3D printing has revolutionized the way we create and design, transforming from a niche technology into a mainstream creative tool. It’s an incredibly fun and accessible way to bring your imaginative ideas to life, and the possibilities are truly limitless. Creators everywhere are embracing this fantastic technology to develop a plethora of innovative and wonderful 3D printer projects that were once only conceivable in dreams.
Adding a collection of impressive 3D printed creations to your online design portfolio can be a game-changer. Showcasing your proficiency in this cutting-edge craft can significantly attract new clients in today’s competitive market. Highlighting a diverse range of cool things to 3D print, along with your own unique 3D printing masterpieces, demonstrates your versatility and forward-thinking approach.
Eager to jump into the exciting world of cool 3D prints? We’ve put together an extensive list of inspiring 3D printing ideas – over 60 to ignite your next 3D printer design adventure. So, what can you actually make with a 3D printer? Prepare to be amazed; there’s something incredibly cool for everyone!
3DBenchy
Don’t be fooled by its cute, miniature boat appearance. The 3DBenchy is much more than just an adorable plastic toy. This cleverly designed model serves as a comprehensive benchmark to rigorously test the capabilities of your 3D printer and fine-tune its settings for optimal performance. It’s recognized as one of the most straightforward yet invaluable 3D printer projects, especially for beginners looking to calibrate their machines.
3DBenchy, a jolly 3D printing torture test, designed for calibrating 3D printers.
Survival Whistle
For a quick and practical 3D printing endeavor, consider the survival whistle. This simple project can be completed in about an hour, resulting in a functional whistle capable of producing a piercing 118db sound. Its powerful sound projection makes it an ideal safety tool for outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, or even for use at sporting events to signal for attention.
Sunglass Visor Clip
Here’s a brilliantly simple and highly practical 3D print: a sunglass visor clip. As one of the easiest 3D printer designs imaginable, this project allows you to securely attach your sunglasses to your car’s visor. No more fumbling around or scratching your lenses – keep your sunglasses readily accessible and protected right where you need them.
3D printed sunglass visor clip attached to a car visor, showcasing a practical design.
Earbud Case
Let’s face it, tangled earbud cords are a universal frustration. They constantly knot themselves into impossible configurations, and eventually, that dreaded earphone crackle emerges, rendering your beloved music companions useless. An earbud case is a fantastic example of how 3D printing can create everyday solutions to improve your daily life, keeping your earbuds organized and protected from damage.
Carabiner
This 3D printed carabiner is surprisingly robust, boasting a sturdy frame and a flexible hinge. Remarkably, it can withstand weights up to 30kg, which is quite impressive for printed plastic! However, it’s crucial to remember that while strong, these are not designed for bearing human weight and should not be used for climbing or safety-critical applications. Perfect for organizing keys or attaching lightweight items to a backpack.
Durable 3D printed carabiner with flexible hinge, capable of holding up to 30kg weight.
Flexi Rex
Originally designed as a fun accessory for the board game Settlers of Catan, the Flexi Rex has evolved into a popular and versatile 3D print. This charming, articulated dinosaur toy is surprisingly durable and undeniably cute. Its applications are varied: it can be a playful gaming piece, a quirky desk ornament, or a delightful children’s toy. Plus, let’s be honest, T-Rexes are perpetually cool!
Key Holder
Inspired by the ingenious design of Swiss Army Knives, the Proteus Key Holder offers a brilliant way to organize your keys in a compact and logical manner. Without a doubt, this is one of the best things to 3D print for anyone seeking everyday convenience. Say goodbye to the endless pocket rummaging and hello to streamlined key management.
Proteus Key Holder, a 3D printed pocket device inspired by Swiss Army Knives for key organization.
Pencil Holder
Declutter your workspace while injecting a dose of personality with custom 3D printed pencil holders! With readily available 3D printer designs, you can easily create unique desktop organizers that not only keep your pens and pencils in order but also add a stylish touch to your desk. Design a pencil holder that reflects your individual style and prevent anyone from mistakenly claiming your stationery again.
