3D printing has revolutionized the way we create and innovate. Once a futuristic concept, this incredible technology is now accessible to hobbyists, designers, and problem-solvers alike. If you’re wondering what to create with your 3D printer, the possibilities are virtually endless. From practical tools that simplify daily tasks to fun gadgets and artistic expressions, the world of 3D printing is ripe with opportunities to make good things.
Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting your 3D printing journey, exploring a range of projects is key to understanding the true potential of this technology. This curated list of inspiring 3D printing ideas will fuel your creativity and demonstrate just how many good things you can bring to life with a 3D printer. Get ready to be amazed by the versatility and utility of 3D printing!
Calibration and Testing: 3DBenchy
Before diving into complex projects, it’s crucial to ensure your 3D printer is properly calibrated. Enter 3DBenchy, the adorable little boat that’s more than just a cute model. Designed specifically as a calibration tool, 3DBenchy helps you test the limits of your machine and fine-tune its settings for optimal performance. Starting with this simple yet essential print is a good way to guarantee the success of your future projects.
3DBenchy calibration boat for 3D printers
Essential Tools and Gadgets: Practical Prints for Everyday Life
3D printing isn’t just about novelty items; it excels at creating practical tools and gadgets that can genuinely improve your daily life. Here are some Good Things To 3d Print that fall into this category:
Emergency Whistle: Survival Whistle
Safety first! This simple survival whistle can be printed in under an hour and produces a piercing 118db sound. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or attending a sporting event, this easily printable whistle is a good safety tool to have on hand. Its loud sound can be crucial in emergency situations or for simply signaling for attention.
Visor Sunglasses Clip: Sunglass Visor Clip
Keep your sunglasses organized and within reach with this handy visor clip. This quick and easy 3D print attaches to your car’s visor, providing a dedicated spot for your sunglasses. No more fumbling around or risking scratches by tossing them in the glove compartment. This simple print is a good example of how 3D printing can enhance everyday convenience.
3D printed sunglasses visor clip attached to a car visor
Earbud Organizer: Earbud Case
Tangled earbud cords are a universal frustration. This 3D printed earbud case offers a simple yet effective solution. Keep your earbuds neatly organized, prevent frustrating tangles, and extend the lifespan of your earphones by protecting them from damage. Printing an earbud case is a good way to personalize your tech accessories and say goodbye to cord clutter.
Strong and Lightweight Clip: Carabiner
This 3D printed carabiner is surprisingly robust, capable of withstanding up to 30kg of weight. With its strong frame and flexible hinge, it’s perfect for organizing keys, attaching items to a backpack, or light-duty tasks around the house. While not designed for climbing or supporting human weight, this carabiner demonstrates the strength and versatility of 3D printed plastics for everyday good things.
3D printed plastic carabiner with a flexible hinge
Key Organizer: Key Holder
Inspired by the functionality of a Swiss Army Knife, the Proteus Key Holder is a pocket-friendly device that neatly organizes your keys. No more jangling pockets or struggling to find the right key. This 3D printed key holder is a good way to streamline your everyday carry and save time and frustration.
3D printed Proteus key holder organizing multiple keys
Desk Organization: Pencil Holder
Declutter your workspace and add a touch of personal style with a 3D printed pencil holder. From minimalist designs to elaborate artistic creations, you can print a pencil holder that perfectly reflects your personality and desk aesthetic. It’s a good way to combine functionality with creativity and make your desk a more organized and inspiring space.
Headphone Storage: Headphone Stand
Keep your headphones off your desk and prevent damage with a dedicated headphone stand. Whether for your home office or gaming setup, a 3D printed headphone stand offers a stylish and practical storage solution. It’s a good way to protect your investment in headphones and maintain a clean and organized workspace.
3D printed headphone stand holding over-ear headphones
Unique Dinnerware: Bowls and Planters
Extend your 3D printing creativity into your home décor and kitchenware. 3D printers can create unique bowls, planters, and other household items. Imagine custom-designed bowls for snacks or decorative planters for your succulents. These prints allow you to personalize your living space and create good, functional art.
3D printed blueberry-themed bowl
Modular geometric 3D printed planter for succulents
Hobbyist Aid: Platform Jack
For hobbyists who work with models or small projects, a 3D printed platform jack can be incredibly useful. This jack provides a stable platform and allows access to the underside of your projects for painting, detailing, or repairs. It’s a good tool for model painters, miniature enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a helping hand for detailed work.
Kitchen Measurement: Measuring Cube
Simplify your kitchen drawers by replacing a clutter of measuring spoons with a single, multi-functional measuring cube. This ingenious 3D print combines multiple measuring spoons into one compact tool. It’s a good example of efficient design and a space-saving addition to any kitchen.
