3D printing has revolutionized the way we create, transforming fantastical ideas into tangible realities right in our homes. This incredible technology has exploded in popularity, empowering creators to design and produce a vast array of innovative and captivating 3D printed projects. Forget limitations – with 3D printing, you can bring to life objects previously deemed impossible to make at home.
Showcasing your mastery of this cutting-edge craft through a curated online design portfolio is a smart move for any aspiring creator. The 3D printing space is booming, and demonstrating your skills with a collection of cool and fun 3D prints can attract exciting new clients and opportunities.
Eager to dive into the exciting world of 3D prints? We’ve compiled a list of inspiring 3D printing ideas to spark your imagination and get your creative juices flowing. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting, you’ll find something fun and fascinating to 3D print on this list!
3DBenchy – The Calibration Boat
Don’t let its adorable boat shape fool you! The 3DBenchy is more than just a cute plastic toy. This meticulously designed model serves as a crucial torture test for your 3D printer, helping you fine-tune and calibrate your machine for optimal performance. It’s one of the simplest yet most functional 3D printer projects to kickstart your printing journey.
3DBenchy, a small 3D printed boat, used for printer calibration
Survival Whistle – Loud and Clear
Next up in our collection of Fun Things To 3d Print is a practical project with a surprising punch. In about an hour, you can create a survival whistle capable of emitting a piercing 118db sound. This compact and powerful whistle is perfect for outdoor adventures like camping or for use at sporting events, offering a reliable safety tool or attention-grabbing device.
Sunglass Visor Clip – Keep Your Shades Handy
A blend of convenience and simplicity, the sunglass visor clip is a quick and easy 3D print that enhances everyday life. This project, one of the simplest 3D printer designs on our list, allows you to securely attach your sunglasses to your car’s visor. No more fumbling for your shades – they’ll always be within easy reach.
3D printed sunglass visor clip attached to a car visor, holding sunglasses
Earbud Case – Tangle-Free Listening
Let’s face it, tangled earbud cords are a universal annoyance. They knot themselves into impossible configurations and often lead to frustrating earphone-crackle, ruining your listening experience. This 3D printable earbud case is a fantastic example of how 3D printing can solve everyday frustrations. Print one of these to keep your earbuds organized, protected, and ready to use.
Carabiner – Surprisingly Strong Clip
This 3D printed carabiner is more robust than you might expect. Featuring a sturdy frame and a flexible hinge, it can withstand weights up to 30kg – quite impressive for printed plastic! While it’s strong for its type, remember that it’s not designed for supporting human weight. Use it for organizing gear, clipping items to a backpack, or other light-duty tasks.
A 3D printed carabiner clip, showing its hinge and sturdy design
Flexi Rex – The Articulated Dinosaur Toy
Originally designed as a toy for Settlers of Catan, the Flexi Rex is a durable and undeniably cute 3D print. This articulated T-Rex is a versatile project – use it for gaming, as a quirky desk ornament, a children’s toy, or simply as a fun fidget object. Plus, who can resist a cool T-Rex?
Proteus Key Holder – Organize Your Keys Like a Pro
Inspired by the iconic Swiss Army Knife, the Proteus Key Holder is a brilliant pocket-sized organizer that neatly arranges your keys. This is undoubtedly one of the most practical and best things to 3D print, saving you precious time and frustration searching through pockets for the right key.
3D printed Proteus Key Holder, organizing multiple keys in a compact design
Pencil Holder – Desk Organization with Flair
Declutter your workspace and inject some personality into your desk with a custom 3D printed pencil holder. With countless designs available, you can create desktop organizers that are not only functional but also reflect your unique style. Say goodbye to boring, generic pencil cups and hello to a personalized and cool desk accessory.
Headphone Stand – Keep Your Headphones Safe and Sound
Get your headphones off your desk and onto a stylish, custom-designed stand. Perfect for both home and office setups, a 3D printed headphone stand is a simple yet impactful project that eliminates clutter and keeps your headphones readily accessible and protected.
