This captivating fidget toy will provide you with endless amusement. For users seeking a smoother rotation experience, there’s an alternative version with looser tolerances too. The creator included separate outer rings, so you can easily replace one on your model if necessary.

To adjust tolerances in PrusaSlicer, fine-tune the XY compensation value in print settings. Positive values decrease the gap between rings, while negative values increase it. Minor adjustments can have a significant impact. The creator recommends using a layer height of 0.15 mm and a nozzle diameter of 0.4 mm for best results.

• Who designed it: Marvin
• Core components: None
• Where to find it: Printables

A cryptex is a small, hollow vault with letters, numbers, or symbols on vertically spinning rings on the trunk. The user spins the rings until they form the correct word to unlock it. You can store money, game pieces, or even keys inside the cylinder, making it (slightly) useful.

MyMiniFactory user Mr.N30 gives us a cryptex that is easily customizable to unlock using any 5-letter word, along with a display stand!

• Who designed it: Mr.N30
• Core components: None
• Where to find it: MyMiniFactory

Fun Challenges

3D Printed Puzzles: 35 Mind-Boggling STL Files

This is a completely open-source remote control Formula 1 racecar that’s sure to get you and your printer off to the races.

With a huge community of people behind the project providing mods, insights, and tutorials, this car can become a source of group fun, as well as being a great project to learn about RC systems. You can mod it to your liking, print out a huge version, or just print it as-is and enjoy the ride.

• Who designed it: barspin
• Core components: Motor, micro servo, battery, bearings, tires
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

Whether on Hoth or your coffee table, the AT-AT from Star Wars just looks cool. And this designer has encapsulated that into a scale model that stands 12 inches tall and is fully poseable. The right side of the model is a cutaway: The body opens to reveal jumpseats for Imperial troopers, while the head has a cockpit for Diaclone-scaled figures.

The model prints in multiple pieces, meaning you can print on pretty much any machine, though FDM is best for the time and scale involved. You can assemble the AT-AT without glue, meaning that it’s a snap, literally!

• Who designed it: Kirby Downey
• Core components: None
• Where to find it: MyMiniFactory

Print These, You Will

Star Wars 3D Prints

Part fan project, part art project, and all kinds of interesting, this kinetic sculpture is based on the original design by the same maker, a Valentine’s Day heart.

The top layers of the head begin to rotate, with the lower layers lagging behind. Then the top layers pause, allowing the lower layers to catch up and complete the figure again. This cycle repeats as long as it is connected to a power source!

There’s a video from the maker showing how it was designed.

• Who designed it: gzumwalt
• Core components: Gear motor, battery pack with switch or 3-V DC power supply
• Where to find it: Cults, Instructables

For a different kind of 3D printed car, you can go for a balloon-powered one. These clever cars are from the same designer behind the mesmerizing Darth Vader head.

In this design, the air doesn’t propel the car forward; instead, it powers a single-cylinder motor. The sophisticated mechanism makes the assembly of this 3D printing project a welcome challenge.

• Who designed it: gzumwalt
• Core components: Rubber ‘O’ rings, balloon
• Where to find it: Instructables, YouMagine

First-person view drones and 3D printing have become very familiar with each other over the years, with more and more pilots turning to the medium for replacement parts and custom designs for their drones. This miniature drone utilizes an ABS frame and canopy to house all of its electrical components. While 3D printed frames are often criticized for their durability, this project takes advantage of the lightweight nature of filaments to require less power from the motors for a longer flight time.

The Whoop-style drone features a range of 500 meters and weighs in at just about 45 grams with a GPS unit attached. Speaking of, the GPS unit is the only component of this build that requires soldering. If you aren’t comfortable soldering your own electronics, you can forgo the GPS unit for a solder-free drone build.

The designer also has other drone builds available if you’re interested, such as their long-range drone that’s powered by a single 18650 battery.

• Who designed it: Unboxingexperience7
• Core components: Flight controller, motors, propellers, camera, GPS unit (optional)
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

If you aren’t the most organized person, keeping track of batteries can be a real pain.

