How to Get Creative with 3D Printing

In modern years, the concept of 3D printing has expanded significantly and is now able to perform vital roles in many applications, with the most important being manufacturing, medicine, architecture, custom art, and design. One of the main advantages of 3D printing machinery is Rapid Prototyping - which is the facility to design, manufacture, and test a customized part in as little time as possible.

However, the number of individuals investing in 3D printers for their own personal or business use is also increasing significantly. If you have recently purchased, or are thinking of purchasing, a 3D printer but you are not sure what to do with it, this article will explore a few ways to get creative and hopefully provide you with some ideas.

Printing Parts

This concept of printing parts is seemingly obvious as this is the main thing people use 3D printers for. You can make almost any object made out of plastic using a 3D printer. Objects such as TV stands or a remote cover are easily printable, as long as you’re the item you wish to print respects the maximum size limit for your printer. Once you have decided what object you want to print, check the measurements and save this on to an SD card, simply put it into your 3D printer, and print.

Experiment with Your Printer

If you are a beginner at 3D printing, the whole process may seem confusing at first. Therefore, try to experiment with objects and different options available to your printer. Experimenting is a great method to test your 3D printer’s capabilities and take it to the next level.  This is good too if you are not sure what to print. Once you have become more familiar with this technology you will be more comfortable using it, be more inspired to find objects to print and use for your printer, and with this experience you will master the skill. There are software programs that will allow you to prototype your work before you use your 3D printer. This will save you some time by reducing the likelihood of you making mistakes.

Creative Ideas To Try With a 3D Printer

If you are stuck and lack inspiration on what to do with your 3D printer, below there are a few ideas that you can easily make at home, which hopefully inspire you.

Aircraft Models

Whether you are an aviation enthusiast and looking to add to your collection of planes or you are just doing this for fun, printing your aircraft model can be great fun. 

When effectively done, model aircrafts are remarkable pieces of art, often combining tiny specific details and extravagant paint jobs, looking like a miniature version of a real version of an aircraft. However, they can take a long time to properly assemble, and the kits may be problematic to find for low prices. The 3D printer experts of io3dprint.com provide more advice on what aircraft model to print, even if you are a beginner. Printing your own miniature aircraft can be cheap and fairly fast, and you will be able to add as much detail to your plane as you like.

Key Holder

It may seem basic but this is an item that everyone uses on a daily basis to keep your keys all organized in a rational fashion. This is simple to print and you will surely give it a lot of use.  

Pencil Holder

If you are very much into organization you will be happy to know that you can also create your own pencil holder for your desk. By using a 3D printer, you will be able to create your very own unique pencil holder, in order to keep your desk organized.  

Cutlery

If you are into camping, or even if you just want a suitable set of small cutlery for use at the office or to send in the children’s packed lunch, you can create plastic cutlery in a short amount of time using your 3D printer.

Business Cards

This is a great idea if you have your own business and wish to market it. Common business cards are usually 2D – if you print out 3D business cards, this will truly have an impact on how the client perceives your business and they are more likely to remember you.

If you have invested in a 3D printer, there are so many things you can do with it. If you can imagine it - you can 3D print it. Do not be afraid of experimenting with the printer until you find exactly what you want to do with it.