A 3D printed headphone stand holding headphones, showcasing its sleek design
Bowl – Unique and Functional Dinnerware
Transform your dining experience with original 3D printed dinnerware. Take this blueberry-themed bowl as inspiration – why stop there? Explore the vast library of 3D printable plate and bowl designs to create a truly unique and personalized set of tableware. Make every meal a special occasion with custom 3D printed dishes.
A 3D printed blueberry-themed bowl, showcasing creative dinnerware possibilities
Planters – Modern and Stylish Homes for Your Plants
Elevate your indoor garden with abstract and modern 3D printed planters for your succulents and cacti. Move beyond traditional clay pots and embrace the world of cool 3D prints to showcase your plants. Modular and geometric designs add a contemporary touch and are guaranteed to enhance the visual appeal of your mini-garden.
Platform Jack – A Handy Hobbyist Tool
While it’s not designed to lift a car, this 3D printed platform jack is surprisingly sturdy and can handle a reasonable amount of weight. This makes it an excellent tool for hobbyists, perfect for painting miniatures, working on small models, or any task requiring stable elevation and access to undersides.
A 3D printed platform jack lifting a small object, demonstrating its utility
Measuring Cube – All-in-One Kitchen Tool
Simplify your kitchen drawers and ditch the clutter of countless measuring spoons! The measuring cube is an ingenious and immediately useful 3D print that consolidates multiple measuring tools into one compact object. It’s a conversation-starting kitchen gadget that’s as practical as it is intriguing.
Mitre Box – Precision Crafting Made Easy
For crafting enthusiasts, a mitre box is an indispensable tool for making precise angled cuts. In just minutes, your 3D printer can produce a mini mitre box, enabling you to create accurate cuts for woodworking, model making, and other craft projects. Simply add a blade and you’re ready to go.
USB Holder – Keep Your Data Organized and Accessible
USB drives are essential for data storage and transfer, but they are also notoriously easy to misplace. Prevent data loss and desktop clutter by 3D printing a dedicated USB holder. This practical and useful 3D printed object keeps all your USB keys organized and readily accessible in your office or workspace.
Faucet Water Saver – Conserve Water with a Simple Print
Contribute to water conservation efforts with a 3D printed faucet water saver attachment. This project is incredibly quick to print, easy to install, and uses minimal material. It’s a small but impactful way to reduce water usage in your home and promote sustainable living.
A 3D printed faucet water saver attachment, showcasing its water-saving function
Cable Holder – Tame Your Tangled Cords
Reclaim your desk and entertainment center from the tyranny of tangled cords! 3D print cable management devices to organize and route cables, reducing clutter and eliminating cord-related frustration. These simple 3D printed objects are a blessing for anyone seeking a tidier and less stressful living or working space.
Catapult – Office Fun and Games
Inject some playful fun into the workday with 3D printed mini catapults. Perfect for office boredom relief, these tiny “weapons” can launch small projectiles up to two meters. Hone your aim and master the paper-in-wastebasket challenge with these amusing desk toys.
Cutlery – Portable and Reusable Utensils
Print your own set of reusable cutlery, ideal for camping, office lunches, or on-the-go meals. This 3D printer design is functional, portable, and quick to create. Say goodbye to disposable plastic cutlery and embrace this eco-friendly and convenient 3D printed alternative.
3D printed reusable cutlery set, highlighting its portability and eco-friendliness
Keychain Smartphone Stand – Pocket-Sized Convenience
In today’s smartphone-centric world, we’ve all experienced the need to prop up our phones for hands-free viewing. This tiny 3D printed keychain smartphone stand is a brilliant solution. Always have a phone stand readily available, and the cute cat design is an added bonus!
Comb – Simply Stylish Personal Care
Small, practical projects like this shark comb highlight the delight of 3D printing. Keep your hair neat and tidy with a custom-designed comb. When it’s this easy to create, why not print a unique comb that reflects your personality?
A 3D printed shark comb, showcasing a fun and functional design
Spirographs – Retro Fun for All Ages
A timeless childhood classic, spirographs remain captivating for kids and adults alike. Unleash your inner artist and create intricate geometric patterns with 3D printed spirograph sets. They’re a fantastic way to spark creativity and even overcome creative blocks.
