50 Cool Things to 3D Print in September 2019
Bored of pointless 3D printer projects? Out of 3D printing ideas? Check out our September 2019 list of cool things to 3D print which are actually useful.
Like us, you’re tremendously excited by the possibilities of 3D printing. Unfortunately, the landscape is cluttered with trinkets, doodads, and ornaments. We’re in danger of drowning in 3D printed objects that nobody wants or needs.
Fight the tide of mediocrity! Let’s make stuff that’s useful! Here’s a list of cool things to 3D print, right now, today. Prove to your nearest and dearest that there’s an everyday and practical application of this wonderful technology.
Updated monthly under the guise of our very own printocracy, each month we remove the five least clicked models and replace them with five new printables. As the year trudges on, there will always be something new, and the uninteresting items drift away. Simple!
Storage Cool Things to 3D Print Balcony Box
We’re not sure we’d leave it on our balcony, but one thing we can be sure of is that the Balcony Box is the most satisfying fiddly container. This printable cadre of parts slit together with no additional tooling, vitamins or adhesive, resulting in a sleek and compact container that spits apart at your beckoning.
Who made it: PlasticBarista
Where to download: Thingiverse
Print with Craftcloud:
Organization Cool Things to 3D Print Shoe Support
Keeping your kicks high and dry from the catastrophe of closet clutter, the Shoe Support is a simple solution to a simple problem. Wedge your shoe into the opening and let gravity do the rest.
Some comments on the model raise the concern about the support digging into and potentially marking shoes — we’d recommend softening the edge with a fabric or cushioning of some sort.
Who made it: andy25lion
Where to download: Thingiverse
Print with Craftcloud:
3D Printing Cool Things to 3D Print Reittec Polisher
This Reittec Polisher uses household items, easily sourceable electronics and a whole heap of silicon carbide sand to take the effort out of post-print processing. Once printed and assembled, all you need to do is throw your print in need of processing into the sand for a long tumble. Several subsequent tumbles in increasingly finer grades of sand later, and you have super smooth parts with not a lick of sandpaper or cans of elbow grease in sight.
The model’s maker outlines the basic assembly steps on the Thingiverse page, but expect to have to fill in a couple of the blanks. Overall though it looks simple enough. For a better look at the build check reittec’s Instagram page.
Who made it: reitter_m
Where to download: Thingiverse
Print with Craftcloud:
EDC Cool Things to 3D Print Smart Wallet
Smart in the sense that a suit can be smart, the Smart Wallet packs a nifty set of compartments for your daily carry essentials into a sleek, pocketable design. With room for a key, parking ticket, credit cards, and a few bills, it subtly fans out to eject the cards housed within. Just don’t expect it to play Netflix, or turn your lights on.
Who made it: b03tz
Where to download: Thingiverse
Print with Craftcloud:
DIY Cool Things to 3D Print Hose Connector Cusomizer
Ideal for connecting small tubes to slightly smaller tubes, or even – get this – bigger tubes, this connector design will save you a wasteful trip to the DIY store. Infinitely configurable as a parametric openSCAD file, you can tailor the design to your specific need. Worth a download, even if you have no immediate plan for it.
Who made it: Paul_Tibble
Where to download: Thingiverse
Home Cool Things to 3D Print Dot.
Get your coat. No, we’re not leaving, we just need you to move it to these stylishly sneaky wall-mounted hangers. In addition to being a two-part print allowing you to customize with your filament color of choice, the Dot. system features a handy hidden compartment with a hook — ideal for keys, gum, money, more keys, and other cluttersome items.
Who made it? Mouche
Where to download: Cults
Storage Cool Things to 3D Print Parametric "Print in Place" Containers
We’re a lazy bunch here, which makes anything that’s print-in-place – giving complex function with the minimum of effort, no tinkering required – pretty special to us. And these single-print self-fastening boxes are pretty special. We could hardly contain our excitement for these containers if you will.
There’s even a Fusion360 file on the link, letting you scale the model as desired without ruining the hinge’s printability (scaling directly in Cura will mess with the clearance, loosening or tightening the hinge beyond usability.)
Who made it? Greg Zumwalt
Where to download: MyMiniFactory
Organization Cool Things to 3D Print Snailz
Remind the slowpokes in your life to get to it with this friendly desk reminder. Slot reminders into the Snailz’s shell; be your best passive-aggressive self.
