3d Print Design 3d Toy

Today, there are many cheap and affordable 3D printers available to anyone, and everyone's on the lookout for the coolest things to 3D print. From practical to aesthetic, everyday use or conversation starter, there are plenty of awesome things that can be made using 3D printing.

Getting a good 3D printer is an exciting thing, but it's also a great way to experience analysis paralysis. What cool 3D printing ideas are out there? What functional and useful things can I print? The base question is; what can you make with a 3D printer and why?

From practical 3D printed items to cool print designs, 3D printing lets you print household decorations, neat touches, and awesome innovations across many industries.

3D printing ideas: from useful 3D prints to fun toys

New and creative 3D printing ideas come up every day, and designers all over the internet are sharing their creations and thoughts for the world to use.

With new technologies and ideas being shared throughout the internet for households and companies, here are some of the coolest and best things to 3D print. Any of these designs make for great home use, or excellent 3D printed gifts for that personal touch.

Musical Instruments

Why they're cool things to 3D print:

Playing a musical instrument is cool enough as it is, playing an instrument you designed and printed yourself goes beyond cool
Models and materials are cheaper than buying a traditionally made instrument
Customizations make the instrument truly yours

Learning an instrument has crossed everyone's mind at some point for one reason or another. Fortunately, 3D printing has your back.

From guitars and violins to flutes and ocarinas, there are many cool 3D models out there for anyone who has ever wanted to bring a little more music into their homes and learn a new life skill while they're at it.

Musicians tend to have affinities with their instrument of choice, and what better way to start that partnership than by laying down your favorite tunes on 3D printed creations you've designed and made yourself?

There are plenty useful 3D prints when it comes to finding your next musical obsession. From recorders to guitars (both mini and acoustic), and even violins, there are many cool 3D printable instruments to indulge in.

If you're already set or music, you can still find models for accessories like guitar picks, metronomes, and rhythm keepers like tambourines and maracas. To show off your cool new instrument, you can also add sheet music holders and guitar stands to your list of future 3D printer creations.

Musical instruments of all kinds for all ages and levels are available all over the internet. By taking these 3D printing ideas, you can add your own touches and colors to make your new instrument completely yours.

Learning an instrument is a challenge, but they are without a doubt one of the coolest things you can make with a 3D printer today.

Recorder Flute by ArturoV here / Violin models by eashwarps here / Free acoustic guitar model by yuvabalaji here / Rhythm makers by MakerBot here / Guitar stand by Rapidhearts here / Sheet music holder by manikin13 here

Wallets and Card Holders — Really useful things to 3D print

Why they're cool things to 3D print:

They are must-haves for organizing
They neaten up your workspace
The different designs offer a variety of uses

Cards are a big part of modern life. From credit to loyalty, memberships to drivers' licenses, there are cards for everything.

Over time, our wallets can become cumbersome with the things, which can be especially annoying if you have a penchant for tight pants. And many of the cards we carry aren't even needed every day.

Even when we decide to only carry what we need, we often end up still having various cards strewn around our desks, in drawers, and around the house. So, while not immediately the coolest, card holders are definitely up there with the most useful things to 3D print.

These card holders are available to print as plastic wallets in any color or design, and even be compact for easy storage and portability. On the reverse, there are also transparent card holders fitted with keychain holders for added security for everyday use credit cards or licenses.

SD cards as well are a pain to keep track of. They're tiny, fragile, and very easy to lose down the back of the sofa. For this, there are useful 3D prints available for SD card holders and protectors to ensure your photos and files are kept safe and somewhere you can see them.

Compact card holder model by jsugahara here / Playing card organizer model by Flashsolutions here / SD card holder by Terbium here / Keychain card holder model by les_kaye here / Wallet model by Brandon2255p here

3D printed card holders, some of the most useful things to 3D print

Speakers/Sound Amplifiers

Why they're cool things to 3D print:

They don't need electricity
They are light and easy to move around
They can be used with a variety of devices
They're safe to use in the kitchen or bathroom

Not only are sound amplifiers one of the coolest things to 3D print, they're also pretty useful. Wireless speakers are commonplace nowadays and have a variety of uses, so why not 3D print your own?