There are a lot of different storage options you can buy or 3D print, but these missile pod-style battery holders have to be one of the coolest! They hold up to three batteries at a time and can be stacked or arranged next to each other. Pod sizes are available for either AA or AAA batteries.

• Who designed it: masa4dc
• Core components: Batteries
• Where to find it: Thingiverse, Printables

Anyone who’s had a lot of packages to wrap right before a major holiday has had the same thought: “Why don’t they make those packing tape dispensers for sticky tape, too?”

After this project, birthdays and schoolwork will be a breeze.

• Who designed it: brycelowe
• Core components: No extra parts are needed, just BYO tape!
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

Those who enjoy painting miniatures know that one of the most difficult parts of the hobby is keeping a good grip on the figures without ruining the paint job. Often they will resort to using clay or blocks of wood to get a good grip on their figures, however a proper tool can improve the whole task: This miniature painting hand clamp is a worthwhile upgrade that will make it much easier to maneuver your figures while painting.

The handle itself is a very simple print, requiring only a few different pieces, all of which can be 3D printed, though there are a few that can be replaced with hardware if needed. You will want to print the grips in an elastic filament such as TPU for the best results. Assembly is quick and using the screw to position the arms is very simple.

• Who designed it: MrRogers
• Core components: None
• Where to find it: Printables

More to Read on

Painting 3D Printed Miniatures: How to Paint Figures

A traditional vise is great at holding things steady, but only in two dimensions. Enter the fractal vise, which can grip nearly any oddly-shaped object without snapping something off – a boon to the inventor, maker, or mad scientist, whichever you identify with.

Keep in mind that this is a rather large design, and you’ll need a build plate of at least 200 x 200 mm.

• Who designed it: spool2kool
• Core components: No additional parts, but you’ll need pliers and lubricant (such as PTFE lube) for assembly
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

This project was created to fill a gap in the market of minimalist and simple 3D scanners. It’s a 3D scanning system that uses an Android smartphone and an Arduino-controlled turntable to create 3D models using photogrammetry.

While the code and electronics can be a bit complex, this system was specifically designed to be as easy and simple to use as possible – once you’ve finished building it.

• Who designed it: QLRO
• Core components: Stepper motor, Arduino
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

More Scanners

The Best DIY 3D Scanners of 2023

Born of a high school engineering project, this mini lathe allows you to turn wood and soft metals and make useful round parts. Typical mini lathes and tools cost as much as – or more than – a mid- to high-end hobby 3D printer, so this project offers a budget-friendly option for those who want to try out milling but don’t want to invest in expensive and bulky tools just yet.

Since it’s held together by printed plastic brackets, many may doubt the usefulness of this lathe. However, the original creator claims that he and his robotics team were able to successfully mill aluminum and brass and, if you do it slowly enough, you may even be able to turn steel. Impressive!

• Who designed it: westworld300
• Core components: Bearings, aluminum extruders, 12-V DC motor
• Where to find it: Instructables

Having the proper tools at hand saves time, effort, and frustration. This project will ensure you have one of the most vital woodworking tools without needing to leave your house: A set of 90-degree corner brackets used for assembling and gluing frames. You can build drawers, cabinets, and more with ease!

The print itself fits over a Husky-brand woodworking clamp, which you can purchase at most hardware or building stores. This gives you extra versatility at no extra cost!

• Who designed it: diegus83
• Core components: Woodworking clamps
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

You’re interested in biology, but don’t have access to a big fancy lab? The DIY bio movement is here to the rescue. It aims to put essential tools into the hands of the general public. This centrifuge doesn’t come with sophisticated timers and controls, but it’s good enough to perform tasks such as DNA extraction.

To build this 3D printing project, you also need to program an Arduino.

• Who designed it: F_Lab_TH
• Core components: Arduino Nano, jumper cables, B10K potentiometer
• Where to find it: Thingiverse, Instructables

Don’t let its looks fool you: This boat is no toy. Controlled by a multi-channel RC setup, the boat collects water samples from bodies of water to test for bacteria, chemicals, and other threats – useful for those involved in the preservation of waterways and drinking water sanitation.