Who made it? Muzz64
Where to download: MyMiniFactory
Finances Cool Things to 3D Print My.Mo
This rather elaborate motivational tool could be the difference between that thing you really want, and languishing in your personal status quo; quit smoking, start an ice cream fund, buy new filament… did we say ice cream fund? As you add savings to My.Mo’s main chamber adjust the slider to incline the goal board down. Eventually, once your goal has been reached, the My.Mo closes, locking the money down and indicating to you that it’s time to spend. Make a wish and get saving.
Who made it? CKLab
Where to download: Cults
Bathroom Cool Things to 3D Print Sheep Toilet Roll Holder
Do you use a lot of toilet paper? Or do you find yourself constantly running out and yelling for someone to come save you? There’s no perfect solution, but this Sheep Toilet Roll Holder comes close by holding a whopping seven rolls at a time. Sure, you could have an ordinary toilet roll holder, but that would be baaaaad in comparison.
Who made it: Hiob
Where to download: Thingiverse
Organization Cool Things to 3D Print USB Cable Organizer
What is it? Do you have USB cables? Are they a mess? Is your life falling apart? If you answered yes to the first two questions, this handy organizer can help you out. It comes in four different versions, so pick the one that works best for your situation. It’s also portable, if necessary.
Who made it: Kanata
Where to download: Thingiverse
Kitchen Cool Things to 3D Print Bag Clip with Screw Cap
Your typical print-in-place bag clip gains a new ability — namely, a quick access screw cap. It’s one of those prints that’s so simple and effective; we wonder why no one thought of it sooner.
Who made it? Minkix
Where to download: Thingiverse
DIY Cool Things to 3D Print Jonction-P
Build limitless modular furniture fast with these nifty little junction prints. The default file is designed to fit 17 x 17 mm lengths of wood, but a parametric file is also available for you to customize to the materials you have available. Finalize your build with woodscrews to fix everything in place.
Who made it? LeFabShop
Where to download: Cults
DIY Cool Things to 3D Print The Sealant Cartridge Nozzle Cap
Banish gunked up sealant tubes to the dustbin of history. The-Mechanic’s twist-on nozzle cap is the 3D print we never knew we needed, pressing an O-ring tight to the tube’s body and denying air access to the solvents within.
Who made it? The-Mechanic
Where to download: Thingiverse
Print with Craftcloud:
Storage Cool Things to 3D Print Coffee Table Laptop Shelf
No more sliding the laptop under the sofa: keep it hidden but accessible with this simple printable that affixes to the underside of a wooden desk, table or shelf.
Who made it? Too_Snide
Where to download: Thingiverse
Accessories Cool Things to 3D Print Phone Holder - Candice
Multifunction Cool Things to 3D Print Polypanels
What is it? Brainchild of Devin Montes, of MakeAnything fame, Polypanels is a series of 3D printable snap-together building blocks. The individual Polypanel pieces look simple enough, but print a cluster of them — including the growing variety of shapes and connectors — and snap together, you can create all kinds of block, twisty, articulated things. Think of it as a 3D printing-enabled analog to K’NEX, or, loosely, LEGO. Except it’s totally free and the design files are openly available for you to create your own.
Who made it? MakeAnything
Where to download: MyMiniFactory
Home Cool Things to 3D Print Door Hold
What is it? Hodor door wedges, step aside. This simple solution to holding a door needs only a couple of strips of double-sided tape for a semi-permanent solution; no awkward kicking at a wedge necessary.
Who made it? Akiraraiser
Where to download: Thingiverse
Finance Cool Things to 3D Print Piggy PiggyBank
What is it? A funky looking hog designed to scoop up your spare change. Supports are needed for the rim of the cap on the bank’s underside, but besides that, all is as appears, with no trickery or advanced settings for printing. A simple piggy for a simple job.
Who made it? lecaramel
Where to download: Thingiverse
Tools Cool Things to 3D Print Geneva Roller Ruler
You ask a reasonable question, with no measurable timeframe the answer. They facetiously reply “How long is a piece of string?”. You fist-pump triumphantly, “I do, you metaphorical trickster.” Producing the Geneva Roller Ruler from your pocket, you yell “Behold.” Awe ensues; respect earned.
Be in no doubt about the length of turns of phrase, or indeed any turn, curve and non-linear stretches of things ever again, thanks to this 3D printable measuring device. Needing only a couple of Philips head screws and few printed parts, this Geneva Roller Ruler can help you measure along a path in 5mm increments.
