Get Organized!
If you’re like many people across the world, Covid-19 has you spending a lot more time at home. To help combat the situation, the 3D printing community has really come together by contributing their talent, time, and printers. Some have even designed and printed devices to help with social distancing and infection control.
From door handle hooks to ear savers, there are many things you can print to help you and your community stay safe and healthy. But if you’re just looking for some devices to make working and learning from home easier, there are plenty of great 3D designs for those end uses as well!
Whether you’re a student or an employee, you’re sure to find one of these 15 3D printed devices useful for keeping your remote working environment organized and enjoyable.
If you’re ready to outfit your home office with any of these nifty ideas but don’t have 3D printer, check out Craftcloud by All3DP. You’ll have plenty of color, material, finish, and printing options at your disposal without the hassle of a keeping yet another space – your 3D printing space – organized.
Tablet & Computer Stands
From ergonomics to space economics, the right laptop or tablet stand is a must-have when you’re working from home. Bending over a computer is a literal pain in the neck! Below are some of our favorites, but those looking for a more in-depth look at laptop stands should check out our Laptop Stand Print/STL Files: The Best 3D Models of 2023.
iPad Keyboard Stand
Simple and sturdy, this iPad stand positions your tablet perfectly with your keyboard for typing. Two self-standing pieces make setup a breeze.
The ergonomics of this design are way better than hunched over with the tablet in your lap. The design looks super easy to print and will undoubtedly be of great use in your home office!
Who made it? Archimiedies
Who printed it? Six makers have printed this stand.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Laptop Stand
This design offers another quick ergonomic fix. It’s a simple, two-piece laptop stand with easy access to ports as well as increased airflow to prevent overheating.
Simple parts and no complicated assembly means you can print and start using this in your home workspace today!
Who made it? sysys
Who printed it? There are five recorded Makes of this model.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
iPad Pro Mount
This simple mount for an iPad Pro offers a great solution for small offices and workspaces. Attach it to the wall to save table space or use it on a tabletop stand.
The design has nine pieces, and all should be printed in order to benefit from the versatility of the design.
Who made it? domarbonne
Who printed it? This design has over 1,700 views and 70 downloads. The designer’s make was printed in PLA.
Where to get it? Cults
Smart Device Accessories
Smartphones seem to do almost everything, but sometimes, they still need a little help. These accessories will take you to genius level for sure.
Tablet as Document Camera Stand
Standard document cameras can be bulky and expensive. Some require special software. Together with the free Osmo Projector app, this iPad stand allows you to use your tablet as a document camera. It’s excellent for virtual teaching, tutoring, telehealth, and more!
In addition to the four pieces that make up the stand, you’ll need a 1-inch square craft mirror, which will be glued or snapped into the mirror holder.
Definitely use glue on the build plate, and make sure you’re careful to lay the pieces flat on their side. The mirror piece needs to be laid on its back, otherwise supports will be needed for the overhangs. You’ll need a nice clean print on that piece or the mirror won’t fit.
Who made it? C_Dustin_B
Who printed it? So far, just one Make has been uploaded.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Smartphone Camera Stand
Using your phone as a webcam? This simple three-piece camera stand for your smartphone gives you freedom and stability thanks to the ball and socket joint. It’s adjustable and can be used with a large variety of phones.
PLA was a popular material choice among this model’s makers, and some reported using a 90 or 95% infill to increase the stability of the ball.
Who made it? blincoln
Who printed it? 21 makers have printed this design.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Device Charging Station
Space and organization are king when you’re working from home. Vertical device storage solutions keep your tablets and phones safe and organized.
This stand holds up to four devices of varying sizes and has a channel in the back to keep your charging cables tucked away neatly.
Who made it? nullgel
Who printed it? This design has 85 downloads and a 5-star rating.
Where to get it? Cults
iPhone Charging Stand
Tired of plugging your phone into the only available outlet then having to lay it on the floor? This foldable phone stand attaches to your outlet so you have somewhere to set your phone while it’s charging.
Who made it? 3DLirious
Who printed it? This design has 93 downloads and a 5-star rating
Where to get it? Cults
Desk Organizers
With the whole family working and learning from home, rooms can get cluttered quickly. Keeping all your stuff organized is key to productivity.
