to 3D printing, it has also made highly-customizable prosthesis possible. One of the coolest things about 3D printed prosthesis is that they can create custom fits for the patient and also a much lower cost. Instead of creating static designs that are “one size fits all”, 3D print gives companies the opportunity to create products that are affordable and personalized. What would have cost lots of money to create is now more accessible thanks to 3D printed prostheses.

Beyond science, 3D printed homes and shelters have also become one of the cool things to 3D print across the world. To address the housing issue around the world, companies have been using this technology to print emergency shelters and 3D printed homes. With this technology, companies and cities can build a community in a much shorter amount of time and for a cost cheaper than traditional home building methods. Each home inside the community can then be purchased at a more affordable cost.

If you love architecture and buildings, companies have created kits that allow people to replicate architectural structures and other cool things with a 3D pen. For boardgame lovers, you 3D print your own figurines by drawing it with your 3D pen. You can also turn your favorite cartoon show characters or movie heroes into 3D. While a 3D pen allows you to draw 2D things to 3D, their limitation tends to be the size of the project you can make. If you’re looking to 3D print a life-size chair, it may be easier to use a printer because 3D pens may not be able to create something as durable.

• Tangram: A super easy and fun game to play with your kids or friends. If you’re going on a road trip or simply trying to pass time, this 3D printed tangram makes for portable entertainment.
• Klöts (Quick shoe ties): Some cool things to 3D print for your kids are these quick shoe ties. With this project, you’ll spend less time worrying about their shoelaces being undone and risking a fall.
• Puzzle Keychain: This heart puzzle is perfect as a gift or personal use. If you’re tight on schedule for an anniversary or valentine’s day gift, this heart puzzle is one of the quickest things to 3D print.
• Door Stop: Some things to 3D print for practical uses are these door stops. Whether you’re using it at home or for your office, printing them is super easy and fast.
• Light Switch Locks: This definitely tops for cool things to 3D print, especially for parents. This awesome tool can prevent your kids from turning the lights on and off at home. Keep certain lights off to save energy.

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Now get out there, get creative, and start turning heads with amazing 3D creations!

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60+ Awesome 3D Printing Ideas for 2022

Want to check out some of the coolest 3D prints for the new year? Read on to learn more about some awesome 3D printing ideas you can try at home this year!

3D printing has truly revolutionized the scope of what DIY home projects can look like. So, if you are the proud owner of a 3D printer and are wondering how best to use it’s talents, look no further. We have compiled a list of the best 3D printing ideas for you to try in 2022.  

But what is 3D printing? In simple terms, 3D printing is a method of creating three-dimensional objects, through the use of computer models. 3D printers analyse a design or model given to them by a computer and print it out in real life by depositing some material, like wood filament or polymer resin layer by layer to create a 3D model. This means that with 3D printing you can create items that would otherwise be impossible to DIY. 3D printers enable you to print out cool objects and items at home, all by yourself!

So if you have been looking to try out some cool things to 3D print this new year, or just want to give out some unique, 3D printed gifts to family and friends, you are at the right place. 

• Earphone Holder
• Articulated Elephant
• Folding Leaf Bowl
• Chopstick Trainer
• Measuring Cube
• Ocarina
• Modular Fiddle
• Hanging Planter
• Baroque Picture Frame
• Tulip Vase
• Flexi Chrome T-Rex
• Groovi Monster and more

Earphone Holder

Are you always losing your earphones? Well, you are not alone. Earphones are notoriously hard to store and the ever tangling cables don’t help. This handy earphone holder is the solution. The cool thing about this 3D print idea is that it is enclosable and sturdy enough to handle being thrown around a little bit. One of the best 3D printing ideas for those of us who like to travel!

Picture - Earbud holder
Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Sneakypoo

Articulated Elephant

Not every 3D printing idea needs to serve an explicit purpose. Sometimes we like to try out cool things to 3D print just for the fun of it and this articulated elephant figure toy is one of those 3D printing ideas. This fully articulated and poseable elephant is inspired by the giant robotic puppets at the IRT Jules Verne in Nantes, France. While this elephant is far from a giant, it is definitely adorable and very printable!

Picture - Articulated Elephant
Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - Le Fabshop

Folding Leaf Bowl

This folding leaf bowl is on our list of cool 3D prints which you should definitely try because it is fun as well as really useful. The leaves on this bowl can be easily closed in a snap and then opened to uncover the contents inside. This bowl makes for a really cool table centrepiece or candy bowl and is definitely sure to get some conversations going!

Picture - Folding Leaf Bowl
Where to Find This - Cults3D
Creator - Nau_Tec

Chopstick Trainer

We all love Asian food but we can all agree that chopsticks can be complicated. Well, they don’t have to be. Visual designer Zydac on Thingiverse was inspired to create this chopstick trainer 3D print design when a Japanese restaurant gave his son some aids to help him use chopsticks.  

Picture - Chopstick Trainer
Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Zydac

Measuring Cube

This amazing kitchen tool is one of the best 3D printed gift ideas for your spouse if they love to cook or bake! This single kitchen tool can replace your ever overflowing measuring cup collection easily, saving you some precious cabinet space. Measuring cube is one of those cool things to 3D print that are both fun and easy to print as well as useful.  

Picture - Measuring Cube
Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Jevus

Ocarina

Musical instruments can be a little on the expensive side sometimes. If you want to learn how to play an instrument but don’t want to spend too much on buying one, this cool 3D print is perfect for you. This ocarina is compact, easy to print and, most importantly, musically accurate.

Picture- Ocarina
Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Robsoundtrack

 Modular Fiddle

Ocarinas are simple enough but what about something a little more complicated? Say a violin? Believe it or not, you can 3D print an entire violin at home with your 3D printer. This modular violin produces excellent, musically accurate acoustics. There is also an electric version available for you to try. The modular fiddle is fully customizable and you can change or alter any part of it to make an instrument that is truly yours!

Where to Find This - Openfabpdx
Creator - David Perry

Hanging Planter

This beautiful hanging planter is perfect for home decor. If you were looking for 3D printed gift ideas for someone’s housewarming, then this cool design is definitely something you should check out. The teardrop shape gives this planter an elegant, modern look - perfect for hanging in a balcony or near a window.

Picture - Hanging Planter
Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - ZSAviation  

Baroque Picture Frame

If you are in the market for some home decor, then this beautiful baroque picture frame is the perfect 3D print idea for your tastes. This picture frame has a nifty, vintage appearance but can be printed in a flash with your at home 3D printer. Isn’t that cool?

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - alex_grima

Tulip Vase

This tulip vase is simple, beautiful and elegant. Another, worthy candidate for a 3D printed gift idea for your friend’s housewarming. Interior decorating can be such a long, time-consuming process. 3D printed home decor simplifies that because you can create something custom that matches the tone and vibe of your house and your personal interior design sense.

Picture - Tulip Vase
Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Streetfire_Industries

Flexi Chrome T-Rex

We all love the little Google Chrome T-rex! We can’t be the only ones who have spent countless hours procrastinating by playing the little T-Rex game in our mobile Chrome browser. This insanely cool 3D print is a tribute to the beloved Chrome T-Rex. What’s more? It is completely articulated so you can now play with it in real life as well!

Where to Find This - Prusa Printers
Creator - James

Groovi Monster

This is a very simple 3D print design but a life changing one. Groovi Monster is basically designed to amplify the sound from your smartphone through simple audio-engineering. This little gadget is perfect for you if you are a student or if you want to turn up the volume on your phone but don’t want to invest in an external speaker.

Where to Find This - Cults3D
Creator - 3DShook

Dinosaur Bag Clip

Bag clips are extremely handy for everyday use in the kitchen and pantry. From keeping your chips crisp to making sure your pasta doesn’t spill out everywhere, bag clips are essential kitchen tools. But most bag clips you get on the market are kind of… boring. Well, we can’t have that! These awesome 3D printed dinosaur bag clips are just what you need!

