The game-changing 3D printing technology has been making a huge impact on the medical, aviation, automotive, and entertainment industries. It has changed lives and made them easier.
When it comes to personal or home applications, a common misconception about 3D printing is that it can’t make anything useful. Those who believe it probably haven’t heard yet about using 3D printing for home renovation.
But if you’re just starting out in your 3D printing journey, and you aren’t confident yet to do anything complicated like remodeling your home, then you can absolutely start small. With the help of 3D printers and 3D scanners that are simple, safe, and reliable to use at home, you can create some small yet useful household items, plus develop your creativity and 3D printing skills.
Get started by trying out these six cool and easy DIY projects:
Coffee Table
Photo by Creative Tools / CC BY 2.0
Keep your table free from coffee stains by 3D-printing a personalized coaster. For the coaster design, you can choose from the simplest circular shape to the complex logo-inspired coasters. You can even 3D scan yourself (or even your pet) easily, quickly, and accurately and then incorporate it into the coaster design.
Once you’ve designed your coaster, print it with ABS filament because it can handle heat better than PLA material.
2-in-1 Bottle Opener
You can easily create a 2-in-1 bottle opener with metal or plastic using a 3D printer. The ideal design looks like a hook where the tip is for crown corks, while the C-shape in the middle is for screw caps. Make the needed measurements and a 3D design with your CAD software.
After designing the bottle opener, print it in multiple layers to make it sturdy and able to handle pressure. Make a couple of prototypes if you’re not sure about the number of layers you should make.
Cookie Cutter
Photo by fdecomi / CC BY 2.0
Make your own customized cookie cutter using your 3D printer. First, put your chosen cookie cutter shape on the surface of your CAD software. Scale it to your desired dimensions. Next, select the base, copy and paste on top of it, then scale it a little smaller than the bottom. Scaling the size in 3D printing is a step you shouldn’t skip because it can affect the quality of your output.
Make another copy of the base for the hole and put it on top of the two shapes. Make sure that all the shapes are perfectly aligned. Group them all together so they will become one shape, then print!
Cable Ties
Photo by Christian Dembowski / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Tire of seeing untidy cords? Create 3D-printed cable ties on your own! It’s pretty simple: you just have to design and make a 3D version. Make sure to include the lines that can be used as stoppers, so you can properly tighten the cords you want to clean up. Make a couple of prototypes and then test if each one won’t break when it’s used.
Towel Holder
If you have an extra rod at home, you can make yourself a 3D-printed towel holder. Using a caliper, measure the diameter of the rod and the screws you’re going to use. Lay out the shelf bracket on your chosen CAD software. It’s better to use ABS filament than PLA because the former is sturdier and can support weight.
After printing, it’s time to assemble your towel holder. Drill holes on the wall where it’s going to be mounted. Insert a plastic tox into every screw hole and screwdrive the heads, attaching the 3D-printed shelf brackets to the wall. Insert the rod inside the holes between the two brackets. Voila! You have your personalized 3D-printed towel holder.
Earphone Case
Tidy up your earphone by keeping it in a compact and stylish 3D-printed case. All you have to do is to design two symmetrical halves. Of course, the dimensions and scaling will depend on your preferred style. After making the case, design a hinge and a clasp. It will secure your earphone inside, so it won’t fall off. Then proceed to the printing process. Make a couple of prototypes because sometimes, the hinge and clasp can become too loose.
Ready to 3D Print Some Items at Home?
Now, who says you can’t create something useful with 3D printing? The possibilities are endless—you just need a bit of creativity and of course, a 3D printer. Some people may be skeptical about 3D printing, but what they don’t realize is, it can make lives easier.
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