Toothpaste Squeezer – Get Every Last Drop
Remember the comical scene of squeezing toothpaste tubes to their absolute limit? Now, 3D print a toothpaste squeezer to effortlessly extract every last bit of toothpaste from the tube. Minimize waste and maximize value with this simple yet effective 3D printed gadget.
Bookholder – Hands-Free Reading Comfort
Bookworms, rejoice! This 3D printed bookholder is a must-have for comfortable reading. Designed to keep pages propped open, especially for larger books, this tool enhances your reading experience and earns our vote as one of the best 3D printer designs on this list.
Bottle Opener – One-Handed Bottle Opening Magic
Another incredibly useful and fun 3D print is a one-handed bottle opener. Effortlessly open bottles with just one hand using this clever device. Print a few to keep at home or give them as unique and practical host gifts.
Bookmarks – Mark Your Page in Style
Say goodbye to dog-eared pages! These cool 3D printed bookmarks help you keep your place in any book with style. The owl design adds a touch of whimsy and makes returning to your reading a delightful experience.
Wallet – A Personalized and Unique Accessory
Believe it or not, you can 3D print a functional wallet! Why spend a fortune on a leather wallet when you can create a custom one at home in just an hour? This is a fantastic example of a cool and useful 3D print, allowing for personalized designs with integrated card slots.
A 3D printed wallet, showcasing its unique design and card slots
Business Card – Make a Lasting Impression
Leave a memorable impression with 3D printed pop-out business cards. Instead of handing out a standard, forgettable card, give clients a unique, interactive toy that assembles into your contact information. This innovative approach is sure to make your business card stand out from the crowd.
A 3D printed pop-out business card, showing its interactive and unique design
Fidget Spinner – Focus and Fun in One
Can’t sit still? Need a fidget toy to help you focus? Look no further than the 3D printed fidget spinner. This project is a perfect way to occupy your hands and mind, providing a tactile and engaging way to relieve stress and improve concentration.
Tin Can Dumbbell – Budget-Friendly Fitness at Home
For those looking for convenient fitness solutions, the tin can dumbbell is a brilliant 3D print. Create a budget-friendly weight set by attaching two cans of food to a 3D printed handle. Now you can squeeze in a workout anywhere, anytime, with readily available materials.
Veggie Toys – Fun with Food for Kids
Make mealtime more playful with 3D printed veggie toys! These whimsical toys attach directly to fruits and vegetables, transforming them into fun characters and vehicles. A lemon helicopter? A banana car? These easy-to-print toys are perfect for entertaining kids and making healthy food more appealing.
Penny Whistle – Make Music with Plastic
Unleash your inner musician with a 3D printed penny whistle! In a short amount of time, you can create a fully functional musical instrument. Relive childhood memories and enjoy making music with this surprisingly capable 3D printed instrument.
A 3D printed penny whistle, showcasing a functional musical instrument
Dragonfly – A Delicate Flying Machine
Among the more intricate and captivating 3D prints is the dragonfly. This delicate, miniature flying machine can be printed relatively quickly and provides hours of entertainment, especially for children. Watch it flutter and soar – a testament to the possibilities of 3D printing.
Handles – Upgrade Your Utensils with Style
Elevate your dining experience by 3D printing decorative handles for your cutlery. With minimal effort, you can create unique and stylish handles that will impress your guests. When they ask, “What can you print with a 3D printer?”, you can proudly show them the utensils they are using!
Amplifier – Boost Your Phone’s Sound
Amplify your phone’s speaker volume with a 3D printed acoustic amplifier. Simply place your phone into this clever device, and enjoy surprisingly enhanced sound quality. No need for bulky portable speakers – this compact amplifier is perfect for picnics, beaches, or anywhere you want to share your music.
A 3D printed phone amplifier, demonstrating sound enhancement without electronics
Coasters – Stylish and Functional Drinkware
If you’re looking for simple and practical 3D printing ideas, consider printing a set of drink coasters. Create custom coasters with unique designs and say goodbye to flimsy, generic coasters. 3D printed coasters make excellent and personalized gifts too!
Balloon-Powered Car – STEM Fun for Kids
Combine fun and learning with a 3D printed balloon-powered car. These simple chassis are easy to print and provide hours of entertainment. They are a fantastic project for birthday parties or STEM activities, teaching basic physics principles in an engaging way.