Note that to make the parts more resistant to water, the author recommends coating the hull in polyester resin and, given the size of the boat, a minimum build plate size of 200 x 200 mm is required.

• Who designed it: electrosync
• Core components: Clevis fastener, carbon fiber rods, multi-channel RC equipment
• Where to find it: Instructables, Thingiverse, Printables

This sign lets you share your Wi-Fi credentials with guests in a fun and unique way. The conversation starter comes with a stand, and the QR code is easily visible, allowing visitors to access your Wi-Fi quickly.

Guests can quickly connect to your Wi-Fi network by scanning the QR code with their iOS or Android devices, eliminating the need for manual passcode input. However, keep in mind that some people may be able to see your passcode when they scan the QR code. While this isn’t a significant security concern, being aware is important.

A magnetic version of the sign is also available, which can be attached to a fridge or other metal surface. The recommended print settings include a layer height of 0.2 mm and a 4-mm brim. The creator also provides detailed instructions on how to generate your QR code.

• Who designed it: radiojack
• Core components: Magnets
• Where to find it: Printables

This is the perfect weekend project for someone with extra computer components lying around. Take a 70-mm fan, a basic switch, and a power supply, and you’ve got a fan going! This design’s great for dipping your toes into the world of DIY electronics.

• Who designed it: Dylman3000
• Core components: 70-mm computer fan, 12-V power transformer, switch
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

If you want to get good photos of your 3D prints or are looking to get into photography on a budget, a 3D printable tripod may be exactly what you need.

This tripod project functions exactly the same as traditional devices, with plenty of control for the height and angle of the camera. It comes with attachments for a DSLR camera as well as your phone. All of the printed parts will fit comfortably on a 200 x 200 x 200-mm build plate, and the whole project should only use about 600 grams of filament. While PLA should work just fine, you may want to use more durable materials such as PETG or ABS if you want a tripod that will last, as there are quite a few moving parts.

Fully extended, this tripod can reach up to 85 cm in height, carrying about 3 kg with no issues. The print-in-place leg design is similar to a telescope, with all of the pieces sliding to the desired length and locking with a twist of a knob. What makes this option stand out when compared to traditional tripods is the scalability of 3D printing: It’s easy to change the height of the model should you want a taller or smaller tripod, just be sure to scale your hardware accordingly.

• Who designed it: 3DPrintProjectAthens
• Core components: Countersunk wood screws, super glue
• Where to find it: Cults

More Great Ideas

The Best 3D Printed Camera Accessories & Gear of 2023

The TerraPin ACME pinhole camera is the result of many previous 3D printing projects that attempted to design a camera. And indeed, the photos taken with the TerraPin are very impressive!

Except for the pinhole, this nifty design uses nothing but 3D printed parts. It’s designed to be used with medium format 120 film.

• Who designed it: schlem
• Core components: Pinhole (e.g. from an aluminum can), film
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

One of the most important uses for 3D printing is making things more accessible. That’s what this project, designed by PCB maker and STEM project creator Adafruit, showcases. Instead of computer keycaps imprinted in Braille that require a special tooling and manufacturing process, driving up the costs, these can be created at home for pennies.

The keycaps are designed to work with Adafruit’s Macropad, a keyboard computer backed up by the surprisingly powerful Raspberry Pi 2040 microcontroller.

The keycaps (and Macropad) are not for a full, alphabetical keyboard, but rather for giving single-button prompts like “Play”, “Home”, and “End”, with a total of 12 keycaps in all. What will you use it for?

• Who designed it: adafruit
• Core components: Adafruit Macropad, Cherry MX keyswitches
• Where to find it: Thingiverse, Adafruit

Not only does this computer case provide a practical use for 3D printing, but it’s also sturdy enough to have water-cooling installed.

Whether you’re looking to build a PC or challenge yourself with your 3D printer, this project checks all the boxes!