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Tquacken

Snowman Fidget Toy

Fidget spinners are passe. What you really need this Christmas is this snazzy snowman fidget toy. This cute snowman is fully poseable and articulated and the perfect 3D printed gift idea for your office secret santa.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - 3DPrinty

T-Rex Tape Dispenser

Who doesn’t want a T-Rex skull on their office desk? This cool 3D printed T-Rex skull tape dispenser will give you the best possible excuse to let loose your childhood palaeontology nerd as an adult. The tape nestles neaty inside the skull with the end of it becoming the dinosaur’s tongue. 

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - mingshiuan

Tower of Pi

If you are a math nerd then the Tower of Pi pen holder is probably something you will enjoy.   This pen holder is a spiral of the digits of pi and can hold a place of honor and pride on your desk for you and others to admire. 

Picture - Tower of Pi
Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - Roman_hegglin

Collapsible Travel Clothes Hanger

This is another amazing 3D print for those of us who like to travel. This collapsible travel coat hanger will fix all of your hotel living woes. This clothes hanger can be neatly folded up and tucked inside your suitcase which makes it the perfect for people who love to travel or move around a lot.

Picture - Collapsible Travel Clothes Hanger
Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - FrenchFriesDerp

Self-watering Planter

If your house plants are constantly dying because you forget to water them then this 3D printed self-watering planter might come in particularly handy for you. All you need to do is fill in the reservoir and the water will seep into your plants all on its own without you having to manually water them everyday.  

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Parallel Goods

Proteus Key-Holder

Keys can be a bit of a hassle to carry around. They’re constantly jingling, get tangled with your earphone cables and can just in general be a bit of a nuisance. Inspired by Swiss army knives, this cool 3D print key holder provides an elegant, easy solution for this. This keyholder will keep your keys in place and organized without any hassle.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - ProteanMan

Anti-overheating Support for Laptops

Another indispensable utility item for home offices is this anti-overheating support for laptops. If you have been on the lookout for 3D printing ideas to help you with your laptop’s overheating issues and don’t want to purchase an expensive and bulky cooling stand just yet, check these out. These small but sturdy supports may be exactly what you need.

Picture - Anti-overheating support for Laptops
Where to Find This - My Minifactory
Creator - Corentin Paquet

Hanging Bird-feeder

It can be hard finding the perfect bird feeder for your garden birds but worry not because we have the perfect 3D printing idea for you. With this beautiful 3D printed bird-feeder the bird in your garden will never have to go without food again.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Tgschulz

Faceted Chess Set

A good chess set can cost a very pretty penny. Lucky for you, if you have a 3D printer at home, you don’t have to worry about that at all! This beautiful, faceted chess set can be a really cool home 3D printing project for you if you have a passion for chess. Print a chess board to go with it and you are good to go!

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - Thomas Davis

Darth Vader Pen Holder

This is one of the coolest 3D printing ideas for Star Wars fans which is also very useful. The Darth Vader pen holder can hold a place of pride on your desk. Extremely easy to print and very sturdy in construction, this pen holder will let you unleash the Star Wars nerd. May the force be with you!

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - tmasantos

All-in-one Desk Organizer

Desk organizers are a very important necessity for any home office desk. You need to make sure that your little pens, paper clips, flash drives and all your other bits and bobs don’t get misplaced. This 3D printing idea is the simple solution for all your stationery organization woes. With extra slots and large holes, this all-in-one desk organizer is just what you need.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Redheelerdog

Rooted Brackets

If you were looking for more cool 3D printed home decor ideas then these rooted brackets will definitely catch your eye. These are perfect for you if you want to bring a sense of nature into your home. For best results and a more authentic wooden look you can try using wood filament for 3D printing these beautiful rooted brackets

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - Oscar Aguirre

Rubik’s Cube

Do you remember the hours spent trying to solve a rubik’s cube when you were a kid? Rubik’s cubes are the ultimate fidget and puzzle toy. Did you know they can also be very easily 3D printed at home? This is one of those 3D printing ideas that will surely keep you busy for quite a while!

Picture - Rubik's Cube
Where to Find This - Printables

Creator - 3Dominic

Desktop Cable Organizer

Don’t we all hate the ever more confusing mess of tangled cables and wires under our desks? Cable organizers can be simple, easy and cool 3D printing ideas to solve this problem. This simple cable organizer can be printed in two separate pieces and can be used to keep all your multiple cables nicely separated and organized.

Where to Find This - My Minifactory
Creator - Cameron O’Neill

Raspberry Pi Case

Raspberry Pi is the name of a popular low cost, modular, single-board computer developed by the non-profit Raspberry Pi Organization. The open design of these computers means that they often come without a casing. These casings can be easily 3D printed however as long as you have a design. This case for a Raspberry Pi 4 comes with ventilation holes and a modular design.

Where to Find This - My Minifactory
Creator - Tadeas Hollan

Panda Bookmark

A violin is definitely an interesting 3D printing idea but it is definitely not the most simple or easy. If you want some nice, easy, beginner-friendly 3D printing ideas then this cute panda bookmark might be just the right thing for you. Simple, effective and useful, this bookmark is sure to make any bookworm’s day.

Picture - Panda Bookmark
Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - OJ46

Thin Man

Work from home getting lonely? What you need is a companion and a thin man can be exactly that. This compact 3D printing idea can help bring a smile to your face during those lonely office hours. Tiny, affable and absolutely adorable, thin man is something everyone needs. 

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - WallTosh

Harry Potter Headphone Stand

Harry Potter has been an important part of all our childhoods. This sturdy and compact headphone stand can be the perfect thing to reignite your nostalgia and love for the famous boy wizard.

Where to Find This - Cult3D
Creator - 3DPrintBunny

One-handed Bottle-opener

Bottle openers are a must-have utility item for every household kitchen. You don’t think you need it, till you do! This one-handed bottle opener adds another layer of convenience for an already convenient tool. This is a 3D printed kitchen tool that you will be sure to thank your stars for during your next dinner party.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Kart5A

Sitting Kodama Ornaments

Kodama are Japanese folk nature spirits that inhabit trees. These benevolent spirits are sure to bring good fortune and mystique to your home garden as well. This is a really cute 3D printing idea if you have just started getting into gardening and want to liven up your garden a bit more.

Picture- Sitting Kodama Ornaments 
Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Nagmay

Adjustable Spot Lamp

This 3D printed spot lamp is completely adjustable and can be an adorable and modern addition to any home or office. The original 3D print design has been printed out of wood filament and grey PLA and is designed to fit smaller E27 bulbs. We highly recommend this lamp if you are looking for 3D printed gift ideas.

Where to Find This - Cult3D
Creator - Creality 

Smartphone Stand

Smartphone stands are probably one of the most popular 3D printing ideas and designs on Thingiverse and other 3D printing websites. This adorable tortoise smartphone stand comes with the added bonus of doubling up as a keychain so that you can carry it anywhere you please without losing it!

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - Sonia Verdu

Citrus Juicer

There are a ton of citrus juicers on the market so you may be thinking what sets this particular 3D print design apart from others? This cool 3D print idea is unique and useful in that the bottom part of the juicer easily screws on to just about any standard, narrow neck PET bottle. This makes collecting the juice as easy and efficient as juicing the fruit itself. The design has been tested on PET bottles from a variety of different countries in order to maintain accuracy.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Tammo66

Toothpick Dispenser

This cool 3D print gives you a sanitary as well as hilarious way of dispensing toothpicks. When the top part of the dispenser is lifted and dropped, a toothpick is placed onto the outstretched arms of the tiny man and offered out to you! This little toothpick dispenser is tiny but sure to be a conversation piece when you have guests over

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - shusi

Surprise Egg

Remember the little Kinder surprise eggs we loved as kids? Well agepbiz on Thingiverse has some 3D printing ideas that will send you right down memory lane. These adorable 3D printed surprise eggs are perfect as stocking stuffers for friends, family or little ones this Christmas! Careful with very young children and toddlers, however, because these contain small parts.