Headphone Stand
Elevate your headphone storage from desk clutter to a stylishly crafted stand of your own design. Ideal for both home and office environments, headphone stands are simple yet impactful 3D printer ideas that offer significant organizational benefits with minimal effort. Keep your headphones safe, accessible, and looking great.
Sleek 3D printed headphone stand, designed for desk organization and headphone protection.
Bowl
Expand your kitchenware possibilities with 3D printing and craft original, personalized bowls. Consider this charming blueberry-themed bowl as a starting point. But why limit yourself? A vast array of designs for plates, bowls, and other dinnerware are available online, allowing you to create a truly unique and personalized dining experience right at home.
Blueberry-themed 3D printed bowl, showcasing unique dinnerware possibilities with 3D printing.
Planters
Move beyond conventional planters and explore the world of abstract, 3D printed planters for your succulents and cacti. Why settle for ordinary clay pots when you can showcase your greenery in modern, eye-catching designs? These modular planters offer a fresh, contemporary aesthetic and are guaranteed to enhance the visual appeal of your indoor mini-garden.
Platform Jack
While it might not be robust enough to hoist a car in your garage, this 3D printed platform jack is surprisingly capable of supporting a reasonable amount of weight. It provides convenient access to undersides of objects, making it a handy tool for hobbyists. 3D print your own platform jack for tasks like painting miniatures or other detailed hobby work.
3D printed platform jack, a hobbyist tool for accessing undersides of objects for painting and detailing.
Measuring Cube
Streamline your kitchen drawers by replacing a chaotic collection of measuring spoons with a single, ingeniously designed measuring cube! This project stands out as one of the most immediately practical and cool 3D prints on this list. It’s a conversation-starting tool that will undoubtedly impress anyone who sees it in action.
Mitre Box
Mitre boxes are indispensable tools for crafting precise cuts in woodworking, model making, and various DIY projects. Amazingly, your 3D printer can produce a functional mitre box in mere minutes, enabling you to make accurate angle cuts swiftly. Simply add a blade, and you’re ready to achieve professional-level cuts in your crafting endeavors.
USB Holder
USB drives are incredibly convenient for data storage and transfer, until they become misplaced, potentially leading to data loss. Prevent this common annoyance by 3D printing a dedicated desktop USB holder to keep all your drives organized and readily accessible. This is undoubtedly one of the most practical and useful 3D printed objects for any office or workspace.
Faucet Water Saver
In an age of increasing environmental awareness, conserving water is a shared responsibility. This water-saving faucet attachment is an exceptionally quick and easy 3D print that requires minimal material. Installing it is a breeze, and it effectively reduces water consumption at your faucet, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
3D printed faucet water saver attachment, designed for reducing water usage at home.
Cable Holder
Reclaim your desk and entertainment center from the tangled tyranny of cords with 3D printed cable management solutions. These space-saving devices effectively reduce clutter and eliminate cord-related frustrations. Cable holders are truly among the blessed 3D printed objects that make modern life just a little less aggravating!
Catapult
Office boredom can strike at any time. Combat monotony and inject some playful fun into your workday by constructing miniature 3D printed catapults! Sharpen your (possibly dormant) marksmanship skills with these adorable desktop “weapons,” perfect for launching small projectiles – like paper balls into a wastebasket – across the office.
Cutlery
For outdoor enthusiasts or those seeking convenient reusable utensils, 3D printing your own cutlery set is a brilliant idea. Ideal for camping, office lunches, or cafeteria use, this 3D printer design yields functional, portable, and quick-to-create cutlery. The best aspect is their reusability, making them an eco-conscious alternative to disposable plastic cutlery.
3D printed cutlery set, reusable and portable for camping or office lunches.
Keychain Smartphone Stand
Smartphones are ubiquitous in modern life, and we’ve all encountered moments needing to prop them up for viewing videos or photos. Often, we resort to makeshift solutions like stacks of books, which rarely work well. This tiny 3D printed keychain smartphone stand provides an elegant and portable solution. Plus, many designs are shaped like cute cats – and who doesn’t love cats?
