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Useful 3d printed products


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

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

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

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

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

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

Musical Instruments

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: 15+ cool 3D printed wallet files

Speakers/Sound Amplifiers

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or: 3D printable phone stands

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

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

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

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

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

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

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

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

3D printed skateboard model by fntsmn here

Clothes — a new 3D printing idea

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

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

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

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

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

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

Flying Toys — Fun things to 3D print

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Impossible Tables — Impress your friends!

Why they’re cool things to 3D print:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why they’re cool 3D printing objects:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kitchen Utensils — the most useful things to 3D print

Why they’re a great 3D printing idea:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toothpaste Squeezers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medical Supplies

Why they’re cool things 3D printing ideas:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other articles you may be interested in:

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

67 Cool Things to 3D Print

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ready to build a design portfolio website that captures clients’ attention? From gorgeous themes to a built-in proofing tool, we’ve got designers covered. Start your free trial with Format today!

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

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how 3D food printers can help you maintain a healthy diet April 24, 2018, 23:54

Anastasia Ksenofontova

Scientists from Ewha Women's University (South Korea) have created a 3D printer that prints products with a given nutrient content and predetermined taste properties. The author of the development, Jin-Kyu Lee, presented his invention on April 24, 2018 at the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in San Diego. About the prospect of using "smart" food - in the material RT.

from 3 d- Products up to 3 D- kitchens

South Korean university of the NIGHA Women's University developed a 3D printer that turns powder ingredients into full-fledged food products with a given content of nutritional substances predetermined taste properties.

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Key nutrients (such as carbohydrates and proteins) are ground into powder at a temperature of -100 °C. Then the resulting raw material is heated and turns into a porous film. After that, a three-dimensional product is created from several layers of films. The uniqueness of the development lies in the fact that by combining films with different content of proteins, carbohydrates, trace elements and vitamins, you can get a product saturated with nutrients in the required proportion. In addition, you can experiment with the flavor palette of the product, combining, for example, powdered pear and apple.

“We believe that one day anyone will be able to purchase cartridges containing powdered analogues of various ingredients that can be “collected” together using 3D printing and prepared a “dish” according to individual needs and preferences,” said the author of the development, the researcher from Ewha Women's University Jin-Kyu Lee.

A balanced diet

The developers believe the new technology will significantly reduce the amount of food waste and the financial costs of storing and transporting food. Also, according to scientists, their invention will help meet the food needs of the growing population of the planet. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, by 2050 the world's population will increase from the current 7.6 billion people to 9.8 billion, and in 2100 it will reach 11.2 billion.

“If a family gets a 3D printer, then they don't have to be afraid of hunger. Of course, we are only at the beginning of the journey. We continue to optimize our development to create customized products that last longer than usual,” said Jin-Kyu Lee.

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The first 3D food printers appeared in 2015 and could only prepare simple meals. One of these devices works in the FoodInk 3D kitchen restaurant, opened in London in 2016. Everything in this establishment - from food to furniture and cutlery - is created on a 3D printer. The restaurant offers a nine-course menu to visitors. The 3D printer used here works on the principle of a conventional one, the role of ink is played by a paste of edible ingredients, such as cottage cheese or chocolate mousse.

According to Russian nutritionists, the development of Korean scientists will help people maintain a balanced diet. However, experts emphasize that it is not worth doing “self-healing” with the help of a 3D printer - first you need to seek advice from a specialist.

“On complex developments that provide for a certain nutrient content, a person will not last long. In addition, it deprives him of the pleasure of eating. Such 3D food can be balanced and healthy, but quickly get bored. And of course, it’s better not to prescribe a diet for yourself, but to turn to a competent nutritionist who will make up a diet based on the state of your body, ”said Alla Pogozheva, professor at the Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, in an interview with RT.

Russian developments

“In Russia, printers for printing products are not yet manufactured. For now, they remain a luxury item. However, in ten years, printers for printing products will most likely become more affordable for the average consumer, ”said Alexander Vinogradov, director of the chemical and biological cluster at ITMO University, in an interview with RT.

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At the same time, 3D printing methods are actively developing in Russia, but in a more fundamental direction. So, domestic researchers from the Federal Research Center "Crystallography and Photonics" of the Russian Academy of Sciences developed in April 2018 the first 3D printer that immediately creates a three-dimensional structure. The development of Russian scientists can be used in tissue engineering. The resulting structures made of polymers can replace damaged areas of human tissues and organs.

And scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University use 3D printing technologies to develop the space industry. They made the first nanosatellite, the body of which is printed on a 3D printer, and they are also creating a printer for work on the ISS, which will help astronauts print the necessary part in the event of a breakdown. In addition, improved technology will make it possible to build bases and stations on the Moon using lunar soil as a material for three-dimensional printing.

8 unusual things printed on a 3D printer

Many people think that a 3D printer creates products that are beyond our daily lives, but 3D printed products are already being used by many consumers who appreciate the benefits of the new technology.