Crafting Assistant: Mitre Box
Crafters will appreciate the practicality of a 3D printed mitre box. This tool allows for precise and accurate angle cuts in crafting projects. Simply add a blade, and you have a custom mitre box ready for woodworking, model making, or any project requiring clean, angled cuts. It’s a good way to enhance your crafting precision with a quick print.
USB Storage: USB Holder
Prevent the frustration of lost USB drives with a dedicated 3D printed USB holder. Keep all your USB keys organized and easily accessible on your desk. This simple print is a good organizational tool for any office or workspace, ensuring your important data storage devices are always within reach.
Water Conservation: Faucet Water Saver
Contribute to water conservation with a 3D printed faucet water saver. This attachment easily installs on your faucet and reduces water flow, helping you save water with minimal effort. It’s a good, eco-conscious print that promotes sustainability in your home.
3D printed water-saving faucet attachment
Cable Management: Cable Holder
Tame the chaos of cables with 3D printed cable holders. These devices help organize and manage cords on your desk, entertainment center, or anywhere cable clutter is a problem. Printing cable holders is a good way to create a tidier and more organized environment, reducing visual clutter and potential hazards.
Fun and Games: Toys and Entertainment
3D printing isn’t all about practicality; it’s also a fantastic way to create fun toys, games, and entertainment items. Here are some good things to 3D print for leisure and enjoyment:
Desk Toy: Catapult
Need a break from work? A 3D printed catapult provides a fun and engaging distraction. Perfect for office games or just passing the time, these mini catapults can launch small projectiles, offering a playful way to relieve stress and have some fun.
Portable Cutlery: Cutlery Set
For camping, office lunches, or travel, a 3D printed cutlery set offers a reusable and portable solution. Lightweight and compact, this cutlery is a good alternative to disposable plastic utensils, promoting sustainability and convenience.
3D printed portable cutlery set
Smartphone Accessory: Keychain Smartphone Stand
A keychain smartphone stand is a convenient and portable way to prop up your phone for viewing videos or photos. This compact 3D print attaches to your keychain, ensuring you always have a stand handy. It’s a good accessory for travelers, commuters, or anyone who frequently watches content on their phone.
Personal Grooming: Comb
A simple 3D printed comb is a practical and personal grooming item. Customize the design, size, and tooth spacing to create a comb that perfectly suits your hair type. It’s a good way to personalize everyday items and explore the design possibilities of 3D printing.
Classic Toy: Spirographs
Rediscover the joy of spirographs with 3D printed gears. This classic toy is still captivating for both children and adults, offering a creative outlet and a nostalgic pastime. 3D printing spirograph gears allows for customization and the creation of intricate geometric patterns.
Household Helper: Toothpaste Squeezer
Get every last bit of toothpaste out of the tube with a 3D printed toothpaste squeezer. This simple device helps maximize your toothpaste usage and reduces waste. It’s a good, practical print for household efficiency.
Reading Aid: Bookholder
Bookworms will appreciate a 3D printed bookholder that keeps pages propped open for comfortable reading. Especially useful for larger books, this tool makes reading easier and more enjoyable. It’s a good gift for readers and a practical print for personal use.
Beverage Tool: Bottle Opener
A 3D printed bottle opener is a handy tool for any kitchen or bar. Create a unique and functional bottle opener in various designs and styles. It’s a good project for beginners and a practical item for everyday use or as a gift.
Reading Companion: Bookmarks
Say goodbye to dog-eared pages with custom 3D printed bookmarks. Design fun and personalized bookmarks to mark your place in books. Bookmarks are good, small projects for practicing 3D printing and creating personalized gifts for book lovers.
Unique Accessories: Wallet
Believe it or not, you can even 3D print a wallet. Create a custom wallet with card slots and a unique design. While not as durable as leather wallets, 3D printed wallets offer a novel and customizable alternative. It’s a good project for exploring flexible filaments and unique design possibilities.
3D printed wallet with card slots
Memorable Marketing: Business Card
Make a lasting impression with 3D printed business cards. These unique cards are more than just flat pieces of paper; they can be interactive or have a memorable design. 3D printed business cards are a good way to stand out and showcase creativity.
Pop-out 3D printed business card
Stress Relief: Fidget Spinner
For those who need to fidget, a 3D printed fidget spinner can be a helpful tool for focus and stress relief. These simple toys are easy to print and can be customized in countless designs. Fidget spinners are good, quick projects for experimenting with bearings and different materials.
Budget Exercise: Tin Can Dumbbell
For a budget-friendly workout option, create a 3D printed tin can dumbbell. This project allows you to attach tin cans filled with weight to a 3D printed handle, creating a makeshift dumbbell. It’s a good example of resourceful 3D printing for fitness on a budget.
Playful Food: Veggie Toys
Make healthy eating fun for kids with 3D printed veggie toys. These playful attachments can turn fruits and vegetables into fun characters or vehicles. Veggie toys are a good way to encourage kids to eat their vegetables and make mealtime more engaging.