Comb
It’s often the small, simple projects that truly highlight the delightful practicality of 3D printer designs. A comb is an everyday essential for most of us, helping to tame unruly hair. With 3D printing making comb creation so accessible, why not personalize your grooming routine with a custom-designed comb?
Shark-shaped 3D printed comb, showcasing personalized grooming accessory design.
Spirographs
Spirographs, the classic drawing toys, continue to captivate children and adults alike. These mesmerizing geometric pattern generators offer a fantastic way to unleash creativity and can even be a helpful tool for breaking through creative blocks. 3D printing allows you to create your own spirograph sets for hours of artistic fun.
Toothpaste Squeezer
Remember the hilarious Malcolm in the Middle scene where the family resorted to driving over a toothpaste tube to extract the last remnants? Now, you can 3D print a dedicated toothpaste squeezer device to effortlessly get every last bit of toothpaste out of the tube. No more wasted toothpaste!
Bookholder
Bookworms, rejoice! This 3D printed bookholder is a top pick for book lovers seeking a convenient way to keep pages propped open for easy reading. Designed with larger books in mind, this tool is remarkably useful for hands-free reading and comfortable page turning.
Bottle Opener
Another incredibly useful and cool thing to 3D print is a one-handed bottle opener. This ingenious device allows you to effortlessly open bottles with just one hand. Keep a few in your kitchen drawer or print a batch to give away as thoughtful host gifts.
Bookmarks
End the barbaric practice of dog-earing pristine book pages! 3D printed bookmarks offer a stylish and practical solution for marking your reading spot. Designs like owl bookmarks add a whimsical touch, making it a pleasure to return to your favorite novels.
Wallet
Believe it or not, you can even 3D print wallets! Why spend a significant amount on a leather wallet when you can create a custom, functional wallet at home in about an hour, complete with card slots? This is definitely one of those cool things to 3D print that offers both practicality and personalization. Design a wallet that is uniquely yours.
3D printed wallet with card slots, demonstrating custom accessory creation at home.
Business Card
Make a lasting impression with 3D printed pop-out business cards. Instead of handing out a standard, forgettable piece of cardboard, offer clients a unique, interactive toy they can assemble. This novel approach speaks volumes about your creativity and sets you apart from the traditional business card crowd.
3D printed pop-out business card, a unique and interactive way to leave a memorable impression.
Fidget Spinner
For those who find it hard to sit still or need help focusing, 3D printed fidget spinners are an excellent solution. These simple, handheld toys provide a tactile and visual distraction to occupy restless minds and improve concentration. This 3D printed object is sure to do the trick.
Tin Can Dumbbell
Fitting exercise into busy schedules can be challenging. For fitness enthusiasts seeking budget-friendly workout options, especially in offices or hotels, the tin-can dumbbell is a clever 3D print. This design allows you to create makeshift dumbbells by attaching standard food cans to a 3D printed handle. A super-affordable way to pump iron anywhere – just add cans!
Veggie Toys
Inject fun into healthy eating with 3D printed veggie toys! These whimsical gadgets attach directly to common food items found in your kitchen. Imagine a lemon helicopter or a banana car – the possibilities are delightfully absurd. Easy to print and guaranteed to provide hours of amusement for kids on a rainy day.
Penny Whistle
Prepare to be amazed – you can 3D print an actual musical instrument! With a 3D printer and a little time, you can create a functional penny whistle. Relive your grade school musical days or explore a new instrument with this unique 3D printing project.
3D printed penny whistle, a functional musical instrument created with a 3D printer.
Dragonfly
Among the more intricate and captivating 3D prints on this list is the dragonfly. This delicate, miniature flying machine, while showcasing more design complexity than simpler projects, can still be produced relatively quickly. It’s a wonderful project for entertaining children or simply admiring the intricate design.
Handles
Elevate your dining experience with custom-designed, decorative handles for your cutlery. With minimal effort, you can produce unique handles that will impress guests. When they inevitably ask, “What can you print with a 3D printer?”, you can proudly tell them they are dining with it!
