Cool 3D Prints – 10+ Ideas for Beginners to Try Today
With a desktop 3D printer and some creativity, you can create amazing objects from the comfort of your home.
In this article, I’ll explore some cool and useful 3D printing project ideas for beginners. You will also learn what filament to use for your 3D printing ideas.
So, if you’re looking to create fun cool 3D prints (and also some practical items), there’s something here for everyone.
Here are the 5 best 3D printers for beginners.
In case you just want to skim through, here is my pick of the 3D print designs to try out:
| Name | Benefit of Use | Recommended Material |
| Laptop Stand | Elevates laptop for comfort and cooling. | PLA or PETG |
| Wallets | Slim, organized, and durable. | TPU |
| Coasters | Protect surfaces with style. Customizable and great as gifts. | TPU or cork-PLA |
| Business Cardholder | Stylish organization and brand promotion. | PLA or PETG |
| Pen Holder | Keeps desk items organized and accessible. | PLA or PETG |
| Earbud Case | Prevents tangling and protects earbuds. | TPU |
| Keychain Smartphone Stand | Handy for watching videos on the go. | PLA |
| SD Card Storage Box | Organizes SD cards in a compact, custom box. | PLA or ABS |
| Soap Dish | Keeps soap dry and bathroom tidy. Stylish and practical. | ABS or PETG |
| Citrus Juicer | Fresh juices with a customizable, easy-to-clean design. | PLA or food-safe filaments |
| Egg Separator | Simplifies food prep with a touch of style. | PLA |
| Coffee Maker | Custom mini coffee maker for unique kitchen gadgets. | ABS or PLA |
| Cutlery | Customizable, eco-friendly utensils. | PETG or PLA |
| Planters | Creative and personalized replacement for Home Depot pots. | PLA or wood filament |
| Jacks | Decorative or a heavy lifter. | ABS or PETG |
| Carabiners | Lightweight and perfect for clipping items together. | PLA or PETG |
| Orrery | Cute decorative model of planetary orbits. | ABS or PLA |
| Cosplay Items | Create detailed props and outfits to make your party unforgettable | PLA, TPU, wood filament |
Useful 3D Prints – 10+ Ideas for Beginners
Laptop Stand:
Credit: ThingVerse
A 3D-printed laptop stand is super handy! It lifts your laptop to an ergonomic height so you can see the screen better. This makes using your laptop way more comfortable and prevents neck strain.
Another awesome benefit is better airflow. Raising your laptop lets more air circulate underneath, keeping it cooler. This prevents overheating, so your laptop lasts longer and runs smoother.
When making the 3D model, measure your laptop precisely so the stand fits perfectly.
For sturdiness, use strong printing materials like PLA or PETG plastic. This supports your laptop’s weight without bending or deforming. Add LED strips for cooler look.
With the right design, you can make an inexpensive but functional laptop stand tailored to your laptop!
Wallets
Credit: Printables
Tired of carrying a bulky wallet? Your cash is unorganized, and your credit cards slide out each time you open it?
Downsize your wallet with a 3D-printed one! You can put spots for cards, money clips, and other essentials.
Flexible materials like TPU keep it from breaking.
Add your initials or designs for a custom touch. 3D-printed wallets are slim and perfect for front pockets.
Coasters:
Credit: Thingverse
Add life to your home and protect surfaces with custom 3D-printed coasters! Coasters are useful holders that prevent damage from drinks. With 3D modeling, you can make unique coasters with cool designs showing your style.
When designing, use a flat shape so drinks sit evenly. Print with flexible filaments like TPU or cork-PLA for better grip. This helps the coaster stick to surfaces for maximum absorption. Cork materials resist condensation amazingly while adding natural texture.
Custom-printed coasters also make fantastic gifts! Personalize them with names or designs for friends and family. Or print a batch to sell online or at craft fairs.
Useful and customizable, 3D-printed coasters are a fun project for practicality and flair. Protect surfaces in style with this amazing 3D printing idea!
Business Cardholder:
Credit: Printables
Custom 3D-printed business card must be your number one 3D print project, if you need a promotional item to showcase your brand. they are perfect for personalization: you can add your logo and design. These useful holders organize your cards stylishly.
If you want a cool way to promote your business, offer custom cardholders! Hand them out at conferences, trade shows, and events as branded freebies. I’m sure potential clients will find them super handy for daily use!
Pick PLA or PETG filaments when printing. They work well for simple designs. Focus on functionality, and your cardholders will make handy tools constantly used by your potential clients!
Pen Holder:
Credit: Cults3D
A 3D-printed pen or pencil holder is a must-have to organize any desk or office! Here’s why making a custom holder is so useful:
It holds pens and pencils upright and tidy, so they don’t roll away. This keeps writing utensils from getting lost!
You can design it with compartments, holes, or slots to organize different types of pens and supplies.
With 3D printing, customizing the shape, color, and text is super easy!
Printed solidly, a 3D-printed holder is sturdy for daily use.