Many people enjoy listening to podcasts while they clean, or music when they cook. There are also those of us who like some background music while we sing in the shower. For these reasons, speakers are a must. Any audiophile asking themselves what are the best things to 3D print, a top answer should be a sound amplifier.

As with all wireless electronics, the main drawback is the battery, which needs to be regularly considered to avoid sudden silences. And this is where the functionality of 3D printed analogue speakers come in.

Acting as amplifiers, this neat 3D printing idea is available for phones of all shapes and sizes. All you need to do is put your device in so the speaker is inside the structure, and voila!

3D printed sound amplifiers don't need their own power source to work, making them resistant to water (and steam, for the shower singers). Their cool status comes from their simplicity, not to mention they're a good way to make your lifestyle a little more green.

Hex Phone Sound Amplifier model by edditive here / iPhone sound amplifier by tunnelPigeon here / Sound amplifier V2 by TiZYX here

3D Printed Speakers and Sound Amplifiers, one of the best things to 3D print

Self-Watering Plant Pots — useful 3D prints for your home

Why they're cool things to 3D print:

They can look however you want to go with your plants or other decorations
Many designs come with little touches like mosquito catchers
They literally do one of your chores for you

Plants are a nice feature for any home. They can brighten up a room, bring a little life to empty space, and provide something akin to company for those who need to be indoors more often than they'd like.

However, like all living things, plants need care, and not everyone has the time or energy to remember to water them as often as needed.

Plant pots may seem basic, but they really become one of the most functional things to 3D print when you add in a self-watering feature.

These plant pot models come with water pipes that you can fill, these will water the plants as needed so you only need to remember to water the pot itself, which you'll need to do far less often.

Some available models are mosquito-proof to prevent blockage, and a careful filtration system to make sure your plants aren't overwatered.

For the color-coordination conscious, 3D printed plant pots are open to full customization. Any color can be used to go with any flower.

Small self-watering plant pot model here / Self Watering Planter model by daless14 here / Mosquito-Proof Self Watering Planter model here

Functional 3D printed plant pots, cool 3D printed objects

Vehicles — Some of the coolest things to 3D print around

Why they're cool things to 3D print:

They're greener than machine-made vehicles due to less need for importation
They offer faster and cheaper repair times
They just look cool

While a fully 3D printed car is still a while away, 3D printing in the automotive industry has been on the rise for years.

From classic restoration and car parts to 3D printed prototype cars and buses, the automotive industry is looking to 3D printing for a variety of benefits.

And it isn't just four-wheeled roadsters that are seeing a rise in 3D usage. BMW began prototyping 3D printed motorcycle frames for years, and BigRep revealed their concept for a completely 3D printed motorbike in 2018.

Vehicles of all kinds are being improved with 3D printed creations and innovations, and not just automobiles. E-Mobility company Floatility has developed a solar powered electric scooter made with 3D printing. Silicon Valley announced their hopes to release a 3D printed bicycle later this year, made using one piece of carbon, boasting that it is 'impact resistant' as this single-piece design isn't held together using joints or glue.

And what's a cooler thing to print than a car? A skateboard, of course! Designs for skateboards modifications and improvements using 3D printer creations have been in development for a while now, and many engineers are confident that they will hold up to industrial safety standards and be available for home-printing on a wide-scale basis soon.

3D printed skateboard model by fntsmn here

Clothes — a new 3D printing idea

Why they're cool things to 3D print:

They make for unique and slick designs
Clothes and accessories can be customized to accent your personality
From everyday wear to cosplay, 3D printing is quickly breaking into the world of fashion

Fashion can be a surprising industry. A concept as simple as a shirt or a dress can be reinvented time and time again with innovations that push the bounds of creativity in surprisingly cool ways. Because of this, practical 3D prints are being used today both on and off the catwalk.