Amplifier
Boost your smartphone’s speaker volume with these cleverly designed 3D printed amplifiers. Simply place your phone into the amplifier to enhance its sound output. These devices offer surprisingly good sound quality and eliminate the need to carry bulky portable speakers for picnics or beach outings.
3D printed smartphone amplifier, enhancing phone speaker volume without external power.
Coasters
For a simple and practical 3D printing project, consider creating a set of drink coasters. With easy-to-find 3D printer designs, you can say goodbye to flimsy disposable coasters and overpriced novelty versions. Design and print your own coasters with personalized patterns or logos – perfect for gifts or home use.
Balloon-Powered Car
Combine fun and physics with a 3D printed balloon-powered car. These little chassis are easy to assemble and provide hours of entertainment. Print a batch for a children’s party and watch them race around, propelled by simple balloon power.
Leather Stamps
Whether you are a seasoned leatherworker or simply want to personalize your leather goods, 3D printed leather stamps are invaluable tools. These tiny devices can imprint designs onto leather, adding a unique touch to belts, guitar straps, and more. Bonus: they can also be used as ink stamps!
Orthotics
3D printing extends beyond toys and gadgets, offering real-world applications in healthcare. Custom orthotics, often prohibitively expensive, can be 3D printed at home for a fraction of the cost. For those with flat feet or other foot ailments, 3D printed orthotics can provide personalized support and improve comfort. (Always consult a doctor before using self-made orthotics.)
Popsicle Mould
One of the most original 3D printing ideas is the Post-Box Popsicle mould. This ingenious design allows you to create freezable liquid containers that can be mailed to friends and family. Simply fill the mould, seal it, and send a refreshing treat through the post!
Food Moulds
Expand your culinary creativity with 3D printed food moulds. Design cool shapes for chocolate, ice, baked goods, or other treats. These moulds are fantastic for parties, allowing you to create themed snacks shaped like superheroes, animals, or any design you can imagine.
Pinhole Camera
This project is truly impressive: a fully functional pinhole camera made almost entirely from 3D printed parts! It’s an intriguing project that demonstrates the incredible capabilities of 3D printing technology. Take a step back in photographic history and create your own pinhole camera.
Topographic Maps
Transform geographical data into tangible objects by 3D printing mini topographic maps. Turn these maps into unique home or office décor. Imagine a Mt. Fuji paperweight or a New York City skyline bookend. 3D printed topographic maps are also fantastic for tabletop strategy games.
“Strandbeest”
Drawing inspiration from kinetic art, the “Strandbeest” is a captivating 3D printed sculpture powered entirely by wind. This clever fusion of art and engineering comes to life when set in motion by a breeze. Watch it walk and move, showcasing the beauty of wind-powered mechanics.
Record
Audiophiles will appreciate this unique 3D printing project: creating your own playable vinyl records. By converting audio files, you can 3D print records that play on standard turntables. Go beyond music and record personalized messages for loved ones, sending a unique and tangible expression of affection.
Centrifuge
Venturing into more complex territory, 3D printing enables the creation of lab-grade tools, even at home. A 3D printed centrifuge, surprisingly, is capable of extracting DNA in a home setting. This project highlights the advanced capabilities of 3D printing in scientific applications.
Glasses Repair
Broken glasses frames are an inevitable annoyance. However, with a 3D printer at hand, frame breakage becomes a minor inconvenience rather than a major problem. 3D print replacement parts or even entire frames to keep your eyewear in perfect shape. This is undoubtedly one of the most practical 3D printing solutions for everyday mishaps.
3D printed glasses repair part, showcasing practical solutions for everyday issues.
Hinge
Simple 3D printer designs like hinges are incredibly useful to have readily available. Hinges are versatile components with countless applications around the house. These particular 3D printed hinge designs are exceptionally simple, even by 3D printing standards, requiring just a single print step.
Simple 3D printed hinge, demonstrating easy-to-create functional components.
Chip Clip
Keep your snacks fresh with uniquely designed 3D printed chip clips featuring a sliding clasp mechanism. These clips are not only functional but also remarkably simple to 3D print, making them a great beginner project.