Musical Fun: Penny Whistle
Explore musical creation with a 3D printed penny whistle. This project allows you to print a functional musical instrument that you can actually play. It’s a good project for those interested in music and exploring the acoustic properties of 3D printed materials.
3D printed penny whistle
Decorative and Educational: Dragonfly Model
Print a beautiful and intricate dragonfly model. This project is more complex than some others, showcasing the detail and artistry possible with 3D printing. Dragonfly models are good for decoration, educational purposes, or simply as a challenging and rewarding print.
Kitchen Upgrade: Decorative Handles
Upgrade your kitchen cutlery with 3D printed decorative handles. Personalize your eating utensils with unique and stylish handles. Custom handles are a good way to add a personal touch to your kitchenware and impress guests.
Sound Enhancement: Phone Amplifier
Amplify your phone’s speaker sound with a passive 3D printed phone amplifier. These devices use acoustic principles to boost sound volume without electronics. Phone amplifiers are good for enhancing audio on the go without needing external speakers.
3D printed phone amplifier stand
Home Décor: Coasters
Protect your furniture in style with 3D printed coasters. Create custom coaster sets in various shapes, patterns, and colors. Coasters are good, simple projects for practicing with different filaments and creating personalized home décor or gifts.
Educational Toy: Balloon-Powered Car
Build a fun and educational balloon-powered car. This project demonstrates basic physics principles in a playful way. Balloon cars are good for STEM learning and entertaining kids while teaching them about propulsion and mechanics.
Leather Crafting: Leather Stamps
Enhance your leatherworking projects with 3D printed leather stamps. Create custom stamps with designs, logos, or patterns to emboss leather goods. Leather stamps are good for personalizing leather crafts and adding a professional touch.
Health and Wellness: Orthotics
Explore the potential of 3D printing for health with custom orthotics. While it’s essential to consult with a medical professional, 3D printing allows for the creation of personalized orthotic insoles for improved foot support and comfort. Custom orthotics are a good example of 3D printing’s potential in personalized healthcare.
Creative Packaging: Popsicle Mold
Get creative with packaging and gifting with a 3D printed popsicle mold designed for mailing. This unique mold allows you to send freezable liquids as popsicles to friends and family. It’s a good project for unique and memorable gifts.
Party Treats: Food Molds
Create fun and themed treats with 3D printed food molds. Make chocolates, ice cubes, or baked goods in custom shapes for parties and special occasions. Food molds are a good way to add a personalized and creative touch to celebrations.
Photography Project: Pinhole Camera
Embark on a unique photography project by 3D printing a functional pinhole camera. This project demonstrates the amazing capabilities of 3D printing, allowing you to create a working camera from plastic. It’s a good project for photography enthusiasts and those interested in the history of camera technology.
Geographic Art: Topographic Maps
Turn geographic data into art with 3D printed topographic maps. Create miniature landscapes of your favorite locations as decorations or educational tools. Topographic maps are good for creating unique home décor, educational aids, or gifts for geography enthusiasts.
Kinetic Sculpture: Strandbeest
Build a mesmerizing wind-powered kinetic sculpture known as a Strandbeest. These intricate creations combine art and engineering, moving gracefully with the wind. Strandbeests are good projects for those interested in complex mechanical designs and kinetic art.
Audio Experiment: Record
Audiophiles can experiment with 3D printing by creating playable records. Convert audio files into 3D printable record designs and play them on a turntable. 3D printed records are a good project for exploring the intersection of audio technology and 3D printing, and for creating personalized audio gifts.
Science at Home: Centrifuge
For advanced makers, 3D printing can be used to create complex scientific tools like a centrifuge. This project demonstrates the potential for creating functional lab equipment at home. 3D printed centrifuges are good for educational purposes and advanced DIY science projects.
Eyewear Repair: Glasses Repair Parts
Accidentally broken your glasses frames? 3D printing can come to the rescue with printable glasses repair parts. Design and print replacement hinges or other components to fix broken frames. Glasses repair parts are a good example of 3D printing for practical problem-solving and extending the life of your belongings.
Simple Mechanics: Hinge
Learn about simple mechanical design by 3D printing hinges. These versatile components are useful in countless projects around the house. Hinges are good, basic prints for understanding mechanical joints and creating functional assemblies.
3D printed plastic hinges
Kitchen Essential: Chip Clip
Keep your snacks fresh with 3D printed chip clips. Design and print custom chip clips in various styles and sizes. Chip clips are good, practical prints for kitchen organization and reducing food waste.
Functional Tool: Wrench
Explore functional tool design with a 3D printed wrench. While not as strong as metal wrenches, 3D printed wrenches can be surprisingly useful for light-duty tasks. They are good projects for demonstrating the functionality of 3D printed tools and exploring print-in-place designs.