Simple Desktop Organizer
This simple desktop organizer for small office materials will save you time looking for something to write with. The organizer includes separate compartments for pens, post-it notes, paper clips, and white-out. The designer mentions that the white-out compartment could also be used for a small hand sanitizer, as well.
It was designed to print without supports, and most users reported that it was an easy print. One maker recommended a high infill for sturdiness, while others seemed to have success with infill as low as 25%.
Who made it? derailed
Who printed it? There are 28 Makes of this model as well as nine Remixes that feature varying compartment sizes.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Spool Desk Organizer
This super cool organizer reuses an old filament spool so you can save the planet and your home office at the same time. The design calls for a 1-kg spool as well as a few nuts and screws. Some drilling is required.
There are three different drawer options, and you can mix and match as you please. Makers have printed the model in PLA, and they report the recommended screws and nuts were a success!
Who made it? MattKerekanich
Who printed it? There are two recorded Makes of this design.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Learning Aids
Distance learning presents its own set of challenges, but no need to worry with these fun and functional learning aids. Writing and math become a breeze with these helpful 3D prints.
Writing Paper Stencil
Make this quick and easy design a staple in your school toolbox. It’s a simple stencil that turns blank spaces (on mind maps or worksheets) and sheets of paper into lined paper. It’s a great tool for students with handwriting and visual motor deficits.
Using PLA to print this device should have it finished in about 45 minutes.
Who made it? OTin3D
Who printed it? Once again, just one community member has posted their Make.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Wishbone Pencil Grip
For many, maintaining a proper pencil grip can be difficult. This special grip turns an old broken pencil into a nice y-shape writing instrument. It’s beneficial for children learning to write as well as folks with arthritis or other chronic conditions that cause hand fatigue.
PLA works great, but you’ll want supports to avoid the end of the pencil grip collapsing where it’s hollowed out to hold the pencil. Water-soluble supports will eliminate time spent removing plastic from inside the barrel, but this can be done with long nose pliers, as well.
Who made it? OTin3D
Who printed it? There are six reported Makes of this model.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Fraction Blocks
This is an easy visual to help students learning about fractions. There are a lot of pieces, but it’s a straightforward print overall. Some makers have had size issues with the tray and blocks. It doesn’t appear that the original designer has adjusted the file, but one maker designed a new tray.
The maker of the multicolored model pictured above pointed out that there are only three layers of the white section on top of the blocks, but he suggests four or five layers instead. He used 15% infill and a 0.2-mm layer to achieve good results.
Who made it? Mudland
Who printed it? There are two uploaded Makes of this design.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Coin Sorter
Math can be difficult (and boring) for a lot of students. This gravity-assisted coin sorter makes learning about money fun and easy! There is even a remix for Euro coins for European makers.
It does require supports and some assembly with the help of a good adhesive. Most makers are pleased with the design, though one reported that the ramp needed to be more “slidey” and that it really only worked when dropping one coin at a time. There are three Remixes that take a different approach, including one that has slanted edges so that it’s easier to remove the sorted coins.
Who made it? Brockerboy
Who printed it? This design has four successful Makes.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Fidgets
Keeping your attention on a computer screen can be tough. Try out a small fidget device to help stay on task!
Spinning Fidget Ring
Here’s a simple spinning ring for fidgeting during one of those long Zoom calls. This design prints in three separate parts that snap together to form a ring.
You can make it extra awesome by using two different colors for the ring base and the spinning component. Small projects like these are great for tech classes and student projects.
Who made it? AmazingSpanoMan
Who printed it? There are 89 successful Makes of this design.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Print-in-Place Gear Fidget
Gear fidgets are fun for busy brains and hands. This is another small design that would make a great student project for learning about 3D printing and design.
The designer has made a ton of updates of this design, and now there’s a print-in-place version. He recommends PLA or ABS. If you choose to print the pieces separately and assemble, make sure you remove all the supports; otherwise, the gears won’t move.
Who made it? kasinatorhh
Who printed it? This design has 48 recorded Makes.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Lead image source: MatterHackers
License: The text of "15 Great 3D Prints for Distance Learning & Home Office" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.