3D printing has been all around for quite a while, but it still feels revolutionary simply due to the idea of creating virtually anything from a 3D model. From interior elements and office essentials to amusing gifts and life-saving items, here’s our list of the 15 coolest 3D printing ideas to try out – with 3D models available for download.
Records
By @amandaghassaei on Instructables
If you or any of your friends enjoy the sound of music on a good old turntable, you can create a truly cool gift by 3D printing a retro record. Using a technique for converting digital audio files into 3D-printable 33rpm records, you can print functional prototypes that play on ordinary record players. Even though the audio quality may not be the highest, with a sampling rate of 11kHz (a quarter of typical MP3 audio) and 5-6 bit resolution, a vintage sound lover would definitely appreciate the vibe.
Microgreen grower
By @Gorden-Freeman on Thingiverse
Microgreens are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a powerful health booster sitting right on your windowsill, or, actually, wherever in your house. Using a 3D printer, Maker Gorden-FreeMan created a setup with a plant insert and 3D-printed lamp in a bento box, aided by LED lights to enhance growth. With seeds or sprouts on a nylon mesh, you can start harvesting fresh greens in about a week, no soil needed.
Phone pillow
By @HpInvent on MakerWorld
For anyone who loves both comfort and fun even when it comes to tiny details: this Phone Pillow, designed to look like a cozy cushion. Surprisingly, it is made from durable plastic, contrasting its plush appearance. Recreate this resting place for your device in any color you like, combining style with functionality. The design is ideally sized for an iPhone 15 Pro Max or similar-sized phones. For smaller phones, you can easily downsize the model to reduce print time.
PiKon telescope
By @Markwrig on Instructables
Created by Mark Wrigley, a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and the Royal Astronomical Society, this 3D-printed, Raspberry Pi-powered astro-cam is out-of-this-world fantastic. The PiKon telescope is based on the classic Newtonian reflecting telescope, which uses a concave mirror to form an image you can view through an eyepiece. In the PiKon, however, the image is focused directly onto a digital camera sensor mounted in the optical path, replacing the traditional eyepiece. The innovative design keeps the telescope neat and compact while keeping the image quality similar to the original. Ready to build your own? Download the STL files, print the parts, and assemble your very own observatory.
Lampshades
By @simonauhrova on Cults
Here’s your chance to become an interior designer with this set of 3 geometric lampshades designed for IKEA HEMMA or similar fixtures with a 40 mm diameter hole. To print them, use vase mode: place the top of the lampshade on the printing surface and select “vase mode” or “spiralise” for the outer contour, depending on your printer. Each lampshade measures 200 mm x 190 mm. Imagine a cozy evening with friends in your stylishly lit living room? Way to go!
Silent ping pong paddle
By @engineercily on Cults
Fancy a game of ping pong without disturbing anyone? With this noiseless paddle, you can set up a match anywhere you find a table and a willing opponent. The entire design, including the grip, can be 3D printed with custom infill settings in your slicer. Use 15% infill and set the top and bottom layers to 0: this will make the design “airless”. Combine with a special airless ping pong ball created by the same maker and enjoy a silent game (potentially interrupted by the cries of victory).
Birdfeeder
By @Printednest on MakerWorld
One eco-friendly way to support local wildlife and add a touch of creativity to your garden or terrace is to 3D print a birdfeeder! This design can suit different species and help you care for your bird buddies, especially on colder days. While the design might seem challenging to print, it can be printed standing up without support structures. Just make sure to use a large brim for better adhesion of the print.
Cable repair
By @jannn on Printables
If there’s anything predictable in this world, it’s the place in which the charging cable would always break. It’s time to finally fix this!
This simple 3D print will help. The two printed parts are easy to assemble, and the smooth fix works for Apple USB-C, Lightning, and Samsung charging cables. Carefully cut off the frayed ends of the broken cable to ensure a better fit for the repair. Download the file and print it, making sure the guide rails are well-printed for easier assembly. Finally, just snap the two parts together, no glue or tape needed!
Stationery holder
By @BEEVERYCREATIVE on Cults
“All my stationery is perfectly organized and kept exactly the way I need it,” said no one ever. Those who appreciate their pens and pencils will love this 3D-printed holder: a fun, practical, and personalized solution for a cool yet tidy workspace. With the design optimized for 3D printing, simply download the free 3D model and bring it to life with your 3D printer.
Blueberry bowl
By @Antonin_Nosek on Thingiverse
A great example of creative 3D design, this Blueberry bowl is sure to impress anyone who loves beautiful kitchenware. Designed with the help of Autodesk Meshmixer, it is relatively easy to recreate, as the 3D model is optimized to print without supports. While there are some overhangs, they are located at the bottom and are not visible once printed. If you’re worried about them, you can always use multi material with soluble supports. The bowl’s bottom has been carefully designed with a 1 mm thickness. Whether as a pretty gift or addition to your own breakfast routine, this bowl is an exciting 3D printing project: making it is as fun as using it!
Paint Palette
By @MerganMcFergan on Thingiverse
If you’re an artistic soul or enjoy working on delicate, cute tiny projects, try 3D printing this miniature paint palette.
This petite artistic tool was created by Mergan McFergan when the maker ran out of 3D rubble to use as a palette. Designed to shorten the distance between your paint and the item you’re holding, it works perfectly for all acrylic mini painting. It’s a quick print that speeds up the painting process. Feel free to scale it up or down on the X/Y plane to fit any hand size, but be careful with scaling it down on the Z axis, as it can lead to paint bleeding through. There’s also a left-handed version available, named PetitePalette_Lfty.
Tripod
By @Djanba on MyMiniFactory
This lightweight yet sturdy tripod is designed for a universal camera mount screw. You will need some nuts and screws for assembly, and you can also reinforce the ball joint with a 4mm screw to prevent it from breaking. Whether you’re a professional or amateur photographer or videographer, this 3D-printed tripod offers a reliable, portable stand that can be tailored to fit anything from a smartphone to a DSLR or GoPro. Best of all, it’s cost-effective and can be easily repaired or modified, making it a perfect project for DIY enthusiasts.
Facet Watersaver
By @madsoul666 on Thingiverse
Saving water has never been easier with this 3D-printed faucet device. This is your go-to 3D printing project if you are looking to conserve water, lower your utility bills, and live a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle. The easy-to-install device for limiting water flow can be customized to fit various faucet sizes. Control the amount of water that passes through your faucet with your own 3D-printed water saver and make the world a greener place!
Sound Amplifier
For anyone who loves a good party, this adorable Groovy Monster sound amplifier is a must-have 3D print. This passive amplifier boosts the sound from your smartphone, giving your music a little extra volume. It takes a while to print, from six to ten hours, but it’s definitely worth it, as it’s called the Groovy Monster for a good reason!
Orthotics
By @Matter921 on Instructables
Two innovative makers and engineers came up with a DIY method for 3D printing custom orthotics. These devices, which support the arch of the foot, are crucial for relieving pain and improving quality of life, but their high cost often makes them inaccessible for many.
This 3D printing project tackles the problem head-on! With some skill and access to a 3D printer, you can also create your custom insoles, thanks to dedicated hours of research and prototyping done by the two makers to develop this affordable yet effective solution.
Excited to start? These are just a few in the vast ocean of 3D printing ideas you could explore. Whether you’re into making things that are cool but actually useful, looking for inspiration for your 3D design portfolio, or just exploring the amazing world of 3D technology, we’re here to spark your next 3D printing adventure! Because it’s truly mind-blowing what you can make with a 3D printer.