Picture - Surprise Egg
Where to Find This - Thinigverse
Creator - agepbiz

Dragon Egg Container

Speaking of eggs, this dragon egg container is a really nifty 3D print for all fantasy nerds out there. While you probably can’t incubate it to hatch dragons, it can make for a really cool storage container for bits and bobs or simply be a cool statement piece for your bookshelf or desk.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Lalala65765

Greek Meander Lamp

This Greek Meander lamp is one of the coolest 3D printing ideas we have seen in quite some time. When lit up, it reflects some really cool Greek meander patterns onto your wall. It may not be the most practical lamp for lighting up a room, but it can for sure light up a party and spark conversations.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Hultis

Bedside Bottle & Phone Holder

This is one of those cool 3D printing ideas that will change your life for good. This is especially useful for college students or people who don’t have space in their apartments for night stands. This secure bedside bottle and phone holder will keep your items safe and close to you while you sleep.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - Hesed

Marble Maze

This cool 3D printed marble maze can keep both adults and children busy for hours! This puzzle game relies on a  very simple gravity based maze design with ball and socket joints. If you have kids who never seem to stay in one place, try 3D printing this cool toy for them at home. You will not regret it.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - Ericman314

Petite Paint Palette

This one's for the artists out there. This cool 3D print will be a real game changer for you if you like to paint. It fits perfectly on your thumb and can be useful for wiping your brush down when switching colors, mixing small amounts of colors for detail work and more.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Megan McFergan

Flying Sea Turtle

This cool 3D printed mechanical toy is truly a marvel. The inspiration behind this creation comes from the poor sea turtle who got caught with a plastic straw in his nose and inspired millions around the world to give up single use plastics like straws. The toy uses a simple turn handle mechanism and perfect if you are looking for really unique 3D printed gift ideas.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Amaochan 

Polar Bear & Seal

If you liked the flying sea turtle, you will like this cute polar bear and seal toy even more. The best and most cool 3D prints have a little bit of mischief in them. Nothing proves that better than this little toy. The peekaboo playing seal and the wide eyed polar bear can make anyone’s day.  

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Amaochan 

Giroid Vase

The Giroid vase is perfect for you if you are looking for cool 3D print ideas for home decor. This vase looks like a slowly unraveling ribbon and can be the perfect addition to your bedside table or the centerpiece for your dining room table. If you like contemporary or modern home decor, you are sure to enjoy this vase.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Area3D

Wall Folder

This wall folder is an amazing utility item for any office. You no longer have to worry about misplaced papers and messy desks. Neatly place everything into your wall folder and breathe a sigh of relief. 

Where to Find This - My Minifactory
Creator -Matter Hackers

Wall Outlet Shelf

Speaking of wall mounted utility items, this wall outlet charging shelf is life changing. Have you ever precariously balanced your phone on top of the adapter when charging it at a wall outlet without any table or other furniture nearby? Then this shelf is for you. With this amazing and useful 3D print you never have to worry about your phone falling off while charging ever again.

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator -WallTosh

Collapsible Basket

Baskets are useful when you have items to store and nuisance when you don’t. This collapsible basket takes care of that problem. No more worrying about scarce counter space because with this awesome 3D print idea, you can simply fold up and stowaway the basket when you don’t have need for it.

Picture - Collapsible Basket
Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - 3Dprintingworld

Batman Fidget Toy

Fidget spinners are useful in maintaining focus for those of us who are a little restless. But let’s be honest, most fidget spinner toys are really quite boring and uninspiring. Well, no more. This cool Batman inspired fidget toy is the perfect 3D printing idea to help you focus at work. 

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - Heraldo Medeiros

Toothbrush Holder

Have you been thinking of replacing that old broken coffee mug from its designation as your toothbrush holder? If you have been checking out cool 3D prints to take its place, check out this literal ‘tooth’-brush holder. This cute little 3D print is sure to give all pun lovers a bit of a laugh.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Ericman93

Christmas Tree Photo Frame

If you want to send family members pictures of you and the family this Christmas, consider using these pretty Christmas tree themed photo frames. These pretty little frames are subtle enough to be used outside of the holiday season as well which makes them the perfect 3D printed home decor idea if you want to revamp your living room.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - Myhackspace 

Tiny Lantern

If you have been on the lookout for cute, quaint little cottage core 3D printing ideas then this tiny lantern will be right up your alley. It makes the perfect home decor item and it is small enough that you can put it literally anywhere. Perfect for a taste of cottage core without having to rearrange your whole house.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - Vikkon

Moon Lamp

You may have seen this beautiful moon lamp on Instagram and other websites. Well, you can now have it in your home and what’s more, you can make it yourself. This moon lamp 3D print even has all the beautiful detail work required to make it look super realistic and beautiful.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - moononournation

Bird Clock

Looking for cool 3D prints to decorate your home with? This beautiful bird clock will be right up your alley. The steampunk, mechanical, bird design gives this clock a truly unique look. This can also be a really cool 3D printed gift idea for friends and family, especially if you have a housewarming event coming up.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - Hairald

Tiny Zen Garden

We all need something to calm down and relax sometimes. Zen gardens are a wonderful way of calming your mind. But turning your whole backyard into a Zen garden is really not the most practical idea for most people. This tiny zen garden 3D print can help you soothe yourself without leaving your desk.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Motofuzzi

Robot Pencil Sharpener

This adorable robot pencil sharpener is sure to liven up your desk at the office or at home. The robot is basically a case designed to hold a standard, single hole wedge pencil sharpener to make sure you don’t lose it. As an added bonus, it is also perfect for kids if you are thinking about creating a back to school kit for your children.

Where to Find This - My Minifactory
Creator - Tanya Weisner

Picture Frame Christmas Bauble

Can there be anything better than a Christmas ornament with pictures of you and your family tucked inside? Personalize your Christmas tree to the next level with this beautiful picture frame, Christmas bauble. 

Picture - Picture Frame Christmas Ball Ornament
Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Dazus

Melting Snowmen

Nothing screams winter quite like a snowman. If you have been looking for cool 3D prints and cute winter themed decorations to put up for the Christmas and New years, then check out these adorable little snowmen. These are sure to liven up any mantelpiece in a flash.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - ArKay894

Tic Tac Gun

If you want some light harmless fun for you and your friends then this little tic tac gun is one of the best 3D printing ideas you can get. This fun toy will take you back to your school days of paper catapults and airsoft guns. The tic tac gun is a small, handy and incredibly fun toy to bring back the 8 year old in you.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - HerrBatman

Sharing Your 3D Printing Ideas Online!

Did these cool 3D prints and ideas inspire you? You can share your own 3D prints online with the world. All you need is your very own personal portfolio website. 

If you have a knack for creating and modelling your own 3D print designs, then you must be looking for a place to display your talents and maybe even make some money off of it. But it is very easy to get lost in the crowd on websites like Thingiverse. If you are truly looking to show off your 3D printing ideas with the world, there is nothing better than creating a portfolio website of your own. 

The solution here is Pixpa – an all-in-one DIY website builder platform that seeks to empower creative professionals and small business owners by helping them build beautiful, professional websites all without touching a single line of code!

You can create your own 3D print design portfolio website on Pixpa easily, even without coding skills. Use the stunning, clean and professional templates and modern galleries to display your work and share your 3D printing and design skills with the world. If you are new to website building and design, then this step by step guide on how to design a website is sure to help you out!  

Ready to create your professional website?