In recent years, the global trend towards personalization is changing the picture of the entire consumer market. The opportunity to purchase a special product, made to measure, is increasingly becoming a determining factor in the purchase. In addition to attracting the consumer, 3D printing also gives companies a competitive advantage in production, significantly reducing the time for the implementation of each individual project. Now, instead of lengthy logistics, complex supply chains, stockpiling, the entire production process can be packed into a few days, and 3D printing of most objects will take hours. Thus, it turns out to optimize resources and reduce the cost of the final product.

Already today with HP Inc. Multi Jet Fusion 3D printers. companies all over the world from different sectors of the economy print unexpectedly interesting and useful things:

1. Orthopedic insoles

Startup Invent Medical operates under the motto "Help through innovation." This is the case when medicine combined 25 years of human biomechanics research with 3D printing, scanning and design algorithms.

The company prints unique orthopedic insoles according to the individual parameters of the client in order to match the physiological characteristics and lifestyle of each consumer.

2. Glasses

Horizons Optical is not your typical optical manufacturer. The brand does not just create glasses, but develops innovative products and services.

One of the company's most innovative projects is the Made4U concept, which uses imaging and 3D printing technologies to create fully personalized glasses that perfectly fit any face type. To create them, a special system for scanning the structure of the face has been developed, which allows printing frames taking into account all the individual characteristics of the client.

3. Shoes

Designer Annie Fu has created a collection of futuristic women's shoes.

Don't let the bright and unusual shape of these shoes scare you: in fact, all models are comfortable and absolutely comfortable to wear, because each pair is created according to the measurements and shape of the foot of a particular client.

4. An alternative to braces

The Swiss company Nivellmedical has developed an aesthetic alternative for those who are embarrassed by iron shackles and dream of a beautiful smile. Instead of installing classic braces, the company offers transparent caps, using 3D printing and thermoforming to make them. Virtually invisible plastic elements gently yet effectively align teeth

To create molds, the doctor first scans the patient's jaw and then creates a virtual object that is quickly 3D printed.

5. Helmet of the Guards

The military unit of the Swiss Guards of the Vatican, existing since 1506, is responsible for the protection of the Pope. Their 3D-printed helmets are exactly the same as the original 16th-century models, but weigh just over 500 grams. The helmets are made in just fourteen hours, when the previous ones took about seven times longer to create.

6. Dolls

The Spanish toy manufacturer Look Real has implemented a project to create personalized dolls that are like two drops of water similar to their owners. Psychologically, this could set the trend for the entire gaming industry.

It has been scientifically proven that the proportions of a doll affect the mental and physical health of a child and form his idea of ​​his body. Since the doll acts as a prototype of a person in a children's game, it is important that her appearance is as close to real as possible. In the first seven years, the child's psyche is characterized by special mobility and the ability to project: the most striking features of the toy remain in the mind. The goal of the startup was to take into account these features and, using innovative technologies, create a special doll for each child, helping to form a healthy perception of their appearance.

7. Personal protective equipment

During the coronavirus pandemic, the speed of developing and producing new products has become a key advantage of 3D technology. If in traditional production it takes weeks to reconfigure devices, then the new method allows you to send a file with a product layout for printing in one click, just like we start printing any document on a regular printer.

Literally within twenty-four hours, the technology allows hundreds of elements to be simultaneously produced from scratch. In the first months of the pandemic alone, more than 3.3 million parts for hospitals around the world were quickly printed on HP 3D printers. These include face shields, mask holders, face shields, nose swabs, touchless door openers and respirator components. In addition, in order to provide the largest number of patients and medical institutions with scarce protective equipment, HP Inc. created a page where 3D model files are published in the public domain, which can be downloaded and sent for 3D printing anywhere in the world.

8. Car Parts

Racing car brand Cupra uses 3D printing to produce side windows and air vents. Thanks to these developments, the company has the ability to print several elements in a short period of time and change their configuration in the car during the production process.

The German automotive concern Volkswagen has produced more than ten thousand models of the ID. 3 mid-range electric car, also using 3D printing to produce gear levers and mirror attachments.

Recently, the Nissan brand has also joined these companies: spare parts for rare cars are created on 3D printers. Long out of production retro model parts like these are no longer available in warehouses and used to take many months to find, but now they can be 3D printed in just a few hours.

Finally, to help make 3D printing waste sustainable, Ford and HP are collaborating on waste-free 3D printing of automotive parts. So, from recycled materials, Ford creates clips for fuel hoses for Super Duty F-250 pickups. According to engineers, such parts have better moisture resistance, they are 7% lighter and 10% cheaper. It is planned that this model of production of parts from recycled materials will be applied to the manufacture of parts for other cars of the company. The more manufacturers adopting these zero-waste processes, the sooner we can achieve a circular economy with minimal environmental impact.

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