7 Awesome Things to 3D Print Yourself
3D printing is one of the best things to happen to businesses in the 21st century. 80% of enterprises agree that 3D printing technologies increase both innovation and production. This makes sense- they’re handy when it comes to making tools as well as full-on products to sell!
However, 3D printing isn’t limited to commercial uses- it’s also the perfect thing to have around the house. Read on to learn some things to 3D Print that are useful in addition to being fun to make!
Everyday Coffee and Tea Mugs
If you’re someone who needs a cup of coffee or strong tea every morning, you can never have too many mugs. Luckily, you can use this Shining 3D scanner to create as many as you like!
These are pretty fun to make because you can get really creative with them. Unusually shaped cups are unique and exciting, so if you want something square-shaped and sharp, this is a great way to go.
You also can make uneven edges to your mug to add a little extra flair. You may be worried that the plastic isn’t safe to drink from, but this isn’t the case. All you need to do is find a safe plastic and then coat it in epoxy once it’s finished printing.
Clever Jewelry
Jewelry can also be made using a 3D printer. If you’re a gal (or guy) who loves bangle bracelets, 3D printing them is an inexpensive way to get colorful pieces in a wide variety of styles. You can program your printer to create grooves on your bracelet in the shape of any picture you like.
Text, ocean waves, nature patterns, runic symbols- nothing’s off limits! You also can create charms for necklaces, bracelets, and even earrings with a 3D printer. Just act like you’re creating a figurine of something you like- a turtle, a tea leaf, a rose, whatever- and add a loop to thread it through a chain. It’s a super fun and easy way to express yourself!
Useful Boxes
You can also create boxes in all shapes and sizes with your 3D printer. This is a great way to give yourself a little extra storage space. Since you can print locks and keys with your 3D printer, too, these boxes are just as secure as you want them to be.
Even better than a traditional box is a cool and useful spring-loaded box. These boxes come with a 3D printed spring mechanism that pops open with a single push of a button. Everything is printed together, too, so there are zero assemblies required!
Plastic Wallets
Plastic wallets are similar to a smaller version of a box. This means that you can create one easily once you have the design for box-making down. The one main difference between wallets and boxes is that sectioning out a wallet is mandatory rather than being optional.
The good news, though, is that you’ll have more than enough space to hold everything that you want to be in it! You can choose the number of pockets in your wallet so that all of your cards are kept safe.
Like boxes, you can also secure a 3D printed wallet in a way that you can’t secure a store-bought one. Consider installing a system where you need to push multiple printed buttons on your wallet in sequence to get it open. This keeps pickpockets and nosy children alike out of your personal items.
Tools, Tools, and More Tools
If you’re a handyman/woman, you likely are constantly lamenting that you can’t afford to buy a specific high-end tool. You also have likely encountered a situation where you’re working on a project but lack one certain tool that you need to continue.
Both of these scenarios have two things in common: they’re frustrating, and they can be solved with a 3D printer. You can program your 3D print files to create any tool that you may want at your worktable. Wrenches, hammers, screws, and even mechanically-operated drills can be made with a 3D printer!
Replacement Parts
Sometimes you’re trying to put something together, or you have a household object falling apart. You notice that a screw or gear is missing. It’s annoying, and we’ve all been there. Fortunately, a 3D printer can create replacement parts in precisely the right shape and size for any application. These parts are sturdy, too- while they may not be made of metal, the hard plastic is resistant to wear and tear. Make sure that you’re precise in your measurements and file programming when creating small parts, though- you don’t want to mess up and wind up with a piece that’s too small or large for your needs.
Sink Drainers
Do you know those little plastic or rubber strainers that you put over the drain in your sink or bathtub? Well, in addition to larger pasta strainers, you can make sink-drain ones on your 3D printer. Make sure that when you’re engineering it, you make the holes small enough to prevent food or hair from falling through.
It’s better safe than sorry, so make the holes as small as possible. You also may want to include a little handle in the middle of this strainer. This will make it easier to pull out of the drain and clean off.
Things to 3d Print: More Things to 3D Print
While there are lots of things that you can create using a 3D printer, you can’t go wrong with these awesome ideas. Now that you know some things to 3D Print at home, it’s time to get cracking! Contact us via our home page to ask any lingering questions you may have about 3D printing. We’ll help you come up with ideas for things that you can create on your own and use in everyday life.