Amazing 3D prints are changing the world of fashion, and designers are taking advantage of the new styles they can accomplish with the unlikely alliance. The clothing designs realized using 3D printing range from the mind-boggling to the mundane, and the intricate meshes that can be brought to life have even made an impact in Hollywood.

The kinks are still being worked out, the rise of 3D printed clothing is bringing us closer having our own clothes with amazing 3D printed creations to wear while out on the town. Though what makes this one of the coolest options for 3D design ideas, is the accessorizing.

Cosplay, fancy dress, 3D printed jewelry, and personally designed trinkets and decorations are all available for using new and complex 3D printed objects, breathing life and style into any outfit or costume.

Flying Toys — Fun things to 3D print

Why they're cool things to 3D print:

They're easy to print and use
They have very simple designs
They are safe to use inside and out
They're just plain fun

Of all the cool things to 3D print to excite the fun-lover in all of us, there are fewer things cooler or simpler than a flying toy.

Letting something go or throwing it just right to watch it fly through the air brings a simple kind of joy that delights old and young alike. What makes these particularly cool things to 3D print is how basic and easy most designs are.

Cool 3D printing models of momentum-powered plastic propellers (which are strangely fun to look at) are available.

Running on little more than rubber bands and air resistance, flying toys are elegant in their simplicity. Whether something to fidget with when idle, an excuse to hear your kids laugh, or something to straight-up confuse and excite a household pet; 3D printed flying toys are a cool, fun, and simple little distraction from a world that needs a little bit more basic joy that the smallest of things can give.

These flyers are made using minimalist designs, which not only aid flight, but also mean they are safe for both indoor and outdoor use due to their light weight, small size, and round designs.

If you'd like more ideas for 3D printed toys, you can check out our favourite 3D printed toy ideas here.

Flying Butterfly model by tigermcho here / Flying Bat model by tigermcho here / Propeller flying toy model by fernianr here

Impossible Tables — Impress your friends!

Why they're cool things to 3D print:

They must be seen to be believed
They are awesome to look at, and even cooler to use
You'll sound pretty smart telling your friends how they work (because they will ask)
They are fantastic conversation starters

Likely the number one cause of double takes today, the impossible table is one of the coolest conversation starters that you can 3D print for your home décor. If you've ever wanted to see a piece of string support the weight of a soda can, then this is the household addition for you.

While there is less magic involved than many of us would like to think, the very possible impossible table is one of the coolest 3D printed objects, and they are practical too. From soap holders for your bathroom, or a raised pen holder for your desk.

Impossible tables are cool not just because of their gravity-defying structure, but the fact that they can be folded and taken on the move, adding a little bit more shelf space to anywhere you're going.

A little assembly is required, but once you understand how it works (if you don't already), you can explain to your friends that no, you did not become a wizard overnight, and it is in fact a marvel of engineering and physics.

Whether for practical use or a fun centerpiece, you can find some of the best 3D printable models ready for download or even just take note of the necessary objects and design your own in any shape or size you want (just make sure you have strong enough supports for your design!)

Circular impossible table model by Linx3D here / Impossible table pen holder model by mifulapirus here / Round impossible table model by 95teetee here

Gears/Orreries/Clockwork Models — Satisfying and useful 3D prints

Why they're cool 3D printing objects:

They look awesome and can be very soothing to watch
They are impressive to make, and a great choice for any hobbyist who likes to work with their hands
They are very satisfying to finish, look at, and (let's face it) brag about

Models and statuettes may be a cool 3D objects to print and decorate with, but that doesn't mean they're restricted to immobile toys. For the more engineering-minded people, you can find models for the individual components that make up mechanical/clockwork structures.

Of all the cool 3D printed stuff on this list, these are the most intricate and perhaps the most creative.

Like a jigsaw puzzle, these pieces can be put together to make any manor of animated talk-piece. Clocks are among the most complicated objects to 3D print, but the designs available are too cool to pass up. There's even an old wood-style design that self-corrects for daylight savings.

For a less practical (but still awesome) decorative addition, you can find moving models of Sisyphus, though we don't recommend keeping this one by your workstation, as the myth can become something of a downer.