Leather Stamps – Personalize Leather Goods
Add a personal touch to leather goods with 3D printed leather stamps. Whether you’re a leatherworker or simply want to customize a guitar strap, these stamps allow you to imprint unique designs onto leather surfaces. They can also be used as traditional ink stamps for paper and other materials.
Orthotics – Customized Comfort and Support
3D printing has real-world applications beyond toys and gadgets, including healthcare. For those suffering from foot ailments, 3D printed orthotics offer a potentially affordable alternative to expensive custom orthotics. Create personalized insoles for improved comfort and support (always consult a doctor before using 3D printed orthotics for medical purposes).
Popsicle Mould – Mail a Frozen Treat
One of the most original 3D printing ideas is the Post-Box Popsicle mould. This ingenious design allows you to mail freezable liquids in a mould, ready to be frozen and enjoyed by friends and family. Send a refreshing surprise in a truly unique way!
Food Moulds – Shape Your Treats Creatively
Expand your culinary creativity with 3D printed food moulds. Create fun and unique shapes for chocolate, ice, baked goods, and more. These moulds are perfect for parties, allowing you to make themed treats shaped like superheroes, animals, or any design you can imagine.
Pinhole Camera – Photography with a 3D Twist
Prepare to be impressed by the 3D printed pinhole camera! This project demonstrates the incredible capabilities of 3D printing by creating a fully functional camera almost entirely from printed parts. It’s a rewarding and educational project for photography enthusiasts and makers alike.
Topographic Maps – 3D Landscapes for Home and Office
Bring landscapes to life with 3D printed topographic maps. Create mini 3D representations of geographical areas and turn them into unique paperweights, bookends, or even tabletop gaming terrain. This project offers a fascinating blend of geography, art, and 3D printing.
“Strandbeest” – Wind-Powered Kinetic Sculpture
Experience the magic of wind-powered art with a 3D printed “Strandbeest.” These captivating kinetic sculptures combine art and engineering, moving gracefully with the power of the wind. Set it in motion and watch it walk – a mesmerizing display of 3D printed ingenuity.
Record – 3D Printed Vinyl for Audiophiles
Audiophiles will appreciate the ability to 3D print their own vinyl records. Convert audio files and create playable records on a turntable. Go beyond music and record personalized messages for loved ones – a truly unique and heartfelt gift.
Centrifuge – Lab Equipment at Home
Venture into more complex 3D printing projects with a 3D printed centrifuge. This advanced project demonstrates the ability to create lab-ready tools at home, even capable of DNA extraction. Explore the boundaries of 3D printing and scientific applications.
Glasses Repair – Fix Broken Frames Instantly
Broken glasses frames are a common frustration. With a 3D printer, you can say goodbye to frame repair woes. Print replacement parts and fix your glasses at home, saving time and money. This is undoubtedly one of the most practical and useful 3D printing ideas.
3D printed glasses repair part, showcasing a practical solution for broken frames
Hinge – Simple and Versatile Fastener
Simple 3D printer designs like hinges are incredibly useful to have on hand. Hinges are essential fasteners for countless projects around the house. These particular designs are exceptionally simple to print, requiring only a single step.
3D printed hinges, demonstrating a simple and useful fastener design
Chip Clip – Keep Snacks Fresh
Keep your chips and snacks sealed and fresh with 3D printed chip clips. Featuring a sliding clasp mechanism, these clips are both functional and surprisingly simple to print. Say goodbye to stale snacks with these handy 3D printed closures.
Wrench – Lightweight and Functional Tool
Experience the functionality of a wrench created with 3D printing. Lightweight yet surprisingly sturdy, this 3D printed wrench performs comparably to its metal counterparts for many tasks. A testament to the strength and versatility of 3D printed materials.
Electric Violin – Musical Instrument Innovation
For a more ambitious musical project, consider the 3D printed electric violin. While more complex than the penny whistle, the electric violin offers a rewarding challenge and produces beautiful sounds rivaling professional instruments at a fraction of the cost. Explore the fusion of 3D printing and musical instrument creation.