Start Free Trial

Do you have 3D print ideas to sell? With the e-commerce galleries, you can sell your 3D print designs as digital downloads, or set up a full-featured online store to sell your own 3D printed creations. Use Pixpa’s extensive marketing and SEO tools to promote your products and designs and start earning an income from your 3D printing skills! Also check out this guide on how to create an e-commerce website to learn how to best set up an online store to sell your 3D prints and designs!

Conclusion

We hope this article gave you lots of ideas and inspiration for your next 3D printing project! 3D printing is not just a fun weekend hobby. It can be the start of a lucrative business if you know what to do. Consider taking a look at this guide on how to start a small business if you are thinking about 3D printing business ideas. However, if you are not looking for business ideas but simply more design inspiration, check out these amazing designers and their portfolios!

So, what are you waiting for? Set up your very own 3D printing design portfolio or e-commerce website!  You can join Pixpa today and start sharing your own 3D printing projects and designs with the world! Sign up for the full-featured, 15-day free trial, no credit card required.   

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is 3D printing?

3D printing is a method of creating three dimensional objects, models and figures. It involves the use of a 3D printer which can read and analyse models fed into it through a computer and then print the computer model out as a real world object.

1. How does 3D printing work?

In 3D printing, a specially designed 3D printer analyses a computer created model of an object and then deposits some material, like wood filament or PLA, layer by layer to create a real life, 3D rendition of the object. Often 3D print models need to incorporate supports to ensure that the object stays stable while printing.

1. Where did the idea of 3d printing come from?

3D printing came about due to the need for the development of rapid prototyping mechanisms for research and development purposes. Hideo Kodama came up with the technology in the early 1980s however the technology was not patented till 1988 when Charles Hull, an American furniture builder, developed his own stereolithography or 3D printing machine and was granted a patent for the same.

1. How to submit a 3d printing idea?

You can share your 3D printing ideas on sites like Thingiverse and Pinshape. You can also create your own 3D printing and design portfolio website to share your 3D printing ideas with the world.

1. Can you print metal with 3d printers?

Yes, you can print metal with 3D printers. But you will need a special 3D printer with the capacity to use powdered metal to create objects and parts.

1. How to make 3D models for printing

To create a 3D model for printing, you will need a CAD (computer aided design) or 3D modeling software. With this software you can make 3D models and designs which you can input into a 3D printer for printing. You can check out this article on the best 3D modeling software to find out which one will be best for you!

1. How can you make money from 3D printing?

If you are interested in 3D printing business ideas then you can make money by selling 3D print ideas or designs on your website or by creating 3D printed products and selling them. Keeping copyright and trademarks in mind is very important when embarking on any such venture!

 

Top 10 Resin 3D Printers of 2022 (each price range)

Resin 3D printers use SLA, DLP, or LCD technology to cure liquid resin, producing sharp, high-resolution prints at high speed. You'd be surprised how many industries use these machines, from jewelry to dentistry.

That's why we've ranked the best resin printers in every price range, from $150 to $5,000+, so you can find the perfect machine for your hobby projects or business. nine0003

Contents

1. Best cheap resin 3D printers (under a thousand dollars)
2. Anycubic Photon Mono is a great low cost resin 3D printer
3. ELEGOO Mars Pro / Mars 2 Pro is the best cheap resin 3D printer
4. Anycubic Photon Mono 4K
5. Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K
6. Elegoo Mars 3
7. Elegoo Saturn
8. Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K
9. Anycubic Mono X is a great budget photopolymer 3D printer
10. Curing and Cleaning Stations
11. Anycubic Wash & Cure.
12. Elegoo Mercury Plus
13. Prusa SL1S Speed ​​
14. Peopoly Phenom mSLA Printer - large photoresin 3D printer with huge build volume
15. Buyer's Guide - What to Consider When Buying a
16. RGB Photopolymer 3D Printer vs. LCD Screens - Differences, Advantages/Disadvantages
17. Post-processing equipment
18. How does a photopolymer 3D printer work?
19. Resin 3D printing technologies
20. SLA
21. DLP
22. MSLA/LCD
23. LFS
24. DLS
25. How much does a resin 3D printer cost?
26. Resin 3D Printer Applications
27. Resin 3D Printing vs. Filament (FDM)
28. Resin 3D Printing vs Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
29. FAQ

Best cheap resin 3D printers (under a thousand dollars)

Anycubic Photon Mono is a great low cost resin 3D printer

• Price: $249
• Assembly volume: 120 x 80 x 165 mm
• Screen resolution: 2560 x 1620 pixels
• Screen size: 6″ 2K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 51 microns
• Speed: 50 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Anycubic Washing and Curing Station
nine0091

The new Anycubic Photon Mono printer adds to Anycubic's reputation as a premium manufacturer of affordable LCD 3D printers. Where you used to pay thousands for an entry-level SLA printer, now printers like the Mono offer great resolution at lower than ever prices. The Photon Mono is a new upgrade from previous models, including greatly increased resin printing speed and other accuracy improvements.

It is equipped with a high quality 2K LCD screen, which is more than enough for most resin projects. But for higher resolution and better quality for really complex figurines or miniatures, we recommend getting the Anycubic Mono X with its 4K LCD screen, which we'll cover in more detail later in this article. nine0003

Perhaps the most notable upgrade is speed - up to a maximum of 50mm/h from previous levels of around 20mm/h on older Photon models. Anycubic has also upgraded the Z axis for more stable printing and better surface finish with a new dual linear motion system.

Overall, we rate the Anycubic Photon Mono, as well as its competitors in the Sonic Mini and Elegoo Mars lineups, as the best cheap photopolymer 3D printers. But if you have a few hundred dollars to spare and need a better resolution, go for Mono X.0099 anycubic photon mono cheap photopolymer 3d printer.

ELEGOO Mars Pro / Mars 2 Pro - Best Cheap Resin 3D Printer

• Price: $250 / $280 - Available on Amazon here
• Print volume: 129 x 80 x 160 mm
• Screen resolution: 2560 x 1620 pixels
• Screen size: 6.08″ 2K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 50 microns
• Speed: 30-50 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Elegoo Mercury Plus/X 9 Wash and Curing Station0010 The

Elegoo Mars is another cheap resin 3D printer, like the Anycubic Photon, which shocked manufacturers with how good it really is. As LCD 3D printing becomes more affordable, accurate and fast, Elegoo is taking advantage of this advantage to create a low cost resin printer that delivers quality and consistency.

An upgraded version of the Mars Pro printer is more precise with an updated Z-axis linear guide system that smoothes layers and makes each individual layer line less obvious, improving surface quality. There are also a number of safety improvements, such as a silicone seal that prevents resin from leaking on the 3D printer cover. nine0003

The printer is equipped with a 2K LCD projector and the minimum layer height is only 0.01mm. Elegoo Mars Pro comes with its own 3D resin slicer called CHITUBOX and has a nice max build volume of 115 x 65 x 150mm. It's also fast enough for a budget photopolymer 3D printer.

Elegoo also sells some of the cheapest resins on the market. You can buy them here.

Anycubic Photon Mono 4K

• Price: $289
nine0009 Print volume: 165 x 132 x 80 mm
• Screen resolution: 3840 x 2400
• Screen size: 6.23" 4K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 35 microns
• Speed: 50 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Anycubic Washing and Curing Station

Equipped with a 6.23″ 4K high-resolution monochrome LCD, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K is an affordable, performance-oriented 3D printer for the discerning but budget-friendly resin maker. nine0003

The construction volume of 165 x 132 x 80 mm is small by FDM standards. Although, as befits resin 3D printers, its volume is slightly larger than most, and it certainly makes up for it with exceptional precision and detail thanks to its 35 micron XY resolution.

In testing, Anycubic Photon Mono 4K proved to be ready to work with any highly detailed models and decorative elements, even quite large ones. Articulated parts, board game figures and even articulated miniatures, the Mono 4K does it all. nine0003

Cast on a few copies of a small part and the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K is ready, making it suitable for small businesses and hobbyists alike. The print speed is up to 50mm/h and the printer easily prints layers in less than 2 seconds.

