15 Most Useful Things You Can 3D Print At Home
If you have a 3D printer, you may have already realized that it's like having a Star Trek replicator in your house—and if you're a nerd (like me) then you'll understand just how cool that is! There's a scene in The Next Generation where Lieutenant Commander Data is showcasing how the replicator works and it's kind of mind-blowing. While there's a bit (or a lot) more involved in 3D printing than just speaking out your demands to a computer, being able to watch something take shape in front of your eyes is pretty amazing.
How Do 3D Printers Work?
3D printers allow you to print items and objects using either plastic, nylon, or carbon fiber filament, sold in rolled spools. Think of it as a wire that you feed into a feeder that is then extruded by the printer in layers based on a design created in computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Using CAD software, you build a 3D model of whatever you want to print and create an STL, or stereolithography file. These can be downloaded from various 3D printing online forums, or if you're a genius (I am not), you can create your own. These files and your CAD software communicate directly with your 3D printer via either a USB drive with the selected file (or files) on it or, in some models, a built-in wireless or wired file transmission.
The beauty of 3D printing is that it is relatively inexpensive to get into. Some cheap models, like the Ender 3, are around $150 to purchase new and used ones can run even cheaper. The filament itself is around $40 per spool, though some are more expensive depending on what you're printing with.
If you've always wanted to get into 3D printing—or maybe you've just bought one because they're inexpensive and fun to play around with—let's explore some of the most useful things you can 3D print!
Reusable Zip Ties
Gone are the days where you have to replace zip ties and can just slice them apart with a knife—3D printing allows you to create reusable zip ties! These thin zip ties should be crafted using a thin plastic like a PETG or TPU, but thicker materials can produce a stronger design.
Adjustable Height Supports
Have you ever tried to find the correct adjustable height screw for your furniture or even a laptop monitor? Well, now you can just make one yourself, thanks to the magic of 3D printing. As all 3D printers print in layers, you may have to print this as two or three separate jobs, depending on the size of your print bed. You can tweak the existing designs to hold more weight, though the average column support will hold about 160 pounds.
Microgreen Grower
Have you always wanted to grow microgreens but haven't had the money to blow on a big setup? Well, even small-scale setups can now be 3D printed, complete with plant pod holders and even an overhead lighting section! The beauty of 3D printing is that you can print in different colors, to color-code your microgreens, and you can customize the size of your print based on what you're growing. You can now 3D print your own little gardens—isn't that awesome!?
Dmytro Zinkevych, Shutterstock
Tool Or Desk Organizer
Most of us hate clutter and we've probably spent countless hundreds on dollar store items to organize our stuff, whether it's tools or pens and pencils on your desk. Well, now you can make your own! 3D printing provides you the flexibility to create an organizer that suits your exact needs and dimensions based on your printer bed size and the maximum height of your nozzle carriage.
Board Game Pieces
We've all been playing a board game and then realized that suddenly we're missing a really important piece—that's a thing of the past! As most board game pieces tend to be fairly small, you can just 3D print a bunch of extras to have on-hand for when one eventually flies off the table and into the only gap in your heating vents, or the dog eats it or something.
Maurizio Pesce, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Picture Frames
While it's easy enough to buy a picture frame at Walmart that'll suit your needs, what it you want to get a little more artisan with your picture frames, but don't have the money to spend on custom framing? Well, you can 3D print your own picture frames and you're only inhibited by the size of your printing bed.
Hanging Lampshades
Never get into an argument with your significant other about lampshade styles again! Just make your own! With 3D printing, you can design your own hanging lampshades and print them with either a plastic, metallic, or wood filament, if you want to go for something different. This also works for standing lampshades and nightlights. Please ensure that you're only using LED bulbs in your 3D printed lampshades, as hotter ones equal burning, which equals melting, which equals fire.
Andrew Francis Wallace, Getty Images
Bird Feeders
Are you tired of standard bird feeders that you'll find at Home Depot? Well, now you can 3D print your own! Go for any color you want and choose a cool design that suits your backyard aesthetic. You can even 3D print ones that will attract a certain type of bird! Just ensure that the brim of your 3D printed bird feeder is wide enough and has some sort of hook for hanging from the tree. You could also 3D print a stand-up feeder.
Keychains
While we typically think of keychains as being made out of metal, there's nothing to say they can't be 3D printed! You can even start by printing a circle with another small circle attached to it for your keys to loop onto. Then, you can move onto more complicated designs using 3D printed models of your favorite Marvel characters or something equally as geeky. No more wondering where your keys are!
Cable Organizers
We all have issues with our cables laying about the place and if you don't, then you once did! Typically, we'd go buy a cable organizer, either one of those that sits on the floor or one that attaches to your desk. Well, now you can 3D print them and use them for whatever widths of cable you need and incorporate different mounting mechanisms depending on which surfaces you want them on—whether they're metal (3D print a magnetic inlay and tape down a magnet), or even a desktop clip-style organizer. Bottom line is cable organization just got a whole lot easier, right from the comfort of your own home.
Universal Bottle Opener
Ever tried to open a pop-cap (glass) Coke bottle with your teeth, or pressed it against the side of the table? Well, now you've no need to fear a trip to the dentists or the ER—try 3D printing your own universal bottle opener! Using a hard plastic is best for this project.
picture alliance, Getty Images
Tube Squeezer
We all know how hard it can be to get the most out of a tube of toothpaste—we also want to get every last morsel of dentist's gold out. Well, now you can 3D print a tube squeezer that'll work with almost all tubes of toothpaste. You can also 3D print similar items for other tube-encased liquids. It's a relatively simple design that can even be made adaptable so that one size fits all.
Phone Cases
Sure, you might not be able to 3D print an Otter Box style ruggedized case that can withstand being driven over, but you can 3D print a basic phone case. The best part about 3D printing is that the designs aren't set in-stone, allowing you to craft the print to your specific phone dimensions. You can also add a layer to the back for a belt clip.
Wrenches
Don't worry if you're missing that #10 out of your wrench set—you can now 3D print your own! While they may not have the force of a metal wrench, for most household uses, 3D printed plastic wrenches will do the trick. How cool is it that you can print your own tools? Every handyperson's dream, surely?
Bike And Car Valve Stem Caps
The cyclists among us are rejoicing! We've all changed a tire or tube in a hurry and just tossed the valve cap asunder, never to be seen again. Not a huge deal, admittedly, but it's always nice to protect the stem of your bike tire from the elements. Thanks to 3D printing and the standardized nature of most bike and car tire valve stems, you can now 3D print your own! These can be simple dome-shaped ones (like on your standard bike) or you can get funky and make them personalized to you.
3D printing allows you to make some pretty awesome things. Almost anything that you can think of that's made of plastic can probably be replicated at home with your 3D printer. What's the coolest/most useful thing you've 3D printed? Let us know in the comments below.
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