A 3D printed electric violin, showcasing an advanced musical instrument project
Drawing Machine – Automate Your Art
Take 3D printing into the realm of art automation with a 3D printed drawing machine. This larger-scale project allows you to attach a pen and create intricate drawings from digital files on your computer. Produce custom invitations, cards, artwork, and more with this unique robotic drawing arm.
Orrery – A Mechanical Model of the Solar System
Topping our list of fun things to 3D print is the orrery – a classic mechanical model of the solar system. Not only visually stunning, but it also accurately represents the positions of planets and moons. This complex project requires advanced 3D printing skills and a deeper understanding of mechanics, but the result is a truly impressive and educational display.
Coffee Maker – Brew Your Own 3D Printed Coffee
Imagine printing your own coffee maker! This project pushes the boundaries of what you might expect from 3D printing. If your coffee machine breaks down, or you simply want a unique conversation starter, a 3D printed coffee maker is an incredibly fun and ambitious project.
Split Flap Display – Retro-Tech Desk Decor
Embrace nostalgic engineering with 3D printed split flap displays. Relive the charm of vintage information boards and decorate your desk with a sign that uses mechanical flaps instead of modern LED or LCD screens. A unique and eye-catching retro-tech project.
A 3D printed split flap display, showcasing a retro-tech design element
Camera Slider – Professional Photography on a Budget
Photographers know the high cost of professional camera sliders. Why buy expensive equipment when you can 3D print your own motorized camera slider? With a bit of time and dedication, you can create a fully functional and motorized slider for smooth and cinematic camera movements.
Telescope – Explore the Cosmos from Home
Embark on an astronomical adventure by 3D printing your own telescope! This ambitious project allows you to create a functional telescope for stargazing. Combine it with a microcomputer for advanced features and explore the wonders of the night sky from your own backyard.
Robot – Build Your Own Walking Machine
Build your own robot at home with 3D printing! While not ready to take over the world, a 3D printed robot is a fascinating project. With basic wiring and 3D printed components, you can create a walking robot and delve into the world of robotics.
Hovercraft – Glide on Land and Water
For a fun and challenging RC project, consider a 3D printed hovercraft. This project allows you to create a remote-controlled vehicle that glides across both land and water. While requiring additional parts, the reward is a unique and versatile RC machine.
Drone – Soar to New Heights with DIY Tech
Take to the skies with a 3D printed drone! This DIY project enables you to create a functioning drone for a fraction of the cost of commercially available models. Add a camera and capture aerial footage – a truly impressive and fun 3D printing achievement.
Robot Arm – Advanced Automation at Your Fingertips
One of the most advanced and impressive projects on this list is the 3D printed robot arm. Programmable and capable of various tasks, this project showcases the potential of 3D printing for complex automation. Sharpen your skills and demonstrate your 3D printing prowess with this advanced endeavor.
Electric Unicycle – Personal Transportation Innovation
Push the boundaries of 3D printing and create a fully functional electric unicycle. This complex project combines 3D printing with electronics and mechanics to produce a personal transportation device. A challenging but incredibly rewarding project for advanced makers.
Cosplay – Craft Amazing Costumes and Props
The cosplay hobby has exploded, and 3D printing plays a significant role. Create awe-inspiring costumes and props for cosplay events. From armor and shields to intricate weapons, 3D printing allows for highly detailed and affordable cosplay creations.
A 3D printed electric guitar, showcasing musical instrument creation
Guitar – Print Your Own Musical Instrument
Musicians and guitar enthusiasts can now 3D print their own guitars at home. This project allows for unique and custom guitar designs. Assemble the 3D printed parts with glue and create a playable instrument. This smaller-sized 3D printed guitar is perfect for those with limited space.
Laptop Stand – Ergonomic Home Office Essential
Optimize your home office setup with a 3D printed laptop stand. Elevate your laptop for better ergonomics when using external monitors. This adjustable design allows you to customize the height for comfortable viewing. Print four parts and assemble a functional and stylish laptop stand.
SD Card Storage Box – Organize Your Digital Life
For photographers and anyone dealing with multiple SD cards, a 3D printed SD card storage box is a practical and essential project. Keep your SD cards organized and in one place, preventing loss and ensuring easy access.
