3D printing is the process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file. You can create anything you can imagine with a 3D printer! This blog post will discuss some of the coolest things that you can print on your 3D printer. We will also provide links to helpful tutorials to show you how to print these items yourself. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
What Is 3D Printing?
As we mentioned above, printing three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file are what we call “ additive manufacturing.” The coolest part about this technology is that you can create just about anything you can imagine! All you need is a design and a printer.
How Does It Work?
It’s actually quite simple. First, you need to create or find a design for the item that you want to print. Once you have your design, it needs to be converted into a format that your printer can understand. This process is called “slicing,” and there are many software programs available to help with this step. After your design has been sliced, it’s time to start printing! The printer will read the slices and build up your object layer by layer.
Is 3D Printing Cheap?
The cost of a basic desktop printer is around $200 – $500. However, the price of the printer is only a small part of the overall cost. You also need to factor in the cost of filament (the material that your printer uses to print), which can range from $20 – $50 per spool. In addition, you may need to purchase software and design files, which can add up quickly.
What Are STL Files?
STL files are the most common type of file used in additive manufacturing and stand for “stereolithography.” These files contain a three-dimensional representation of an object. STL files are created from a CAD (computer-aided design) file using a process called “triangulation.” This process converts the CAD file into a series of triangles, which your printer can then read.
What Are Some Cool Things That You Can Print?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can print on your printer. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Kitchen Containers
The containers, which are decorated with the molecular structure shapes of sucrose and caffeine, maybe a fun addition to your kitchen. There are two types of lids available: flip and push. You could wish to print the push ones since they are excellent for storing coffee or sugar to maintain the scent or keep the ants away. The kitchen containers measure 6.43.78.9 cm (sugar) and 6.43.47.3 cm (salt) (coffee). Remember to check that the 3D printing material you’re using is food-safe. You can get the STL file to print yours from here.
Bike Coffee Holder
The Coffee Cup Holder is an extremely useful bicycle accessory. The design appears to be really clean, and if you enjoy coffee, 3D printing would be a great idea! The package contains files in seven different sizes to accommodate a wide range of bike frames. According to Harry Dalster, the bike coffee holder files developer, the print time is around 6 hours. To download the STL file, visit this link.
Pencil holder
The next item in our list of fun things to 3D print is a pen and pencil holder, which will help you avoid making a mess on your desk. The holder’s exquisite geometry drew our attention: the smooth lines resemble waves, and the honeycomb-like structure, when viewed from the top, adds a wonderful aesthetic element. You may play around with the color scheme of your print to make it represent your individuality. Get the STL from here.
Combination Lock
Combination locks appear to be a great concept. Do not be concerned if your suitcase lock is missing or damaged. You can 3D print a new one and then quickly put it together. To make your own unique combination lock, start by selecting a passcode size: 3, 4, or 5 digits. The file may be found here.
The designer of the design also discusses the assembling method in full at the link. To put the wheels into the slots, for example, you must first arrange the two halves together and secure them with either an M3x20 nut and bolt or superglue, being careful not to get any glue on the wheels, as this will prevent them from spinning.
Lamps
You may also build decorative items with your 3D printer; we’ll start with a lovely light inspired by the renowned Eiffel Tower. Le FabShop, a 3D printing firm from Brittany, and Maison & Objet, an international furniture show, collaborated on the design.
Anti-gravity planter
This basic yet unusual planter is simple to 3D print and put together. You’ll need to print two bases sans supports responsible for the anti-gravity effect, then assemble them using two threads, as seen in this video. Print the planter with supports (which should be simple to remove) and snap it onto one of the two bases. Because the planter lacks a drainage hole, stones should be layered on the bottom to prevent the plant from drowning. The file to download may be found here.
Survival Whistle
The next item on our list of amazing things to 3D print is a simple whistle project that can be done in about an hour. It can create an incredible 118db of sound, making it ideal for camping or sporting events.
Earbud Case
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that keeping earbud cables organized is a hassle. They are continually tangled, resulting in the dreaded earphone crackle, leaving your prized music players worthless. This is an excellent example of what you can create with a 3D printer to help you in your daily life.
Planter
An abstract planter for succulents and cactus is one of the coolest things to 3D print. Why keep your plants in conventional planters? There are some really fantastic 3D printers out there that make it impossible to avoid using conventional clay pots. These modular little fellows are trendy and fresh and are sure to brighten up your mini-garden.
Spirographs
Children still like them as much as they did as children. Adults may, of course, enjoy these toys as well. They could be exactly what you need to break past a creative barrier. Get your design from here.
Conclusion
These are only a few of the coolest things you can print with a basic FDM printer. The items on this list are not only great examples of what can be accomplished with additive manufacturing technology but also practical and fun. With a little creativity, you can come up with many more ideas for amazing things to make at home. So, what are you waiting for? Get printing.
What other items would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below. Visit our website to learn more about different technologies.