PLA or PETG filaments create a smooth, durable desk organizer.
A 3D printed pen holder is a handy organizational tool and a cool desktop accessory for any 3D printing fan or creative person!
Earbud Case
Credit: Etsy
Your name is not Rapunzel, but you still get tangled? A 3D-printed earbud case can stop that. A snug fit stops cords from tangling so that you can enjoy your favorite music or podcasts on the go.
Flexible TPU material protects from scratches. You can add a snap or hinge to close it more securely. Customize the design and make it fit in your pocket.
Keychain Smartphone Stand
Credit: Cults3D
You’ve probably been there: eating lunch alone at the local coffee shop, watching YouTube. But your phone keeps dropping on the table, making it no fun at all!
Attach a compact 3D-printed smartphone stand to your keys or bag. Customize the shape and designs.
Use PLA plastic that keeps it smooth and durable. This small, handy item will make your lunchtime stress-free!
SD Card Storage Box
Credit: Thingverse
Keeping those tiny things organized can be tough!
A 3D-printed SD card box lets you organize them the way you like.
Design compartments and dividers to sort cards by size, speed, or brand – whatever works best.
Label each spot or add numbers so you always know what goes where.
Use tough PLA or ABS plastic that won’t break from jumping around in your backpack, and carry the compact box wherever you need it.
It’s cheaper than store-bought options and fits your needs perfectly!
3D Printer Projects for Household
Soap Dish
Credit: Printables
A 3D-printed soap dish keeps and prevents messy puddles and keeps your bathroom tidy. Customizing the design to fit your bathroom looks. Consider textures or patterns suitable for style and grip. Geometric shapes or wavy lines work great.
ABS and PETG filaments resist moisture well. A textured base helps water drain while keeping the soap in place. The open design improves airflow to dry faster.
A customized soap dish makes a practical and stylish gift!
Citrus Juicer
Credit: Cults3D
A 3D-printed citrus juicer lets you easily make fresh, homemade juices!
When modeling, ensure it can be fully disassembled for thorough cleaning. This prevents bacteria buildup. PLA or food-safe filaments are perfect. The juicer should have a durable reamer and efficient straining.
You can juice oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and more. And taking the juicer makes cleaning a breeze.
With smart design choices, a citrus juicer provides a handy, low-cost way to make juices at home. Customize it and add style to your kitchen!
Egg Separator
Credit: Cults3D
A 3D-printed egg separator lets you easily separate yolks from whites, making it a handy kitchen tool! With a customized design, you can add artistic flair to something functional. Smooth surfaces and food-safe materials like PLA enable easy cleaning.
When modeling an egg separator, keep the design simple. It should effectively separate the yolk whole while the egg white drains off. Consider decorative shapes or textures reflecting your style.
With the right design choices, a 3D-printed egg separator makes food prep more convenient while contributing unique flair to your kitchen tools!
Coffee Maker
Credit: Cults3D
A 3D-printed coffee maker is a fun project for caffeine addicts and fans of unique kitchen gadgets! Benefits include:
You can create a mini, single-serving coffee maker scaled to your needs.
Customize details like the handle, spout, water reservoir, and brew basket.
Focus on sleek aesthetics with smooth curves or a geometric minimalist look.
Durable ABS or PLA plastic can handle high brewing temps.
Make it a gift for coffee lovers!
While it may not replace your regular coffee machine, a 3D-printed coffee maker is a creative way to explore possibilities for kitchen tools!
Cutlery
Credit: Cults3D
3D printed cutlery can make mealtimes more stylish, eco-friendly, and comfortable! But why print them if you go to a local store?
If you create 3D-printed cutlery (and other household items), you can customize them how you want.
Model the handles to fit your grip and create unique shapes and decorative patterns. And it’s more sustainable than disposable plastic utensils, so it’s a win-win!
Mind using food-safe PETG or PLA filament contacting food, smooth the edges post-print for a more comfortable feel.
Planters
Credit: Cults3D
The time of boring IKEA pots is over! 3D printed planters let you get creative. You can design geometric patterns or fancy etchings.
Use different materials like PLA plastic or even wood filament for different looks.
Don’t forget to add drainage holes on the bottom so your plants stay happy. Make matching planters for a nice look.
They also make great personalized gifts for plant-loving friends!
Jacks
I was shocked when I understood that you could 3D print a jack in strong ABS or PETG plastic. How crazy that it works in real life!
It can just be a decorative element like a flower pot stand. But as you see in the video above, you can make a cool tool that will even lift a car.
When printing, add texture so it doesn’t slip. A 3D-printed jack can be a cool item on your bookshelf or an awesome tool that handles heavy lifting!
Carabiners
Credit: Enerdesign
Want to clip things together easily? 3D printed carabiners are lightweight, and you can customize the shape, size, and designs.
Use smooth PLA or PETG plastic. Bevel the edges for comfort, and make matching sets to organize your gear.
Don’t forget to test them well before trusting heavy stuff!
