Security & Style
If you have an iPhone, you probably know one thing for sure: They break easily. Now everyone has their opinion on the best smartphones, but we think it’s fair to say that iPhones were definitely not made to withstand a lot of falls.
The exterior of an iPhone is basically just a glass screen surrounded by an aluminum alloy frame. That’s why most iPhone users also use a case to protect their phone. Having a case for your smartphone is a good idea, because who wants to pay over $50 to replace their screen?
In this article, we’ll present 10 of our favorite iPhone cases that you can 3D print. We hope these models prevent any more screen cracks! You can print these in a variety of filaments, including flexible ones.
If you see a case you like but aren’t equipped to print it yourself, try Craftcloud by All3DP. With a broad range of materials and finishes, you’ll be getting your dream case delivered right to your door!
And now, let’s see what’s out there!
Customizable
MakerBot, the 3D printer company, has done a great job designing this iPhone case. It can be made to fit any iPhone model plus there are a variety of different designs to choose from (as seen in the picture). The strength of this case really depends on which style you choose, but it should protect your phone just fine.
MakerBot does not have any specific recommendations for printing this case, but if you choose a detailed style, we recommend printing at a slow speed to make sure the detail comes out well.
Who made it? MakerBot
Who printed it? MakerBot’s design has 20 recorded Makes and an incredible 7,810 Remixes! This model has been downloaded 76,900 times, too.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Compatible models: Customizable (any)
Clamshell (Plus Wallet)
This iPhone case is super useful, being a sturdy and durable case for your smartphone as well as having a place to store your wallet essentials. The design uses four 10-mm M3 screws as well as four hex nuts. This design is a remix (of this model on Thingiverse), adjusted so it can be printed in a smaller print area, which is perfect for brands like UP and other mini printers.
According to the designer, you should print this model with supports activated. Printing in PLA is recommended, but PETG could also work. Assembly is fairly simple, just connect each screw to a hex nut and put the screw through the case to connect them.
Who made it? CyberCyclist
Who printed it? This durable iPhone case has over 1,800 views with 134 downloads.
Where to get it? Cults
Compatible models: iPhone 6, iPhone 6S
Triangle Pattern
This iPhone case has a nice triangle pattern with openings for the camera, volume, and power buttons as well as the charger. This minimalistic design keeps your iPhone protected from back falls without getting in the way of the slim design and keeping your iPhone as light as possible.
Printing this triangular iPhone case should be pretty easy and according to the maker, supports aren’t even needed. The designer also recommends printing with a 100% infill in ABS for strength as well as with a 0.2-mm layer height. The maker stated that the print only took a little over an hour. As suggested, you might want to paint it!
Who made it? M Badia
Who printed it? This triangle pattern case has over 18,900 views along with almost 3,000 downloads.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Compatible models: iPhone 6, iPhone 6S
Tough
This is the case for all of the accident-prone people who tend to drop their phones a lot. But who can blame them, iPhones are pretty sleek and slippery without a case! This tough case is very dense to ensure maximum protection for your fragile iPhone. Although the design might be a bit bulky, the model doesn’t block any buttons or ports.
The designer didn’t leave any printing tips, but it looks like a pretty straightforward print. The model has no overhangs so no supports will be needed. Make sure to print with a high infill percentage and a strong infill pattern for strength. We recommend printing with a larger nozzle (if that’s available) to get bigger, stronger layers for this print too.
Who made it? 3Dsolio
Who printed it? This dense iPhone case has over 3,500 views and 474 downloads.
Where to get it? Cults
Compatible models: iPhone 6
Gears
This iPhone case is very unique and has a Geneva gear mechanism on the back. The mechanism doesn’t actually turn, but it looks super cool. This case doesn’t block any of an iPhone’s ports or buttons. Though the original design is meant for an iPhone 4/4S, you’ll find a Remix fitted for different iPhone models.
For printing this case, make sure to print one of every part except for the 2 x 2.75 mm pin, which should be printed twice according to the maker. The designer recommends printing at a 0.1-mm layer height for as much detail as possible.
Assembly isn’t too complex and just involves gluing some parts together. You can find more about the assembly of this case on the instructions page.
Who made it? QuentinT
Who printed it? This unique design has 77 posted Makes, 11 Remixes, as well as almost 60,000 downloads!
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Compatible models: iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone X
Turtle
As you probably know, turtles have a hard shell that they use to protect themselves from predators and other hazards. Like turtle, like case: This iPhone case also uses a shell for protection. In this case (pun intended), it’s a low-poly shell to protect the phone from any falls or other damage. Not to worry, the camera isn’t blocked and neither are the other buttons and ports.
The creator of this model suggests printing with the shell side up and a 20% infill. It’s also recommended to print with both supports and a raft activated. The low-poly structure means there’s isn’t excessive detail, so you can print with a larger layer height.
Who made it? Schnaaab
Who printed it? This extra-durable turtle case has over 5,500 views with 415 downloads.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Compatible models: iPhone 7
Customizable Stencil Font
Need a custom case? Well, lucky you, because this one has your name on it! No, seriously it does… or it can at least. This design fits a multitude of iPhone models as well as allows for any text you’d like. You can use the customizer app on the Thingiverse page to make this case perfect for your iPhone!
Even though this design is customizable, printing shouldn’t be too different. Based on the sample designs, we suggest not using supports for printing as there are no large overhangs.
Who made it? TheNewHobbyist
Who printed it? This customizable case has 2 posted Makes and an impressive 1,474 remixes! This design has also been downloaded over 6,800 times.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Compatible models: iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPhone 6, iPhone 6S
Dotty
This phone case has a “dotty” pattern to it, plus button covers for the volume buttons, making them both protected and usable. The design also has a blank spot for the Apple logo, which almost makes it look like a purchased case. There’s also a hole for both the camera and flashlight.
The maker suggests printing with a 0.15-mm layer height for more detail on the holes as well as with a 20% infill. The case prints in just one piece with the button covers attached, making this a fairly quick print. Many comments are positive.
Who made it? ScottyMakesStuff
Who printed it? This iPhone case model has 15 posted Makes, 3 Remixes, as well as almost 35,000 downloads.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Compatible models: iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus
Rotary
Before the age of smartphones, you used to call up your friends by spinning the dial of a rotary phone for each digit. This iPhone case brings back that old system while protecting the new one. Despite this awesome looking rotary phone face on the back of the case, it doesn’t actually spin.
The case is only one part and as seen in the picture above, you can paint it to more accurately look like a rotary phone. The creator of this design states that the complexity of this print is easy. It’s recommended to print the rotary dial facing up and printing a brim for better bed adhesion to prevent warping. Lastly, print with a 0.1- to 0.15-mm layer height for detail.
Who made it? MaureenNemetski
Who printed it? This design has over 2,100 views with 49 downloads.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Compatible models: iPhone 7
Darth Vader
This awesome Star Wars-themed case has your favorite villain (or hero) levitating out of the back of your phone. Is it just us, or does this look seem a bit like when Han was frozen by Jabba?
The designer has printed this with supports and a raft, though a couple of the community prints didn’t necessarily use a raft. If you want to show your rebel allegiance instead, there are several great models on Thingiverse.
Who made it? fyru
Who printed it? This imperial case has three posted Makes and has been downloaded over 6,500 times.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Compatible models: iPhone 6
Lead image source: AC_Nefilatek via Thingiverse
License: The text of "3D Printed iPhone Case: 10 Best 3D Print/STL Files" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.