Wrench
Lightweight yet surprisingly sturdy, a 3D printed wrench can perform on par with its metal counterparts for many tasks. This project showcases the potential of 3D printing to create functional tools, even from plastic materials.
Electric Violin
For musically inclined makers, the electric violin is a more ambitious but rewarding 3D printing project. While more complex than the penny whistle, the electric violin offers the potential to create beautiful music at a fraction of the cost of professional instruments. If you’re exploring cool things to 3D print and have a musical inclination, this is a compelling project.
3D printed electric violin, demonstrating musical instrument creation with 3D printing.
Drawing Machine
Stepping into larger-scale projects, the 3D printed drawing machine is a truly unique creation. Attach a pen to this machine and create artwork directly from digital files on your computer. This project can be used to produce invitations, personalized cards, or any type of line-based drawings.
Orrery
Topping our list of cool things to 3D print is the orrery. This classic mechanical model of the solar system not only looks impressive but also accurately represents the positions of planets and moons. Note that this is a complex project requiring more than just basic plastic printing and a deeper understanding of your 3D printer’s capabilities.
Coffee Maker
Coffee is essential for many, and a functioning coffee maker is often a must-have. If your coffee machine breaks down, surprisingly, you can 3D print a replacement! This project is a fantastic conversation starter and a unique gift for coffee enthusiasts, proving that even kitchen appliances can be 3D printed.
Split Flap Display
Embrace nostalgic engineering with 3D printed split flap displays. Relive the charm of vintage information boards with a desk-sized sign that uses mechanical flaps instead of modern LED or LCD screens. A unique and eye-catching desk decoration.
Camera Slider
For photographers, camera sliders are essential for smooth, cinematic video footage. However, professional sliders can be expensive. With 3D printing, you can manufacture your own motorized camera slider for a fraction of the cost. These DIY sliders are fully functional and work effectively for video and time-lapse photography.
Telescope
Unbelievably, you can even 3D print your own telescope! This project is a testament to the amazing potential of 3D printing. Combine the 3D printed components with a microcomputer to create a functional telescope for stargazing and astronomical exploration.
Robot
Build your own robot at home with a combination of 3D printed parts and basic electronics. While not ready to conquer the world, a 3D printed robot is a fantastic project for learning robotics and showcasing the capabilities of home fabrication. Start assembling your robotic creation today!
Hovercraft
Dreaming of cool, unconventional 3D prints? How about a remote-controlled hovercraft that glides across both land and water? This project requires some additional parts for functionality but is well worth the effort for a unique and exciting RC vehicle.
Drone
Take to the skies with a DIY 3D printed drone. This project enables you to produce your own functioning drone for a significantly lower cost than commercially available models. You can even integrate a camera for aerial photography and videography. A truly impressive and cool 3D printing achievement.
Robot Arm
Perhaps one of the most advanced projects on this list is a fully functional, programmable robot arm. This complex project is ideal for experienced makers looking to push their 3D printing skills and create a sophisticated robotic device for various applications.
Electric Unicycle
For the ultimate challenge, consider designing and building a fully functional electric unicycle using 3D printing. This ambitious project combines 3D printing with electronics and mechanics, offering a deep dive into advanced maker techniques and resulting in a personal electric vehicle.
Cosplay
Cosplay has exploded in popularity, and 3D printing is a major driving force behind this creative hobby. 3D printers enable the creation of incredibly detailed and impressive cosplay costumes at a relatively affordable price. From armor pieces to elaborate props, 3D printing unlocks new levels of cosplay artistry.
3D printed guitar, showcasing musical instrument and custom design possibilities.
Guitar
Musicians and guitar enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover that you can 3D print your own guitar at home. This project allows for highly customized and unique guitar designs. Simply print the components and assemble them – some designs are even smaller than standard guitars, perfect for smaller spaces.
Laptop Stand
Optimize your home office setup with a 3D printed laptop stand. Ideal for users who connect laptops to external monitors, these stands elevate your laptop screen to a more ergonomic height. Many designs are adjustable, allowing you to customize the height for optimal viewing comfort.
