Technology is making breakthrough inventions, one such invention is 3D printing. 3D printing has been used to make various day-to-day necessities such as toothpaste squeezers, keychains, and Phone holders. 3D Printing has its major conveniences.
If you want to learn 3D printing, you have come to the right place. Here we will show you what is 3D printing and the 15 coolest 3D printing ideas for beginners.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is the process of creating a three-dimensional object. The printing is carried out by placing the material layer by layer on top of itself. The printer reads the file in the computer which guides the printer on how to implement the material layer by layer. Over time, various 3D Printing ideas have evolved, making the process seamless and more interesting.
3D Printing ideas for beginners: Steps to follow
It is important to note that depending on the size and complexity of the product, steps may vary:
1. Create or find a design:
You should create your design with 3D design software mostly CAD (Computer-Aided design) software. If you can’t create a design on your own, you can find many free resources online.
2. Export the STL File:
After creating the design, you should export or download the STL File. The STL File stores the information for your conceptual 3D object.
3. Choose the material:
You should choose the material with the same properties, which properties you wish your 3D object to have. There are countless 3D printing materials available.
4. Choose your parameter:
Choose the parameters to dictate the size and placement of your print.
5. Create the Gcode:
You will then import the STL File into a slicing software, like BCN 3D Cura. The slicing software will convert the STL file into a Gcode which contains the exact instructions for the printer.
6. Print:
This is when the real printing begins, the printer will start to print the product layer by layer. Depending on the object’s size, the material used, and your printer the job could be finished in minutes or several hours.
15 Coolest 3D printing ideas for beginners
1. Pen Holders:
Pen holders make your desk look classy. With 3D printing, you could make your pen holder more unique and less conventional.
2. Shelves:
Yes, you read it right. You can also make furniture with 3D printing. The usefulness and brilliance of 3D printing now lets you create complex things like shelves. These shelves can be used to keep books and show figurines or toys aligned decoratively.
3. Phone Stand or Tablet Holder:
Phone stands are useful daily as they provide a designated spot to keep our phones. You can also use the phone stand while on a video call, listening to music, or watching movies. Phone stands can be created by using simple designs or you can incorporate your ideas to create something unique.
Tablet holders are frequently made as beginner projects as they are used as day-to-day objects. You can get creative with the design by making the holder foldable or adjustable.
4. Toys:
Toys are the most common things most beginners create, mostly because they are not too complex.
5. Keychains:
Keychains are small in size, making them ideal for a beginner project.
6. Vase:
Not only you can use vases for holding flowers but also make them intricately beautiful so they look best along with flowers.
7. Toothpaste Tube Squeezer:
You can also make a daily use object like a toothpaste tube squeezer. Instead of manually squeezing toothpaste, you can make your own toothpaste tube squeezer.
8. Phone Case:
A phone case has two functions, one is to protect the phone and the second is to make your phone more recognizable. Now with some 3D printing ideas, you can custom design your phone case giving it a unique touch.
9. Board Game Pieces:
If you tend to lose or misplace board game pieces, you can simply create new ones.
10. Book holder:
A book holder is an essential accessory for book readers. With the help of a book reader, you can keep the book on the desired page, making reading easier. With 3D printing, you can customize book holders according to your taste and needs.
Also Read: Your Guide to the Advantages of 3D Printing Services for Businesses
11. Dice:
When we create dice by 3D printing, we can customize their size, shape, and style. These gaming items can also be used as collector’s items, conversation starters, or tokens of personal expression.
12. Paint Palette:
A paint palette is a tool that can be created through 3D printing. Its design can feature multiple wells for painting, allowing artists to keep their palettes organized and clean.
13. Whistles:
We can 3D print whistles with customizable designs and sizes.
14. Key Holder:
A key holder made by the 3D printing technology can be used to organize keys. It reduces the risk of losing or misplacing keys. By making key holders beautiful, we can blend functionality with aesthetics.
15. Christmas trees:
The list of coolest 3D printing ideas is incomplete without Christmas trees. Christmas tree has a printing option of “Vase mode”. This mode allows you to print very fast compared to the traditional horizontal layer printing mode. This printing method will print continuous and seamless layers resulting in a smooth and elegant appearance. This Christmas tree will bring warmth and cheer to your family.
We hope these 15 3D printing ideas for beginners were helpful. Choose any one of them to make the process of your first 3D-printed project enjoyable!