Who made it: MechEngineerMike
Where to download: Thingiverse
Storage Cool Things to 3D Print Cylinder Texture Box
Cults user Syboulette adds to their collection of fancy screwtop pots with this hexagonally textured tub. According to the image, ideal for oats! Other grains are available.
Who made it: Syboulette
Where to download: Cults
3D Printing Cool Things to 3D Print Universal Auto-Rewind Spool Holder
Inspired by research into stiffness actuators, this adjustable auto-winding spool holder uses a 3D spring and adjustable clutch to rewind itself up to four full rotations. It’s the ideal holder for tidying up pesky material changes.
Who made it: VincentGoenhuis
Where to download: Thingiverse
Storage Cool Things to 3D Print Customizable Rugged Waterproof Box
Don’t you hate it when you submerge things in water, and they come out all wet? What’s that all about? There’s got to be an easier way.
Cults user ZX82 has the solution in this 99%-printed waterproof box. Print in PLA or PETG with plenty of walls, top, and bottom layers, add a seal from flexible TPU and throw in a handful of M3 screws for the spring hinge and you’re all set.
Who made it: ZX82
Where to download: Cults
Hobbies/Games Cool Things to 3D Print Simple 16mm Dice
Designed to be printed completely flat to give a glossy first-layer finish on all surfaces, this instant dice is snap-fit and ready to roll.
Who made it: Devin Montes (MakeAnything)
Where to download: MyMiniFactory
Organization Cool Things to 3D Print Pen and Pencil Holder
Is it an iceberg? A melting beehive? The latter is most likely, given this creation is the work of Portuguese 3D printing manufacturer BeeVeryCreative. It’s cool, curvy, and keeps your stationery stationary.
Who made it: BeeVeryCreative
Where to download: Cults
Audio Cool Things to 3D Print Groovi Monster Sound Amplifier
Household Cool Things to 3D Print Infill Coasters
Catching drips, protecting tabletops and giving your favorite infill pattern an airing — what more could you ask for from a printable called Infill Coasters? And best of all its completely customizable, since you’re configuring the pattern using the infill settings of your slicer.
Who made it: jmdbcool
Where to download: Thingiverse
3D Printing Cool Things to 3D Print Filament Clip
Organization Cool Things to 3D Print The Little Box: Pencil Pot
Audio Cool Things to 3D Print Duck Headphone Hanger
Garden Cool Things to 3D Print Plantygon
Designed by PrintFutura for a growing collection of succulents, these stackable geometric planters can be configured to drain into adjacent blocks, or not at all (if you print the non-draining version). A simple and stylish print.
Who made it: PrintFutura
Where to download: Cults
Everyday Carry Cool Things to 3D Print Survival Whistle
This is a survival whistle of completely original design, which is rugged, easy to make and carry, and is very loud. How loud? Try 118 decibels for size! That’s more than enough to get you noticed in an emergency situation.
Who made it: Joe Zisa
Where to download: Thingiverse
Kitchen Cool Things to 3D Print Measuring Cube
The feelgood success story of 3D printing in 2018 is already here; a simple but totally ingenious measuring cube for use in the kitchen. Each side of the cube has a slot to measure out a foodstuff in either cups (for American cooking) or metric (for everyone else). Best printed in PETG material to maximize food safety.
Who made it: iomaa
Where to download: Thingiverse
Household Cool Things to 3D Print Parametric Hinge
Designed in OpenSCAD, this is a parametric butt hinge that can be fully customized for your specific needs. Moreover, you can print it in one step, as individual leaves, or without a pin at the centre.
Who made it: Rohin Gosling
Where to download: Thingiverse
Travel Cool Things to 3D Print Sunglasses Car Sun Visor Clip
A useful item to keep you looking cool on sunny days; a car sun visor clip where you can affix you sunglasses when not in use (but still need easy access).
Who made it: Trevor Long
Where to download: Thingiverse
Everyday Carry Cool Things to 3D Print Super Best Bottle Opener
Unlike the vast majority of 3D printed bottle openers out there, this model doesn’t need a coin or other additional elements to provide the necessary leverage. Instead, its ergonomic design uses a curved prying edge that catches on a substantial amount of the sharp cap edge.
Who made it: Jeremy Peterson
Where to download: Thingiverse
Everyday Carry Cool Things to 3D Print Superhero Keychains
Hand Tools Cool Things to 3D Print Plastic Wrench
Fully articulated plastic wrench, for general purpose, er, wrenching around the house.