From a usability standpoint, we'd like to see desirable features such as resume printing and Wi-Fi connectivity. Anycubic's Photon Workshop slicing software is a functional, if unremarkable, slicer. Luckily, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K's compatibility with third-party software such as Lychee and ChiTuBox means you don't have to be tied to Anycubic's slicing software. nine0003

If you're after impressive 4K screen fidelity, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K's delivers hassle-free, high-resolution printing at a great price.

Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K

• Price: $349 - Available at Phrozen official store here / Available on Amazon here
• Print volume: 134 x 75 x 130 mm
• Screen resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Screen size: 6.1″ 4K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 35 microns
• Speed: 80 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Phrozen Cure and Phrozen Ultra-Sonic Cleaner

At an affordable price, the Phrozen Sonic Mini features a powerful 4K 6.1-inch LCD screen that delivers 35µm quality and two-second layering speed.

This is a powerful, inexpensive photoresin 3D printer with everything you need to print, and while if you need more print volume you can go for the Sonic Mighty 4K (more on that later!), if size isn't a big deal, the Sonic Mini 4K is more than fit. nine0003

Phrozen claims the Sonic Mini 4K is ideal for resin mold printers, as well as miniatures and desktop models.

Elegoo Mars 3

• Price: $349
• Print volume: 143 x 90 x 165 mm
• Screen resolution: 4098 x 2560 pixels
• Screen size: 6.6″ 4K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 35 microns
• Speed: 1.5-3 seconds per layer
• Cleaning/Cure: Elegoo Mercury Plus/X 9 Wash and Curing Station0010

Featuring an Ultra 4K resolution LCD screen and Elegoo's latest mSLA technology, Elegoo Mars now has 30% more accurate XY (35µm) resolution than Mars 2, as well as a 37% larger build volume. For an extra $100, this is a very attractive deal for those looking to get higher-end resin 3D printing.

Other features include an improved light source for more uniform resin curing - even over a larger build area. Built-in 36 high-power LED lamps and a new lens provide higher accuracy, as well as an improved heat sink and cooling fan, which extends the life of the printer and enhances its durability. nine0003

Elegoo Saturn

• Price: $499
• Print volume: 192 x 120 x 200 mm
• Screen resolution: 3840 x 2400 pixels
• Screen size: 8. 9″ 4K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 50 microns
• Speed: 30-40 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Elegoo Mercury Plus/X
Cleaning and Curing Station

Featuring an 8.9" 4K monochrome LCD screen for fast layer curing, the Elegoo Saturn greatly outperforms the standard models by printing 60% faster than the Elegoo Mars Pro, printing a layer every 2-3 seconds. nine0003

You get a number of other key improvements for your money, the most notable of which is a larger build area that turns the Elegoo Saturn into a 3D printer for printing large hard resin models, as well as the ability to print multiple small models at the same time in one batch.

Improved precision with the Saturn's double linear Z-axis guide makes the Saturn printer more stable than ever, ensuring accurate and uniform printing. And in case you're a fan, the Elegoo Saturn also has an Ethernet port on the back to keep things fast and efficient. nine0003

Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K

• Price: $549
• Printing area: 200 x 125 x 220 mm
• Screen resolution: 3840 x 2400 pixels
• Screen size: 9. 3″ 4K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 52 microns
• Print speed: 80 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Phrozen Cure and Phrozen Ultra-Sonic Cleaner

If you're looking for an affordable resin 3D printer with a large enough footprint for mass production of models or large resin prototypes, the Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K even outsizes the Elegoo Saturn. nine0003

With a strong and reliable Z-axis that delivers print accuracy up to a maximum print height of 22 cm, it offers good print quality, especially with the 4K resolution LCD screen. It also prints fast, with two-second layer printing.

While Phrozen recommends using proprietary 3D printer resins, the Sonic Mighty 4K is compatible with most third-party resins (but check first). So if you have spare resins left over from a previous 3D printer, you should be fine. nine0003

Anycubic Mono X is a great budget photopolymer 3D printer

• Price: $599
• Printable area: 192 x 120 x 245 mm
• Screen resolution: 3840 x 2400 pixels
• Screen size: 8. 9″ 4K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 50 microns
• Speed: 60 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Anycubic Wash & Cure Statio

Anycubic's original budget Photon 3D resin 3D printer is still one of the most popular 3D printers in the world, and now the Mono X proves that the company can compete with higher-end machines. Mono X can print 3 times faster than standard photopolymer printers at speeds up to 60mm/h, and thanks to the 4K LCD screen, it can create very precise and sharp details. nine0003

In addition, the upgraded Mono X Z-axis improves stability and makes the surface smooth, unaffected by external factors such as vibrations. The result is jewelry models and miniatures where the layer lines are barely visible.

Another big benefit is WiFi printing, so you don't have to keep unplugging your SD or USB card when printing multiple designs throughout the day. The large 3.5" touch screen makes it easy to navigate, and with a larger build volume, you can print multiple jewelry models or desktop miniatures at the same time. Overall, this is one of the best budget photopolymer 3D printers out there. nine0003

Curing and Cleaning Stations

Since washing and curing is an inevitable part of resin 3D printing, we have compiled some of the best washing and curing stations to include in your printing system to save you the hassle and mess of subsequent printing. processing.

Anycubic Wash & Cure.

Anycubic Wash & Cure is a versatile station compatible with the vast majority of photoresin printers. Thanks to Anycubic's recent price cut, Wash & Cure is under $100. nine0003

The flush mode has adjustable flush cycles including 2, 4 and 6 minutes. Curing mode uses a broad spectrum UV light of 356 nm and 405 nm mounted on a 360° rotating platform to ensure uniform curing of any and all prints 115 x 65 x 165 mm or smaller.

Anycubic has simplified the entire rinsing and curing process with a “set it and forget it” design—select rinsing or curing on the touch button interface and you're done. Station blocks 99.95% UV radiation and has an auto-pause feature if the cap is accidentally knocked off. The station has an adjustable bracket that can be fixed on the Anycubic platform if you are working with a Photon Mono series printer.

Elegoo Mercury Plus

Another all-in-one station, but this time from Elegeoo, the Elegoo Mercury Plus is an easy-to-use option for hands-free finishing.

The allowed maximum print size is 125 x 85 x 160 mm for washing and 140 x 165 mm for curing. You can either use the included cleaning basket or install the Elegoo build plate with models still attached, making it compatible with most if not all photopolymer 3D printers, not just Elegoo machines. nine0003

385nm and 405nm UV lamps and a 360-degree rotatable curing turntable do all the curing work with the ability to enter and control cure times up to 30 minutes on a TFT touch screen. Safety is provided by an anti-UV cap that blocks 99.95% of UV rays and a pause function if the cap comes off during curing.

Anycubic station will cost more, but at around $120 you will complete your 3D printing rig with a quality resin 3D printing station with no mess. nine0099 Best desktop resin 3D printers ($1,000 to $3,000)

Prusa SL1S Speed ​​

• Price: $1,999 - available at Prusa store here
• Print volume: 120 x 68 x 150 mm
• Screen resolution: 2560 x 1620 pixels
• Screen size: 5.96″ 2K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 47 microns
• Print speed: 50 mm/h
• Cleaning/curing: Original Prusa CW1S

Prusa printers are known for being the best RepRap 3D printers. They are so good that over 150,000 printers have been sold, and company founder Josef Prusa has opened his own printer factories to print parts for more printers! Prusa reception. nine0003

Prusa has now moved into the SLA 3D printing sector with the launch of the Prusa SL1 printer based on mSLA technology: using LCD and LED panels to cure photosensitive resin layers. As mentioned earlier, this has the advantage of scalability—multiple parts can be created at the same time without additional time—as well as high accuracy.