Just Cute 3D print designs
Orrery
Credit: Incrustables
This is a fun idea! I wish there were 3D printers when I was a kid. I’d make myself one!
Use precise ABS or PLA plastic to make pieces that spin smoothly.
Experiment with sizes, colors, and speeds.
Such a cute tiny model will be a nice decoration on your desk. And it’s also a fun gift for space buffs!
Cosplay Items
Credit: MyMiniFactory
3D printing is the perfect way to craft gear for your favourite characters. Recreate iconic outfits and weapons down to the smallest detail.
Use reference photos to capture every element of the item’s look. Then print custom pieces that fit you perfectly. Break big props into smaller parts – armor, swords, anything is possible when you print piece by piece.
Different materials let you be super creative: PLA is great for the hard stuff, and flexibles feel just like skin. And wood-like filament adds realism.
And making your own gear saves a TON over buying ready-made.
Now, you have the power to portray any iconic character perfectly and make your cosplay epic!
Conclusion
I hope you liked these 3D print ideas!
With a powerful 3D printer and a bit of creativity, you can produce handy gadgets like laptop stands, organizers, kitchen tools, and more.
The trick is to pick designs that solve problems or make your life easier in some way.
Don’t forget about making things look nice too!
You can customize the shapes, textures, and decorative bits to add your own personal flair. Make matching sets of items with a coordinated style.
For materials, versatile plastics like PLA, PETG, and TPU are great to start with. Pick materials based on what’s important for you: durability, strength, flexibility, safety, etc.
Start simple, solve problems, add personal touches, and most of all, have fun printing anything you can imagine at the push of a button.
Start bringing your ideas to life – the possibilities are endless!
FAQ
What is a cool thing to print with a 3D printer?
I think two absolutely crazy projects are a remote-controlled hovercraft and a fully functional drone.
Can you make useful things with a 3D printer?
Yes, a 3D printer lets you make tons of handy things, from laptop and phone stands and SD card cases to household items like jacks, hooks, and cutlery.
Can it be too hot to 3D print?
Yes, it can definitely be too hot to 3D print well! Printing at temps higher than recommended can damage the filament, hurting the toughness and flexibility of the object. It’s really important to find the optimal temperature for each material to get the best quality and avoid issues. Excess heat can lead to poor layer adhesion, warping, and other problems. So keep your printer in proper temperature ranges for the filament!
What cool household items can I make with a 3D printer?
Ah, the possibilities are endless! You’re only limited by your creativity and, to some extent, your tools. Take a look around your household cool things – see what you have in the size your printer can handle. Need more inspiration?
Check out places like Amazon, Etsy, and other online marketplaces to see what’s trending and to gauge the market. Whether it’s practical organizers, stylish decor, or quirky gadgets, there’s something out there just waiting for you to bring it to life with your 3D printer!
How can 3D printing start a great conversation?
Imagine showing off your latest 3D-printed masterpiece, and suddenly, everyone wants to know more! Whether it’s a unique gadget or a stunning sculpture, 3D prints are sure to grab attention and ignite some lively chats.
A unique figurine you’ve desgined yourself – what a great conversation starter! You could explain why you chose this particular model or the great tool to print. And from them you can just keep going!
Why is picking the right filament so important for my project?
Think of filament as the secret sauce behind your 3D prints. Choosing the right one ensures your creation turns out just right – whether it’s sturdy, flexible, or safe for everyday use.
Why is 3D printing such a fantastic tool for creativity?
Imagine having a magic wand that turns your wildest ideas into reality – that’s 3D printing for you! Whether you’re a DIY newbie or a seasoned maker, cool 3D prints lets you unleash your creativity like never before.
Should I give automatic plant waterers a go with 3D printing?
Absolutely! Th automatic plant waterer s not only keep your plants happy and healthy but also add a fun twist to your gardening routine. Plus, crafting them with a 3D printer lets you get super creative!
How can cable holders make my life easier?
Say goodbye to tangled messes and hello to a clutter-free workspace! With custom cable holders made through 3D printing, you can keep your cords organized and your sanity intact. You can the cable holder just for yourself or can be the start of new business empire.
What’s so cool about additive manufacturing?
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, isn’t just a fancy tech buzzword – it’s a game-changer! With its endless possibilities and innovative applications, it’s like having a superpower for creating awesome stuff.
What’s the deal with printing in one layer?
Printing in one layer might sound simple, but it’s a game-changer for adding intricate details to your prints. It’s like giving your creations that extra bit of finesse that makes them stand out from the crowd.
Why should I dive into the world of 3D printing?
Because it’s a wild ride of creativity, innovation, and endless fun! Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new and exciting to explore in the world of 3D printing. So why wait? Let’s dive in and start creating!
Additional Resources
NY Times – New Printers Are Way Faster!
TechRadar – 3D Printer Must-Buys
| Kirill Zolygin is the owner of RushTechHub, a resource that shows you how to boost your business with the latest technologies. |
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