Who made it: Daniel Noree
Where to download: Cults.
Household Cool Things to 3D Print Sliding Word Change Sign
The contents of a dishwasher are the Schrödinger’s Cat of household appliances; both clean and dirty until an object is removed or placed inside. Fact.
Tip this quantum game in your favor and know whether the cutlery is clean or the mugs are manky with this ingenious sliding dirty/clean text printable.
Who made it: MiddleFingerBoss
Where to download: Thingiverse
Accessories Cool Things to 3D Print Pop Up Square Basket
Pimp your picnics with this M.C. Escher-esque collapsible basket. Portioned off into five cascading sections that hold their shape when extended, it’s marvelous design that prints in few parts and assembles with a dab of glue.
Who made it: PatternToPrint
Where to download: Cults
Household Cool Things to 3D Print Self-Watering Planter
Houseplants dying from neglect? NEVER AGAIN. Print off this automatic plant waterer, and your conscience will remain clean. Particularly useful for kitchen herbs, where you can make them last up to a week longer by re-potting in this natty device.
Who made it: Parallel Goods
Where to download it: Cults3D
Accessories Cool Things to 3D Print Labyrinth Gift Box
When it comes to giving gifts, cash is not the most imaginative of presents. Wrap up your notes in a more exciting package with this Labyrinth Gift Box. There’s only one correct path, so the lucky recipient will have to work at it a fair bit to unlock the prize tucked inside.
Who made it: Robert
Where to download: Thingiverse
Bathroom Cool Things to 3D Print Toothpaste Tube Squeezer
Squeeze every last drop of toothpaste from the tube with this toothpaste tube squeezer. It prints in three separate parts, and is wide enough to accommodate most tubes on the market. Not only a cool thing to 3D print, but also something to keep your breath minty fresh.
Who made it: Justin Otten
Where to download it: Thingiverse
Office Cool Things to 3D Print Web Camera Cover
In an age where online privacy is diminished, fewer people feel comfortable with a front-facing camera on their laptops. Instead of ruining those clean lines with a bit of sticky tape or a post-it note, this 3D printed solution is a sliding door you can afix over the camera, so you can still use it for video-conferencing when you need to.
Who made it: Horizon Lab
Where to download: Cults
Organization Cool Things to 3D Print Stackable Hex Drawers
Phone charger cables, USB cables, HDMI cables, Thunderbolt cables, DisplayPort cables… Your office space is covered in a spaghetti of cables, are we right? Banish the mess with this set of hex drawers. The design is stackable too, so you can extend the hive as the need arises.
Who made it: Dan O’Connell
Where to download it: Cults
Decor Cool Things to 3D Print Wall Outlet Shelf
Put a shelf on your power socket, so you can prop up the phone when charging. This model also has an angled slot that holds your smartphone and tablets in an upright viewing position.
Who made it: Tosh Sayama
Where to download: Cults
Games & Hobbies Cool Things to 3D Print Card Deck Shuffler
Those prone to mid-shuffle fumbles, your Poker face-saving prayers are answered! MyMiniFactory user LarsRb has concocted this colorful creation with the sole purpose to successfully shuffle decks of cards up to official poker card size.
Who made it: LarsRb
Where to download: MyMiniFactory
Gifts Cool Things to 3D Print Secret Butterfly Box
A secretive box for keeping secret things secret. Those out of the know will have a hard time cracking the sequences required to expose both the key and keyhole. Print in your prettiest filament to make a most magnificent gift.
Who made it: 3DPrintingWorld
Where to download: Thingiverse
Garden Cool Things to 3D Print Digital Sundial
Your eyes do not deceive you. This insanely cool thing to 3D print is a digital sundial. And it really does work. The shape of the sundial has been engineered to only let through the right rays at the right time and angle, so it can display the actual time at 20 minute intervals. Operational only during daylight hours, naturally, between 10:00 and 16:00.
Who made it: Mojoptix
Where to download it: Thingiverse
Everyday Carry Cool Things to 3D Print Swiss Army Style Key Chain
This is a variation on the classic Swiss Army Knife design that swaps out the blades and can openers for something infinitely more useful — your house-keys. Prints in two halves, and the keys are held in place using standard hex nuts and bolts.
Who made it: Craig Blanchette
Where to download: Thingiverse
Image credits: All images copyright their respective owners