In addition to the printer, Prusa sells a wash and cure machine that helps wash and cure prints, maximizing the surface finish. The Prusa SL1 has a heavy aluminum chassis designed to anchor the printer to the ground and make it more stable for more accurate printing. It seems to me that the phrase “of course, this is good, this is Prusa” is appropriate here. nine0003

Peopoly Phenom mSLA Printer - large photopolymer 3D printer with huge build volume

• Price: $1,999 - Available from Matterhackers here
• Print volume: 276 x 155 x 400 mm
• Screen resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Screen size: 12.5″ 4K LCD
• XY resolution: 72 microns
• Print speed: 75 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Peopoly Curing Box

We already included the Peopoly Moai 130 in our list, a fantastic DIY SLA 3D printer kit. Now Peopoly is back with the Phenom, a large photopolymer 3D printer that combines LCD and LED technology. nine0003

Peopoly Moai has a huge print volume for a photopolymer 3D printer - 276 x 155 x 400 mm, as well as 72-micron resolution. This is practically unheard of as photopolymer printers typically have a much lower build volume than FDM 3D printers. Peopoly recommends using their own resins for 3D printing, which they sell for about $70 per litre.

Overall, this is an impressive and accurate large format resin 3D printer.

Professional Resin 3D Printers ($3,000+)

Formlabs Form 3 - Best Resin 3D Printer

• Price: $3,499
• Assembly volume: 145 x 145 x 185 mm
• XY resolution: 25 microns
• Print speed: 70 mm/h
• Clean/Cure: Formlabs Form Wash & Cure

Formlabs has made a name for itself in the 3D printing industry since its initial Kickstarter campaign in 2012. An American 3D printer company was selling a Form 3 SLA 3D printer for 3 49$9 and has since become very popular in the dental and jewelry industries.

Formlabs resins available here.

The

Form 3 comes with a ton of new features. It features the new benefits of LFS technology as well as a new Light Processing Unit (LPU) to improve the surface finish of resin parts as well as better layer registration. The Form 2 was already fantastic, and these additional features take the Form 3 to a whole new level in desktop SLA printers. nine0003

In addition, the Formlabs Form 3 has an automated resin supply system and uses smart cartridges that automatically fill the resin reservoir, along with many other advanced features. In addition, it is equipped with a resin tray scanning system after each layer and automatically adjusts according to the type of resin used. In addition, the printer has a fantastic touch screen and can be controlled remotely via a WiFi connection.

This UV resin 3D printer has a very good print volume of 145 x 145 x 185mm and is extremely accurate with 25 micron XY resolution. The Formlabs Form 3 is compatible with a wide range of resins, from ceramics, flexible resins, to cast resins, although Formlabs also sells its own high quality resins.

For those looking for 3rd party resins compatible with Formlabs printers, here's a great place to start.

Formlabs has established itself as a leader in stereolithography with the Form 3 printer. It has received rave reviews and is widely used in dentistry. Formlabs also sells a 3D printer for SLS, the Fuse 1.

Buyer's Guide - What to Consider When Buying a Resin 3D Printer

RGB vs. LCD Screens - Differences, Advantages/Disadvantages

earlier models.

This change is only to the benefit of manufacturers, since monochrome screens have many advantages over RGB. Although they are more expensive, they are more efficient, less energy intensive, and print faster due to shorter polymerization times. nine0003

Unless you choose an old used model, you will most likely buy a printer with a default monochrome LCD screen.

LCD Resolution - 2K, 4K, 6K

Like computer monitors and TVs, LCD resolution determines the level of pixels and detail.

Higher resolution translates into better XY resolution and lower layer height, which is a critical factor for the fine detail and precision we expect from resin printers. nine0003

You'll find 2K, 4K and even 8K resolution printers for those who want the ultimate level of detail and intricate detail in their prints.

However, the print quality of the 2K LCD is far superior to that of FDM printers, so it is more than adequate for most applications.
Build Volume

Photopolymer printers typically have a smaller build volume than more common FDM machines, so manufacturers and professionals use them to create small, intricate parts with high precision. nine0003

If you need extra space to print duplicate parts or large figures and models, look to larger format resin printers such as the Peopoly Phenom and Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K.

Post-Processing Equipment

Resin 3D printing is a messy business and post-processing is a major part of the printing process. Post-processing consists of two parts - washing and polymerization.

Flushing involves removing uncured resin residue from the print with isopropanol. nine0003

Polymerization uses additional UV light to complete the polymerization process to improve the finish and overall rigidity of the part.

Do-it-yourself, hands-on processing is one option, but manufacturers now offer versatile wash and curing stations that eliminate many of the hassles associated with this process.

How does a photopolymer 3D printer work?

Each type of resin 3D printing technology cures UV resin, they just differ in how they do it. nine0003

Stereolithography (SLA) was the first additive manufacturing technology invented, with patents granted to 3D Systems back in 1986. SLA printing works by using an ultraviolet laser and mirrors (called galvanometers) to selectively cure the resin.

DLP 3D printing was pioneered by EnvisionTEC and uses a projector similar to a movie theater projector. LCD printing uses an LCD screen with individual LEDs that turn on and off to selectively cure specific areas of the resin to form the final object. LCDs are sometimes referred to as MSLA (masked SLA), as in Prusa and Peopoly resin printers. nine0003

Resin 3D Printing Technologies

SLA

Using mirrors, also called galvanometers, an SLA or stereolithography printer directs a UV laser beam at photopolymer liquid resin in cross sections to cure or print layer by layer.

DLP

DLP, or Digital Light Processing, is very similar to the SLA machine and involves emitting digital light (LED in most printers) through an array of micromirrors onto a light-sensitive liquid resin for flash, or in other words, curing the entire image layer at a time in so-called voxels - rectangles that look like pixels. nine0003

MSLA/LCD

Like DLP machines, MSLA or stereolithography (often referred to as LCD) printers use a digital light source (usually hundreds of LEDs) to flash an entire layer at once. Unlike DLP, the MSLA printer uses the LCD as a "mask", directing and illuminating a photosensitive liquid resin rather than mirrors. The mask allows the printer to expose only those areas that need to be cured to the light source.

LFS

LFS or Low Force Stereolithography is Formlabs patented pot polymerization technology. LFS overhauls the standard SLA process using a custom-designed Closed Light Processing Unit (LPU) that passes a UV laser beam through a spatial filter and an array of mirrors to polymerize the photosensitive liquid resin cross-section layer by layer.

DLS

Another patented technology from Carbon 3D, DLS, or Digital Light Synthesis, uses an oxygen permeable window to cure a photosensitive liquid resin in what is known as continuous liquid interface manufacturing (CLIP). Light from a special LED engine illuminates ultraviolet rays to match the shape and details of the part's cross-section onto an ultra-thin resin layer supported by an oxygen window known as the "dead zone". The resin in the "dead zone" is then cured to create precise, detail-rich layers. nine0003

How much does a photopolymer 3D printer cost?

Good cheap photopolymer 3D printers start at around $200. Even ten years ago, resin printers cost thousands of dollars, but with great advancement - mainly in the field of LCD printing - the prices have come down!

However, these budget photoresin 3D printers can't compete with more professional high resolution printers like the Form 3 ($3,499) or the Peopoly Phenom (1 9$99). They can still produce accurate models, for example for miniatures and other fun projects, but as a photopolymer 3D printer for business, they may not be effective.

Photopolymer 3D printer applications

Budget photopolymer 3D printers are commonly used by hobbyists to produce precise figurines and miniatures in detail that FDM printers simply cannot match. They are commonly used for 28mm miniatures, D&D figurines and other similar desktop model projects. nine0003

However, these inexpensive options can sometimes be used to create wax molds for casting jewelry. However, for higher quality precious metal casting, it is recommended to use a more professional resin 3D printer capable of better resolution and accuracy.

photopolymer printers are widely used in dentistry, audiology, jewelry and medical industries. For example, in dentistry, photopolymer 3D printers can print orthodontic models and implants, and in audiology, almost 100% of custom-made hearing aids are now 3D printed. nine0003

3D resin versus filament (FDM)

Hobbyists usually turn to resin 3D printing when they want higher precision, smoother surfaces and sharper details on small prints such as figurines or miniatures. While FDM is simpler, it cannot achieve these levels of precision and smoothness.

