3D Printing Ideas to Boost Your Creativity

As a rapidly developing technology, three-dimensional printing is still sort of a mind-blowing idea. With the right knowledge and tools, you can create just about anything from a design and a spool of filament.

The endless options might make you feel a bit overwhelmed with 3D printing ideas, to the point that you don’t know where to start. If you’re new to 3D printing, it makes sense to learn the craft on basic projects before moving on to more complex ideas.

Read on to hear ideas for beginners and pros, as well as tips for exploring creativity and improving your prints.

Explore the Never-Ending Potential of 3D Printers

Not long ago, the idea of printing a three-dimensional object would have sounded like something out of science fiction. Now, however, you hear about 3D printed items of all sorts, from toys and kitchen gadgets to medical devices and prosthetic bones. You can even 3D print with biodegradable materials!

What you’re able to print does depend on the kind of 3D printer and material you have. However, as technology progresses, customization and complexity will become more accessible, and more and more people will creatively solve problems with 3D printing.

9 3D Printing Ideas for Beginners and Pros

3D printing isn’t as simple as printing on paper. Because you’re essentially creating the pattern for the printer, you’ll need to know how to use 3D printing software and slicer (a link between the digital 3D model and the plastic model). It’s best to begin with simple shapes to get the basics down, then move on to more complex ideas as you get familiar with the process.

3D Prints for Beginners

When you’re just getting started, basic patterns are the way to go. The less complex your design, the less you’ll have to tweak things in the software and the more likely your printed items will come out properly.

Begin with projects that won’t have to do any heavy lifting and are mainly for fun and convenience:

Toys

Because they’re simple and for fun, toys are a great place to start. Try some low-risk ideas with simple shapes, and use what works well for developing more complex ideas.

Kitchen Gadgets

Everyone has kitchen items that need corralling and organizing. Start with silverware trays and utensil holders, moving on to serving spoons and other tools.

Hair Clips

While you might not be ready to make hair accessories with springs and hinges, simpler hair clips (think a decorative piece held in with a small pin) are easy to make and can be given as gifts.

Toothpaste Squeezers

As one of the simplest, yet most effective household tools, the toothpaste squeezer slides onto the end of a toothpaste tube and forces the toothpaste itself toward the cap.

Pen and Paper Holders

Clean up your own or a loved one’s desk with a uniquely designed holder for pens, pencils, paperclips and other office items. Go beyond a basic cup shape for holders with interesting lines and textures to test your skill level.

3D Prints for Pros

Once you get a feel for the software and how digital images translate to physical objects, test out more complicated designs. Consider options that need to hold weight or diffuse light or even support your health.

Shelves

For your books, plates, knick-knacks or toiletries, shelves are simple pieces that need structural integrity. Your shelves can be plain and straight, or work with other shelving pieces to make an interesting design for your walls.

Lamp Lights

Nothing provides atmosphere like an interesting lamp. You can 3D print hollow figures to place over light bulbs, creating a custom lamp that perfectly suits your decor and atmosphere. Just be sure to use a bulb of a safe size and wattage.

Dragonflies

When you’re ready for something relatively complicated, check out designs for dragonflies. Resembling the beautiful flying insect of the same name, dragonflies are small flying machines to entertain children and adults alike.

Orthotics

If you or a loved one suffer from flat feet or other foot problems, using orthotics in your shoes can offer some relief. Because these are a wellness item, you should ensure you know how to design and print them to protect the comfort and health of your feet.

Artistic 3D Print Ideas to Explore Your Creativity

Once you get familiar with your software and the process of 3D printing, you can bring in more original creative elements of your own design. You can create art, games, decorations and other items for personal use or gift-giving.

Custom jewelry: Rings, earrings, necklaces and more will perfectly complement outfits for a fraction of the cost when you design and print them yourself.
Sculptures: For simple decoration or as part of a game or series, your sculptures will come to life in a range of colors and textures.
Personalized wall art: Decorate your walls with one-of-a-kind pieces of your own design. You can even print a frame for your 3D art.
Musical instruments: From guitars and violins to maracas, ocarinas and penny whistles, 3D-printed instruments let you experience the ultimate creative process. Imagine writing music, printing the instrument and then playing it yourself.
Vases and decorative objects: Design vases for your favorite flowers, or knick-knacks in your favorite colors, to bring more of yourself into your living space.
Jigsaw puzzle sets: Bored with the puzzles you already have? Learn to make your own to share with family and friends.

Pro Tips for the Best 3D Prints

Three-dimensional printing is much more than punching a few buttons and hitting “Print.” While technology is getting better and more accessible all the time, there’s still a learning curve for most new users.

Make the process easier on yourself by keeping a few tips in mind:

Make sure your printer is calibrated for accuracy. Those fine-tuned settings make a world of difference to your final product.
Have patience, knowing that your first few projects aren’t likely to fit your exact vision.
Learn from forums and tutorials in the 3D printing community. Ask questions, as other enthusiasts are usually excited to help.
Work to enhance your 3D prints with practice. Note what works well and build it into your newer projects for ongoing improvement.

Create Unique Objects With Your 3D Printer

Whether you’re new to 3D printing or have been playing with it for a while now, the technology will continue to offer you new things to learn and create. If you feel overwhelmed by all the ideas for things to make with a 3D printer, look for designs for your specific skill level, and for items you can use or give as gifts.

Skillshare is proud to be your resource for all things 3D modeling and printing, including using Blender for 3D modeling and even 3D animation. Find the classes for your skill level and enjoy creating your pieces!

Written By

Katie Mitchell

Katie lives in Michigan with her husband, kids and pets. She enjoys cooking, travel and live music.