3D printing is causing a revolution in the way that things get made. But with your own 3D printer you can make whatever you like.
For something that only really began in the 1980s, 3D printing has quickly changed the way we think about design and function.
All of a sudden, printers weren’t just something we used for paper, but tools we can use to create fully-functional objects made from plastic, resin, or metal. Even better, they are now more affordable than ever, meaning it’s easy to buy your own printer to use at home. Some really good printers can be found for less than $1000.
3D printers are capable of printing a wide variety of objects, from simple toys to complex medical devices. The most common materials used in 3D printing are plastic, metal, and ceramic. However, there are also 3D printers that can print with other materials, such as wood, glass, and even food.
The capabilities of 3D printers vary depending on the type of printer and the materials used. However, all 3D printers are capable of creating objects with complex shapes that would be difficult or impossible to create with traditional manufacturing methods.
3D printing is a rapidly evolving technology, and the capabilities of 3D printers are constantly improving. As the technology continues to develop, 3D printers will become even more versatile and capable of creating a wider range of objects.
Here are some of the things that 3D printers can print:
- Toys and games
- Jewelry
- Medical devices
- Architectural models
- Industrial tools
- Food
- Clothing
- Furniture
- And more!
The possibilities are endless with 3D printing, and the technology is only going to become more powerful and versatile in the years to come. If you’ve just purchased a new 3D printer, are you wondering what things to create and print? If so, keep reading to find 12 cool printing ideas to get you started.
1. Phone Case
With your own 3D printing service, why not make a phone case? It’s something we all use daily, and you can even customize it to your needs.
Add pockets for cards, cash, and design it in your favorite color. Having your own unique phone case makes for a great talking point, and there’s not likely to be anyone else with the same one!
2. Bottle Opener
It’s always handy to have a few extra bottle openers around the house. They are fun and quick to make with your resin 3D printer and there’s plenty of fun design templates for different options.
3. Bookends
Bookends are a unique addition to our home and can express our interests and personalities.
For a personalized addition to your home, use your metal 3D printer to create two stylish bookends as a special way to keep your books in place.
Add a geometric design, your favorite animal, or a nod to your favorite literary characters, making a one-of-a-kind display for your home library.
4. Dice
Sure, we all know the traditional, six-sided, black and white dice. But with a 3D printer, only your imagination is the limit.
Why not create a nine-sided dice, but with letters instead of numbers? Try inventing a new game with the kids and let your creativity run wild.
Use your funky new dice for card games, substitute it for part of your top board games, or just have fun with it as a family.
5. Rings
Rings, bracelets, earrings, and jewelry can all be easily made with the help of your 3D printer.
You can design special items for yourself and friends, or even start your own Etsy shop or market stall. The precision of 3D printing allows you to bring to life intricate, gorgeous rings, and jewelry designs to life.
6. Watch Bands
Do you constantly switch out bands for your Apple Watch or fitness tracker? If so, you probably noticed quickly that everyone seems to have the same bands.
If you have a printer, it’s fun to print your own watch band to suit your style. Select the color and pattern and print it the exact side for your wrist and watch.
The custom fit is likely to be better than a band you’d buy from the store and you’ll stand out in a crowd.
7. Earbud Holder
Earbuds, or wireless headphones, make listening to music or podcasts on the go much easier. But how many times have you misplaced your pricey earbuds?
As an alternative, you can 3D print an earbud holder, designed for them to snugly fit in the case. Then, toss it in your bag and know that your wireless headphones are secure and safe.
8. Vases
The traditional glass vases we all have at home are classic, but they don’t always offer a contemporary or stylish flair to the home.
However, an easy printing project you can try is to print a vase. If you tend to always buy the same flowers, you can design a vase at the perfect height and size to showcase their beauty!
9. Dog Tag
Man’s best friend deserves to have some fun with the 3D printer as well, so why not print a personalized dog tag? Make one to suit your dog’s size, and add on your pet’s name and phone number.
You could even print out a matching food and water bowl, or placement, creating a bespoke set of accessories for your beloved pooch.
10. Fruit Bowl
Add a pop of color and fun to the kitchen table by designing a fruit bowl. Capture the bright, tropical colors of delicious fresh fruits or print something classic, in black and white or a neutral color.
Part of the fun of 3D printing is that you can print items that match your home’s interior design, ensuring all of your home accessories fit into your design scheme.
11. USB Cable Organizer
In your office or bedside table, do you ever find yourself untangling USBs and charging cables?
We often have too many cables floating around, struggling to find the right one when it’s needed.
To give your home office a boost of organization, design and print a custom cable organizer. It can hold all of the cables you use daily and you can secure it to your desk or table, keeping everything you’ll need in order.
12. Car Cup Holders
Most of us spend a lot of time in our cars, commuting to and from work or heading to kids’ sporting events. But does your travel coffee mug fit securely in your car’s cup holders? Or do the juice boxes for the kids?
To avoid messes and protect your car’s carpets, create cup holders that will snuggly fit your preferred drink containers. Most car cup holders aren’t quite right for our needs, so creating your own will come in handy when you’re on the road.
What Will You Create First With Your 3D Printer?
With a 3D printer, the sky’s the limit when it comes to fun things you can make at home. However, you can use the list above as a starting point to start learning how to use your new printer and cool things, both for fun and function!
The incredible technology of 3D printing is literally at our fingertips, so get the imagination going and start brainstorming even more unique ways to use your printer.
While there are plenty of template and design ideas online, you can also create your own items, once you have a solid understanding of how it works. Get printing today and see what you can create!
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