Musical Instrument: Electric Violin
For ambitious makers and musicians, 3D printing an electric violin is a challenging but rewarding project. This project showcases the potential for creating complex and functional musical instruments. Electric violins are good for advanced 3D printing projects and exploring musical instrument design.
3D printed electric violin
Art and Automation: Drawing Machine
Combine art and technology by building a 3D printed drawing machine. This project allows you to automate drawing tasks, creating art from digital files. Drawing machines are good for exploring automation, robotics, and artistic expression through technology.
Complex Mechanism: Orrery
For a truly impressive and complex project, consider building a 3D printed orrery. These mechanical models of the solar system showcase intricate design and engineering. Orreries are good for advanced 3D printing projects and demonstrating a deep understanding of mechanical systems and astronomy.
Kitchen Appliance: Coffee Maker (Conceptual)
Push the boundaries of 3D printing by conceptually exploring the creation of a coffee maker. While complex and potentially requiring additional components, the idea of a 3D printed coffee maker highlights the versatility of the technology. This is more of a conceptual project to spark innovation and explore the limits of 3D printing.
Retro Tech: Split Flap Display
Bring back retro technology with a 3D printed split flap display. These displays offer a nostalgic and mechanical alternative to modern digital displays. Split flap displays are good for unique home décor, retro tech projects, and showcasing mechanical ingenuity.
3D printed split flap display
Photography Accessory: Camera Slider
Photographers can benefit from 3D printing by creating a motorized camera slider. These sliders allow for smooth and controlled camera movements for video and time-lapse photography. Camera sliders are good for improving photography and videography equipment at a lower cost.
Astronomy Tool: Telescope
Reach for the stars by 3D printing a telescope. Combined with lenses and potentially microcomputers, a 3D printed telescope can be a powerful tool for stargazing. Telescopes are good for advanced DIY astronomy projects and exploring optical instrument design.
Robotics Project: Robot
Dive into robotics by 3D printing parts for a robot. From simple robots to more complex designs like a snake robot, 3D printing makes robotics more accessible to hobbyists and educators. Robots are good for STEM education, robotics experimentation, and learning about mechatronics.
RC Vehicle: Hovercraft
Build a fun remote-controlled hovercraft with 3D printed parts. This project combines 3D printing with RC technology for a unique and amphibious vehicle. Hovercrafts are good for RC enthusiasts and exploring unconventional vehicle designs.
Aerial Vehicle: Drone
Take to the skies by 3D printing parts for a drone. While requiring additional electronic components, 3D printing makes building custom drones more affordable and accessible. Drones are good for advanced RC projects, aerial photography, and exploring drone technology.
Advanced Robotics: Robot Arm
For a truly advanced robotics project, consider 3D printing a functional robot arm. These arms can be programmed for various tasks and showcase sophisticated mechanical design. Robot arms are good for advanced robotics learning, automation projects, and demonstrating 3D printing capabilities.
Personal Transportation: Electric Unicycle (Conceptual)
Push the boundaries of personal transportation by conceptually designing and 3D printing parts for an electric unicycle. This is a highly complex project, but it illustrates the potential for 3D printing to revolutionize personal mobility. Electric unicycles are good for conceptual design projects and exploring advanced engineering challenges.
Creative Expression: Cosplay
Unleash your creativity in the world of cosplay with 3D printed armor, props, and costume elements. 3D printing has revolutionized cosplay, allowing for highly detailed and custom-fit costumes. Cosplay items are good for artistic expression, fandom communities, and creating impressive costumes.
3D printed cosplay armor and props
Musical Instrument: Guitar
Musicians can even 3D print a guitar. While requiring assembly and potentially some non-printed parts, a 3D printed guitar offers a unique and customizable instrument. Guitars are good for advanced 3D printing projects and exploring instrument design.
Ergonomic Workspace: Laptop Stand
Improve your workspace ergonomics with a 3D printed laptop stand. Raise your laptop to a more comfortable viewing height and create a more organized desk setup. Laptop stands are good, practical prints for home offices and improving computer ergonomics.
Photography Organization: SD Card Storage Box
Photographers can organize their SD cards with a custom 3D printed storage box. Keep your memory cards safe, organized, and easily accessible. SD card storage boxes are good, practical prints for photographers and anyone who works with digital media.
The Expanding World of 3D Printing
From simple tools to complex machines, the range of good things you can 3D print is constantly expanding. This technology empowers individuals to create, innovate, and solve problems in ways never before imagined. As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, we can only expect even more incredible and practical applications to emerge, making it an increasingly valuable tool for everyone.
Whether you are looking for practical solutions, creative outlets, or just fun projects, 3D printing offers a universe of possibilities. Start exploring, experimenting, and discover the good things you can create with your own 3D printer.