For the astrologically inclined, there are models and pieces to build an orrery by combining several cool 3D printing models. Don't worry, we won't judge if you decide to include Pluto.

Automatic adjusting clock model by gzumwalt here / Sun Earth Moon orrery model by LarkysPrints here / Planetarium model by Zippitybamba here / Moving Sisyphus model here

Cool 3D Print Ideas, Clockwork Mechanisms

Kitchen Utensils — the most useful things to 3D print

Why they're a great 3D printing idea:

There are some unique and quirky designs to add character to any kitchen
Many of the designs are not only cool, but practical too
Cooking something yourself with 3D printed tools you made yourself is the height of dinnertime satisfaction
They make for good dinner table conversation

When seeking out the most useful things to 3D print, look no further than the cool models available to create your own kitchen utensils. These designs are not only practical, they're also a natural conversation starter at the dinner table.

Small 'credit card cutlery' models are available for portable dining, as well as cookie cutters in all shapes and sizes to match any holiday or event. But this wouldn't have made a list of the coolest things to 3D print if we didn't talk about some of the really awesome and actually useful cool things to 3D print for everyday use.

We also have an article on 50+ fun 3D printed cookie cutters

Have you ever wanted a cutlery drying stand shaped like an elephant that runs the water straight back into the sink from the trunk? How about a bottle opener gun that can shoot your beer cap straight into the recycling? When asking yourself what useful things you can make with your 3D printer, surely these should be some of the first to come to mind.

For those who like to cook but don't like the constantly changing measurements, there are also all-in-one measuring cups available as one of the most useful things to 3D print so you never have to second guess your rice or flour quantities again.

Bottle opener gun model here / All-in-one Measuring Cup model by HAPPYANZLE here / Easter Bunny cookie cutter by elk here

Toothpaste Squeezers

Why they're a useful thing to 3D print:

They make no mess and take the effort out of using the last of your toothpaste.
They save money and time
They're practical and make your bathroom neater

It's strange to think how much money we spend on toothpaste every year, especially when most of the time we end up throwing away the tube before it's even empty. 3D printing toothpaste holders and dispensers is a neat and easy way to save a few pennies and reduce waste.

There are workarounds, of course, and every household seems to have its own technique to get the most out of their toiletries. But none are as simple as these 3D printed toothpaste squeezers.

For a quick solution, the slide-and-lock model just needs a pull to squeeze the toothpaste out.

If you want a little more character, there's also an awesome 3D printable Hulk hand to add a little heroism to your oral care.

The simplest of these designs, however, is the toothpaste holder, which wraps the bottom of the tube around to get every last drop.

Toothpaste Holder and Squeezer model by Alishanmao here / Slide-and-Lock Toothpaste Squeezer model by KikiTay here / The Hand Toothpast Squeezer model here

Practical 3D Printed Toothpaste Squeezers for Bathroom

Medical Supplies

Why they're cool things 3D printing ideas:

They make shortages of medical supplies less of a concern
They are safe and easy to sterilize
Customized prosthetics suit the needs and wants of the patient
Future developments could save thousands of lives by reducing wait times on transplant lists

Shortages of medical tools is a constant concern for healthcare professionals, and suppliers are always trying to make sure supply rooms are fully loaded. As a result, hospitals and practices all over the world have begun looking to 3D printed medical objects to ease these concerns.

3D printed medical supplies are cool in the sense that they can literally be lifesavers. While still in the early stages, 3D printed creations are proving themselves to be valuable resources to medicinal fields.

Surgical instruments are being made cheaply, and 3D printed prosthetics have seen a boom due to their quick manufacturing times and easy customizability. Even dentists have taken to 3D printed creations to ensure faster and more accurate procedures.

Bioprinting – a biomedical offshoot of 3D printing – sees the restructuring of biological material for tissue and organ transplants. Using body scans, orthopedic implants can be made by using 3D printing to reconstruct the affected bones or joints.

We may even not be too far away from a working 3D printed heart, how cool is that?

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