However, the trade-off between FDM and resin is that in terms of filament to resin ratio, filaments are cheaper, easier to use and reuse, come in more materials, colors and types, and tend to be stiffer. nine0003

Resins tend to be more expensive (although LCD resins are much cheaper now) and harder to use. They require thorough rinsing and post-processing, and extra care must be taken when printing and during post-processing with a resin 3D printer, including wearing protective gear, as the materials can be corrosive.

Thus, resin and thread are used for different purposes, and are not in direct competition for the same use. For the unrivaled precision of cheap 3D printers, as well as the rapid production of dental, jewelry and medical models, resin 3D printers are the way to go. But for more complex - perhaps with multiple colors - basic prototypes, deposition modeling is best suited. nine0003

Anti-selective laser sintering (SLS) resin 3D printing

The trade-off between SLA and selective laser sintering is similar: SLS-printed parts are more rigid, with excellent mechanical properties (and make excellent functional prototypes), although parts printed SLA are characterized by a smoother surface and faster printing.

SLS is also great if you're not a fan of additional support structures and don't like post-processing, because the parts printed in the resin powder chamber don't move or deform during printing. SLS offers better material properties than SLA - for example, it is not as susceptible to UV or sun damage. But they are less affordable—even the cheapest printers start at $5,000. nine0003

FAQ

Is resin more durable than PLA?

In general, conventional resin produces brittle, brittle parts that are less resistant to stress and weather than traditional 3D printing materials such as PLA. Therefore, we cannot recommend the resin for making load-bearing, functional, impact-resistant or exterior parts where PLA and ABS work much better, so manufacturers prefer the resin for fragile decorative parts filled with precise detail and a smooth finish. nine0003

Increasingly, however, 3D printing media manufacturers are offering "tough" resins such as Formlabs Tough 2000 Resin, which offer superior tear strength and even outperform ABS in some cases. Real world applications in orthopedics (such as splints and braces) and dentistry (aligners and crowns) demonstrate how people are increasingly turning to tough resins to make strong, wear-resistant parts.

Is 3D printer resin expensive?

When viewed in the context of 3D printing and compared to other popular materials and filament types, resin is not particularly expensive. A 1 liter bottle of standard resin costs between $20 and $50 depending on the brand, which is more or less the price of ABS and PLA raw materials.

The number and size of prints you can make from a standard 1 liter bottle can vary, with costs skyrocketing for the most prolific producers.

Is the resin print dirty? nine0003

While the resin printing process itself isn't messy, post-processing of the finished print is invariably an annoying, sloppy mess, not to mention a potentially dangerous mess of dripping resin and harsh isopropanol. This is not for the faint of heart and not for those who are afraid to get involved in this matter.

Luckily, curing and cleaning stations help keep resin processing messy, so you don't get your hands dirty by smearing prints in a vat of isopropanol. nine0003

Do resin prints need to be rinsed and cured?

Yes. The resin printing process leaves uncured resin residue on the finished part. Washing off excess resin ensures that all the details and finish of the print remain accurate when you move on to the polymerization process. It's also a safety issue: washing the resin prints removes potentially toxic, uncured liquid resin, allowing the part to be handled safely.

Curing is an equally important part of the process. When the printer has finished printing the part, the resin is in a transitional state: it is hard enough to retain the desired shape and detail, but lacks overall rigidity, making it prone to scratches, scarring, and imperfections. Curing the print with UV, or even sunlight if you have time, allows you to reach the optimal, finished resin state. nine0003

Top 3D printers for schools and universities

Contents

• • Why does a school need a 3D printer?
  • Features of choosing a 3D printer
  • Top 10 3D printers for schools and universities
    • 10th place - Wanhao Duplicator I3 mini
    • 9th place - Creality3D Ender 3 MAX
    • 8th place - Anybic Finder
    • Photon Mono
    • 6th place - Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus
    • 5th place - Flashforge Dreamer
    • 4th place - Phrozen Sonic Mini 4k
    • 3 place - Picaso 3D Designer Classic
    • 2 place - Picaso 3D Designer X Pro
    • 1 place - RAISE3D E2
    9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 filament
  • Summing up

Every year 3D printing finds new applications and becomes easier to handle. Already, there is a huge variety of printers designed for both serious projects and children. But due to the wide variety, it is very difficult to choose the right printer. Therefore, in this top, we have collected the best printers for educational institutions, depending on the tasks. nine0003

Why does the school need a 3D printer?

Although the school is a place for receiving primary and secondary education, in it a person decides which way of life to go on. At the moment, the division of the parallel classes depending on the area of ​​interest of schoolchildren is successfully applied. They include an in-depth study of certain subjects, but in addition to this, you can teach children the basics of an engineer's work: mechanics, drawing and working on machine tools. But as discussed above, 3D printing is penetrating many areas. Therefore, the ability to work with a 3D printer can be a great help when choosing a further development path. In addition, there are many competitions in which students compete in 3D modeling and 3D printing skills. For victories in some of these competitions, the school is given kits that allow them to equip a full-fledged 3D printing laboratory. For example, the annual “All-Russian Olympiad in 3D Technologies” allows not only to gain experience in developing a real project in a short time, but also to win a trip to children's camps. There is also a competition of engineering projects “3DBUM”, in which schoolchildren go through all stages of development: from sketches to the finished product. In addition, there are many different 3D printers and 3D scanners that can be won in 3DBOOM. nine0003

But the result of participation in these competitions depends not only on the skills of the students, but also on the 3D printer. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose the most suitable printer for the tasks of the competition.

Features of choosing a 3D printer

Unfortunately, there are no 3D printers that combine all the positive qualities. But you can choose the most suitable option, which will either cover the necessary tasks, or combine the necessary qualities. When choosing a printer, you should pay attention to the speed and quality of printing. Ease of use is also important, because the success of training depends on it. And of course, security, the availability of protection mechanisms and their advancement. When choosing a printer, it is also worth considering what material it will print. The most popular choice would be an FDM 3D printer using filament (plastic wire). The only danger would be a heated nozzle. On the other hand, there is SLA technology: Resin curing in ultraviolet rays. In this case, the danger is the resin itself, its fumes and ultraviolet rays. Next, we will look at which printers are suitable for certain tasks, as well as their pros and cons. nine0003

Top 10 3D printers for schools and universities

10th place - Wanhao Duplicator I3 mini

Proven to be a great printer for beginner printers, the Wanhao Duplicator I3 mini is perfect for schools and clubs. There are no dangerous elements in it, and even a junior high school student can set it up. Due to the simple design and low cost, this model can equip a whole circle, where each student will work with a separate printer. It is also worth noting the small size of the Duplicator I3 mini, which allows you to conveniently transport them to participate in competitions and olympiads. But for its small size and simplicity of design, you have to pay with low printing speed and relatively low quality, while, due to the lack of a heated table, the range of filaments available for printing is greatly reduced. nine0003

9th place - Creality3D Ender 3 MAX

The previous model of the Ender 3 printer line has already become a classic choice for a 3D printer for the home, and the Ender 3 MAX not only retains the main advantages of its predecessor, but also adds a lot of new things: an improved model cooling system, an all-metal extruder, updated firmware and more. Due to the preserved design, all the improvements created for the Ender 3 are also suitable for the Ender 3 MAX. However, this printer is shipped as an assembly kit, and the lack of an outer cover may cause problems when transporting the printer. nine0003