SD Card Storage Box
On a more practical note, a 3D printed SD card storage box is a must-have for photographers and anyone working with digital media. Keep your SD cards organized, protected, and in one place, eliminating the risk of lost or damaged cards.
More Cool Things About 3D Printing
From desk organizers to complex robots, 3D printing has an astounding range of capabilities. What once took extensive time and specialized manufacturing can now be created relatively quickly and easily with 3D printing technology. While the possibilities are vast, 3D printing is still a relatively new technology for many. Let’s address some common questions about 3D printing.
Can 3D Printers Print Metal?
Yes, generally, 3D printers can print metal, though the process differs significantly from printing with plastics. Not all 3D printers are capable of metal printing, and it requires specialized equipment and materials. The primary methods for 3D printing metal include metal-binding jetting, powder bed fusion, and directed energy deposition. These techniques utilize metal powder or wire to build objects layer by layer. However, due to the high cost of machinery and materials, metal 3D printing is typically not a home-based process.
While 3D printing metal is possible, some creators may opt for laser cutting for metal fabrication. Laser cutting, a subtractive process, removes material to create shapes, while 3D printing is additive, building up material. Laser cutting can be more efficient for producing multiple identical metal parts, but 3D printing offers greater design freedom and complexity.
The allure of raw and rustic metal finishes aligns with current design trends, but achieving a true metal look with home 3D printing can be costly. For projects where the aesthetic of metal is desired without the expense of metal printing, consider using filaments that mimic metal finishes. These materials can create 3D printed objects like pencil holders or camera mounts with a convincing metal-like appearance.
What Are Some Cool Things 3D Printers Can Do?
3D printing’s impact extends far beyond consumer goods, with significant applications in scientific research. Scientists are leveraging 3D printing to create custom laboratory equipment and even bioprinting human tissues and organs. 3D printed organ models allow surgeons to practice complex procedures and refine surgical techniques in realistic simulations, reducing risks in real-world operations. Furthermore, 3D bioprinting holds immense promise for creating transplantable organs and advancing medical research.
Another revolutionary application is in the field of prosthetics. 3D printing has made highly customizable and affordable prostheses a reality. Unlike traditional prosthetics with limited customization and high costs, 3D printing allows for personalized fits tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. This technology is democratizing access to prosthetics, making them more affordable and widely available.
Addressing global housing challenges, 3D printed homes and shelters are emerging as a groundbreaking solution. Companies and organizations are utilizing 3D printing to rapidly construct emergency shelters and affordable housing in a fraction of the time and cost of traditional construction methods. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry and address 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 avenue for unleashing creativity. 3D pens are affordable, portable, and easy to use, allowing you to draw in three dimensions. From quick repairs using the pen as a hot glue adhesive to creating intricate artwork and sculptures, 3D pens provide immediate, hands-on creative freedom.
Architecture enthusiasts can use 3D pens with specialized kits to replicate famous architectural structures. Board game lovers can design and create custom figurines. Bring your favorite cartoon characters or movie heroes to life in 3D form. While 3D pens excel at turning 2D ideas into 3D objects, their limitations lie in the size and durability of the projects they can create. For large, robust objects like furniture, traditional 3D printers are generally more suitable.
What Are Some Cool Things That Take Less Than an Hour to 3D Print?
For those seeking quick and satisfying 3D printing projects, many cool objects can be printed in under an hour. From the 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 prints:
- Cable clips: Simple and effective for cable management.
- Cookie cutters: Design custom shapes for baking fun.
- Earring studs: Create personalized jewelry quickly.
- Dice: Print custom dice for board games.
- Business card holders: A small and useful desk accessory.
Share Your 3D Printer Projects With the World
Now that you’ve accumulated a collection of impressive 3D printed projects, it’s time to showcase your creations to the world. An online portfolio website is the ideal platform for displaying your 3D printing work. Look for a portfolio site that offers a variety of stylish templates to match your brand identity and provides a free trial to ensure it meets your needs and offers the features you require. With a compelling online portfolio, potential clients will be eager to commission your 3D printing expertise.
So, dive in, get creative, and start turning heads with your amazing 3D printed creations!
Need 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
