Are you an engineer or DIY enthusiast looking to make something with 3D printing? If yes, then this article is for you. 3D printing is more popular than ever, and it’s a great way to build almost anything these days. Plus, there’s no limit to what you can create with a 3D printer in the comfort of your home. However, you might get overwhelmed by various 3D Printing Projects. Luckily, we’ve narrowed it down to 11 of the best projects to make with a 3D printer.
Also, don’t worry if you don’t have any experience with 3D printing. We’ll provide projects that even a beginner can do.
So, hang in there!
What is 3D Printing
3D printing or additive printing allows you to use digital files to create three-dimensional solid objects. Interestingly, the digital files tell the printer how to make the object layer by layer.
Plus, the number of layers your design has is essential. The more layers you have, the higher resolution your final print would have. And your photos could even look like injection molded products.
Moreover, some more expensive 3D printers print objects at higher resolutions. But that’s not the only thing to look out for when 3D printing.
The kind of 3D printing process also matters. Though there are many 3D printers available on the market, FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and SLA printing remain the most popular.
3D Printing Projects for Beginners
As we mentioned earlier, you don’t need any level of expertise for the following projects. But, you might need some technical skills as most projects require some assembly or wiring.
With that said, here are eleven cool things to 3D print:
3D Print Pal – The Joy Robot
The joy robot is an entertaining little robot that can improve the atmosphere in places like children’s hospitals.
The project is also a rewarding and fantastic challenge that tests your engineering and robotic skills.
Also, you’d do a lot more than printing and gluing parts. You would need some motors for the robot to move and free roam.
Additionally, an LCD makes up the face of the robot. You can modify the display to make the robot blink or show different facial expressions.
The joy robot needs some technical knowledge and suitable hardware for complete construction. You might find it challenging to print some parts on smaller 3D printers.
Here are the components you need for this easy project:
- Superglue
- Wires
- PLA filament
- Pliers and cutters
- Screwdriver and bolts
- Soldering iron
- Servo motors
- Wheels
The tricky part of this 3D printing project is software installation and circuitry. Luckily, some tutorials tell you what to do for a smooth build. You can get the tutorial here and the necessary files.
Fully Mechanical Robot Arm
Robot arms are always interesting to create. It’s incredible how you can use a few servo motors and some artificial ligaments to develop an automatic moving arm. But what about fully mechanical components?
Here’s another 3D printing project that allows you to create a motor-free robot arm that can fit on your desktop.
This mechanical project is excellent for beginners because it’s free of electricity or motor designs.
You can get the free files for this project here. Plus, if you have circuitry knowledge, you can modify your design to include a motor.
Moving the arm around at first might be tricky, but it would become an excellent addition to your desk once you get used to it.
Deer Scarer
The deer scarer is a zen garden tool that produces satisfying and soothing clunks and water noises.
It’s a great project that’ll fit wherever you need relaxation. Also, this project is a good option if you want to add more zen to your life.
However, you’ll need some additional components with your 3D-printed parts to fully make this deer scarer. These extra components include:
- Vinyl tubing
- DC power supply
- Pump
- Silicone sealant or caulk
- 12mm screws
- M3 nuts
- M3 washers
Some notes from the designer of this project recommend that you print the main tube with about 70% infill–so you have a perfect balance.
Also, ensure that you fit the pump tightly, so it doesn’t leak. You can get the instructions and files for the project here for free.
But be careful. The deer scarer uses water and electricity, so proceed with caution.
Drones
Imagine the feeling of satisfaction when letting your 3D-printed project fly. That’s the same feeling you’d get with a drone.
3D-printed drones are fun and easy projects that anyone can build with little engineering knowledge.
Also, you can build different drones of all shapes, sizes, capabilities, and complexity. Moreover, you can purchase various drone files like the one here.
But if you’re confident in your skills, you can make your designs or modify prototypes of other engineers.
Don’t worry. If you can’t buy drone files, here’s an easy one you can download for free. The name of the free drone project is the LEAD which has a simple design that anyone can handle.
You’ll need a few additional components (all included in the link), and it’s easy to assemble. You can also tweak it according to your preferences since it’s only a prototype.
Ferris Wheel
Up for some challenge? You can try building the motorized Ferris wheel. Plus, if you don’t have big 3D printers, you can print all components of this project with a small 3D printer.
Here’s where things get challenging. Building this Ferris wheel project is like building a 3D puzzle.
You’d have to print hundreds of parts and dedicate time. Thankfully, you’d be proud of the results.
Moreover, the designer provides helpful tips and in-depth guides to making your work easier. You can check out the files and directories here for free.
Electric Coffee Maker
You can add a 3D-printed electric coffee maker to your kitchen with some creativity and metalwork.
Moreover, ensure you note the kind of printing material you’re using. Check if handling food and drinks is safe before building or consuming anything from this project.
Plus, you’ll need some additional parts, since you’ll be working with electricity. Thankfully, you can find everything you need for this project here.
Note: We’ll be switching to more accessible projects that don’t require assembly or any form of wiring and circuitry.
Sponge Holder and Soap Dish
Want a more straightforward project? Here’s a little soap dish design that you can use in your kitchen and bathroom.
You can also use this design as a sponge holder, and it’s easy to fix. Use double-sided tape to make sure it’s secured properly.
However, remember that using PLA materials for printing food-related projects is not safe, especially if you’re using this for your kitchen. But you can use PETG to make this project safer.
Also, please don’t leave it dirty. Try to clean it up frequently and adequately too. You can get the necessary files for this project here.
Tea Bag Holders
Tired of looking for that teabag you know you had somewhere? Here’s a 3D printing project that allows you to create a dedicated space for all your teabags.
You’ll be printing container models to help store and display your teabags. The designs also come with tabs that keep your teabags upright and a tray that holds your containers together.
You can click here to get the files and tutorials for this project.
3D Printing Projects: Raspberry Pi Tower
With this project design, you can build a Raspberry Pi 4. The design offers a functional power button, LED, and LED for showing IO activity.
It also has slots for SD cards, HDMI ports, an audio jack, and a USB-C power port. You’d easily use your Raspberry Pi 4 as a mini-computer.
Click here to download all the files you need for this project.
3D Printing Projects: 3D Scanner
The 3D scanner is a simple project that requires you to do some tinkering. Hence, if you’re willing to keep your hands busy, you can print a functional 3D scanner table for your phone.
You’ll also need wires, a soldering iron, Arduino, and some time–maybe a weekend or two.
Here are the resources you need for this project.
3D Printing Projects: Miniature Vice
If you’re interested in building a vice for your workshop, you can 3D print a miniature evil. Plus, it’s easy to print and assemble this project since it uses only a few standard screws and nuts.
You can get the instructions for this project here.
Rounding Up
There are endless possibilities when it comes to 3D printing. However, making unnecessary objects with your 3D printer is not the way. You’d only clutter your table with useless ornaments and trinkets.
However, you can make useful stuff with your 3D printer that is fun or helpful. Plus, not all projects require you to spend on a big printer.
What project caught your fancy? You can let us know what project you’d like to try or contact us if you have any questions.