More Cool Things About 3D Printing
From simple desk organizers to complex robots, 3D printing offers incredible versatility. What once took days or months to create can now be 3D printed relatively quickly, empowering you to bring your unique designs to life. While 3D printing is still a relatively new technology for many, its potential is vast. Let’s address some common questions about 3D printing.
Can 3D Printers Print Metal?
Yes, 3D printers can print metal, but the process and equipment differ from standard plastic 3D printing. Not all 3D printers are capable of printing metal. Metal 3D printing typically involves methods like metal-binding jetting, powder bed fusion, and directed energy deposition. These processes use metal powder or wires to build objects layer by layer. However, metal 3D printing is generally not feasible for home use due to the high cost and complexity of the required machinery.
While 3D printing metal is possible, some may consider laser cutting for metal fabrication. Laser cutting is a subtractive process, while 3D printing is additive. Laser cutting may be more suitable for projects requiring multiple identical pieces or larger-scale metal parts.
Although true metal 3D printing at home is currently expensive, you can achieve metal-like aesthetics with specialized filaments that mimic the look of metal finishes. These filaments offer a cost-effective way to create objects with a metallic appearance without the challenges of true metal 3D printing.
What Are Some Cool Things 3D Printers Can Do?
Beyond creating fun gadgets and toys, 3D printing has transformative applications in various fields, including science and medicine. Scientists utilize 3D printing to create custom research equipment and even bioprinting human tissues for research and medical advancements. 3D printed organ models allow surgeons to practice complex procedures and develop surgical techniques in a risk-free environment.
3D printing has also revolutionized prosthetics, making highly customizable and affordable prostheses a reality. Unlike traditional prosthetics with limited customization, 3D printing enables personalized fits and designs at a significantly lower cost. This accessibility empowers individuals with disabilities through customized and affordable assistive devices.
Furthermore, 3D printing is addressing global housing challenges through the construction of 3D printed homes and shelters. Companies are using this technology to rapidly build emergency shelters and affordable housing solutions. 3D printed homes offer faster construction times and reduced costs compared to traditional building methods, contributing to solutions for housing shortages worldwide.
What Would Be Something Cool to Make With a 3D Pen?
For a more accessible and budget-friendly entry into 3D creation, 3D pens offer a fantastic alternative. 3D pens are affordable, portable, and easy to use, allowing you to draw in three dimensions. From quick repairs (using the pen as an adhesive) to creating artistic sculptures, 3D pens unleash your creativity in a freeform and intuitive way.
Architecture enthusiasts can use 3D pens with architectural model kits to replicate famous structures and create intricate designs. Board game fans can design and create custom figurines and game pieces. You can even bring your favorite cartoon characters and movie heroes to life in 3D form.
While 3D pens are versatile for smaller projects and artistic creations, their limitations lie in the size and structural integrity of larger objects. For projects requiring significant size or load-bearing strength, traditional 3D printers are more suitable.
What Are Some Cool Things That Take Less Than an Hour to 3D Print?
If you’re short on time and seeking quick 3D printing gratification, numerous fun and useful projects can be printed in under an hour. From our list above, projects like keychains, hinges, handles, bookmarks, smartphone stands, and whistles are all achievable within a short timeframe.
Beyond these examples, consider these additional quick 3D print ideas:
- Cable clips: Organize cables neatly.
- Cookie cutters: Create custom cookie shapes for baking fun.
- Small plant pots: Print miniature pots for succulents or seedlings.
- Dice: Design and print personalized dice for board games.
- Earring studs: Create unique and lightweight earrings.
Share Your 3D Printer Projects With the World
Once you’ve completed a collection of impressive 3D printed projects, showcase your talents to the world! An online portfolio website is the ideal platform to display your 3D prints and attract potential clients or collaborators. Choose a platform with stylish templates that align with your brand identity and offer a free trial to explore its features.
With a diverse portfolio of cool and fun 3D prints, you’ll be ready to impress clients and turn your 3D printing passion into exciting opportunities.
Now, go forth, be creative, and amaze the world with your incredible 3D creations!
Looking for more design project inspiration? How to Start a Creative Project by ADAMJK | 5 Ways to Fund Your Personal Project | 10 Steps to Building Your Perfect Online Portfolio