8th place - FlashForge Finder

Due to the plastic case, it may seem that this printer is not a serious device. But this will be a delusion, because it has high accuracy and printing speed, which will definitely help when participating in competitions with a limited time. Due to the closed design and lightweight body made of high-strength plastic, it can be easily transported without assembly and disassembly for the duration of the move. Unfortunately, the main disadvantage of this model follows from the above pluses: a small print area. nine0003




7th place - Anycubic Photon Mono

Unlike previous printers, Anycubic Photon Mono prints using SLA technology. This achieves excellent print accuracy while maintaining an average print speed. It is also worth noting the compactness, which allows you to put it even on the windowsill. But due to the resin used, Photon mono would not be the best choice for teaching young children: the resin emits dangerous fumes during curing, and after printing, the model must be cleaned of resin residue. Due to the limitations of the printable area and the difficulty in post-processing the model, this printer will be a great addition to any of the FDM printers in this top. nine0003




6th place - Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus

This 3D printer can be called a workhorse: reliable, strong and large. By the name, you can easily understand that this printer is an improved version of the Duplicator 6. The main differences include the addition of functionality in the firmware, for example, resuming printing after a power outage and auto-calibrating the table. Despite the formidable appearance, this printer is quite easy to learn, configure and repair. Thanks to the steel sheet body, stability during printing is achieved. But the main disadvantage follows from this: a lot of weight. Combined with the large external dimensions, transporting this printer may cause some difficulties. Duplicator 6 Plus is suitable as a primary printer for schools and a spare for Universities. nine0003




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FlashForge

5th place - Flashforge Dreamer

Starting with this 3D printer, we are entering the territory of professional equipment. As a result, more opportunities open up both in printing models and in choosing the materials from which the model will be made. For example, this printer has 2 nozzles at once, and this opens up the possibility of printing two-color models and the use of soluble supports, which will undoubtedly improve the quality of printing overhanging elements. Also worth noting is the closed print area, which protects the model from drafts during printing. Thanks to its closed case form factor, FlashForge Dreamer can be moved relatively easily. A distinctive feature is the ability to print via Wi-Fi: if there are several printers with support for printing via Wi-Fi, it will be possible to manage all printers at once through one computer in real time. nine0003

4th place - Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K

Another representative of SLA 3D printers. Unlike the previously mentioned Anycubic Photon, this printer has even greater accuracy down to 35 microns. This is achieved with a 4K screen. At the same time, the printing speed can reach 80 mm / h. Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K is already used in many industries: engineering, design, art and even dentistry! Therefore, this printer will be an excellent choice for Higher Education Institutions if there is a need for high quality printing. nine0003




3rd place - PICASO 3D Designer Classic

PICASO has long been at the forefront of professional 3D printing, and many of their older printers are still in use in the workshop. Thanks to the official possibility of improving the printer, you can choose the necessary components that will expand the functionality in the necessary direction. For example, there is an improved extruder that allows the nozzle to be heated up to 410°C, a requirement for printing with engineering plastics such as PC and PEEK. Designer Classic is suitable both for schools, due to its ease of use, and for Universities, due to its wide range of features and high quality. nine0003




2nd place - PICASO 3D Designer X Pro

The most advanced 3D printer from PICASO 3D combines the positive qualities of all their previous developments, while adding many new features: dual-filament printing, high precision, auto-calibration, printing with high-temperature plastics and much more. Almost any idea can be realized with Designer X Pro: if something cannot be printed on this printer, it cannot be printed on any other FDM printer. But for all the advantages you need to pay for large sizes and weight. Therefore, this printer is best used as a fully stationary. nine0003




1st place - Raise3D E2

It would seem that the previous 3D printer is the peak point of the development of FDM 3D printers. But Raise3D knows how to surprise! E2 has all the available functionality that is rarely found on printers separately, not to mention the combination of several functions: table auto-adjustment with height map display, a camera that can be monitored from the printer screen, and real-time video transfer to a computer , a dual carriage system that allows you to print two models at once and more. At the same time, it retains excellent printing accuracy and relatively high speed. Due to its compactness, it can even be put on a shelf in a closet, but additional space is still needed for full access to all structural elements. This printer can replace any printer from this top, in some cases even two printers due to the above two-carriage system. nine0003

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Accessories

Despite the self-sufficiency of many 3D printers, solving some problems when working with them can take a lot of time. But at the same time, many of these actions are simple enough to be performed by a separate device. Next, we will talk about gadgets that make it easier to use a 3D printer, as well as scanners that open up a new range of possibilities for recreating the real world. nine0003

Scanners

Some tasks of recreating the real world or repairing parts are extremely difficult to perform using manual model creation: repairing curved parts, creating a human model, reproducing architectural elements, and other non-standard tasks. Similar problems when digitizing real things will help you solve a 3D scanner. Basically, scanners are divided into stationary, scanning small objects, and portable, allowing you to scan objects such as cars, people, and even buildings. Some models can be attributed to both groups at once, but the main purpose of the scanner will prevail. Therefore, it is very important to determine the range of tasks that need to be completed. RangeVision Spectrum can be used as a stationary scanner. This scanner allows you to scan objects from 1 cm to 3 m. Such a variety of sizes of the scanned object allows you to cover most tasks. nine0003




RangeVision Spectrum on tripod


If there is a need to scan more objects, then you can use the Calibry portable scanner. Thanks to its convenient design, it can easily scan large objects up to 10m, and the built-in screen allows you to see the preliminary result of the work in real time.




Postprocessing

Despite the compactness and simplicity of working with SLA printers, after the completion of the printing process, it is necessary to clean the model of resin and additional UV illumination in order for the model to gain maximum strength. This time-consuming task can be performed manually, but to reduce time costs it is reasonable to use special devices that do these repetitive actions automatically. A representative of this class of devices is the Anycubic Wash&Cure. With it, you can easily clean the model and light it up. The user only needs to place the model on the turntable and Wash&Cure does the rest. nine0003




It is also worth considering that automation of the process reduces the risks associated with working with resin: contact with the skin and inhalation of fumes. Therefore, with frequent work with SLA printers, this gadget will not only reduce time spent, but also increase the level of security.

Filament drying

If there is a large amount of filament for FDM printers, the question of its storage sharply arises. Most people just put it on the shelves in their rooms without worrying about its properties. But some materials are highly hygroscopic - the ability to absorb moisture from the air. And if the wet filament does not break the printer, then at least it will give out a low-quality model as a result of printing. Therefore, it is very important to dry the filament before printing, especially if it has been stored outdoors. Some craftsmen do this in ovens, but for obvious reasons, this option is not suitable for educational institutions. To accomplish this task, there are devices for feeding and drying the filament. The best choice would be Polymaker PolyBox. The distinctive feature of this filament dryer is that it is possible to dry and feed 2 spools weighing up to 1 kg each or 1 spool weighing up to 3 kg at once. This will allow the use of only one device for printers with two extruders. nine0003




Polymaker PolyBox with two plastic spools

Summing up

After viewing this top, you may not fully decide on the choice of a 3D printer. Therefore, further we will separate all printers depending on the conditions for their use. For schools and continuing education clubs, the Wanhao Duplicator I3 mini, FlashForge Finder and Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus are the best choices because of their ease of use, safety and reliability. For universities and colleges, PICASO 3D Designer X Pro, Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K and Raise3D E2 are suitable. They are distinguished by a huge functionality and breadth of 3D printing possibilities. Also, do not forget about additional devices: a scanner for digitizing objects from the real world, a drying and filament feed chamber for using demanding plastics, and post-processing cameras that make it easier for the final stage of working with a model printed on an SLA printer. As the world of 3D printing is evolving rapidly, you should not lose sight of the newer models of 3D printers, which you can read reviews on our blog. nine0003


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Expert in the field of additive and subtractive technologies, 3D equipment and CNC machines with over 10 years of experience.

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