• Who designed it: rosinbole
• Core components: Tempered glass, power button, 25-mm fans
• Where to find it: Printables

PC Protection

3D Printed PC Case: The Best Models of 2023

If you have something that requires a controlled temperature, such as a printer using ABS filament or a rare house plant, you might want to invest in a fan for it. This manual fan cover allows you to control the airflow between your enclosure and the outside world by simply twisting the dial.

• Who designed it: Inertpyro
• Core components: 120-mm computer fan, screws with washers
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

There’s nothing worse than running out of filament in the middle of your print. This next project looks to solve this issue for good with your very own filament extrusion machine. The PETamentor2 was designed to take old PET bottles and recycle them into usable PET filament for your 3D printers.

This is a larger project that requires a bit of time when compared to others on this list, though you don’t have to be a veteran maker to get it done. There are four main parts to it: the cutter assembly, power supply wiring, puller assembly, and the thermocontroller setup. Most of the build process revolves around connecting all of your electronics wires, and to ease things, because the build doesn’t use any type of Arduino microcontroller, no programming knowledge is needed.

The entire build process has been documented in a video series linked in the description of the Thingiverse page. Many of the functional parts are 3D printed, while some of the hardware and electronics will need to be purchased. All of the required parts can also be found in a neat list.

• Who designed it: Tofna1
• Core components: Power supply, thermostat, motors, switches, nozzle, screws, and more
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

More on

PET vs PETG: The Main Differences

Robotic arms are pretty useful in places like factories and assembly lines to make difficult and dangerous tasks a lot easier and safer to accomplish. With the help of a 3D printer, you can now build this amazing six-axis robot arm from a few different pieces and some electrical components. Will it be very useful around the house? Probably not. Is it awesome? Definitely.

Before setting out to make this, keep in mind that this build will definitely be a challenge! You should have a good understanding of electronic components and be well-versed in getting hardware and software to work together.

You could face several obstacles during assembly. Some makers have reported gears not fitting together properly among other technical issues, although there are lots of troubleshooting tips going on in the comments from other makers that have also taken on this challenge.

• Who designed it: LoboCNC
• Core components: Stepper motors, an ESP controller, and lots of wiring knowledge
• Where to find it: Printables

Many makers who enjoy 3D printing eventually find themselves interested in CNC machines. Should you be one of those, you can save on costs and build your own CNC machine using 3D printed parts. In this project, the spindle is replaced with a Dremel tool that’s guided on aluminum profiles. The entire build process is documented in a video series that goes over all of the parts needed for assembly.

While this may seem like a tall task at first, 38 makers have already shared their makes of the project on Thingiverse, with even more sharing their completed builds on the Instructables page. This shows both the popularity of this project as well as its replicability.

Additionally, this DIY CNC machine has seen many iterations over the years, with makers remixing the designs and improving upon them. Maker DavidDrancouz has taken all of the most popular upgrades and created a remix that utilizes them all. You can also find mounts for many different types of Dremel tools should you already have one on hand.

• Who designed it: NikodemBartnik
• Core components: Stepper motors, CNC shield, Arduino Uno, power supply, Dremel 3000, 500-W spindle
• Where to find it: Thingiverse, Instructables

Wind turbines are a promising technology for the future of clean energy, and thanks to your 3D printer, you can make one right at home! The design features a fully 3D printed frame as well as blades that can produce around 20 watts, but you also have the option to add more motors and blades that can give you up to 100 watts – more than enough to charge your phone or a few batteries!

If you live in an especially windy area, this could be a fun project!

• Who designed it: oscaralielzaherbuendia
• Core components: Bearings, DC motors
• Where to find it: MyMiniFactory, Instructables, Thingiverse, Printables

Harness The Wind!

The Best 3D Printed Wind Turbines for Your Backyard

It’s time to turn your attention to this fully printed functional mechanical wall clock that ticks all the right gears. The heart of this clock lies in its weight, which provides the gravitational force to power the movement. The weight has been designed as a container with a screw lid, allowing you to fill it with rice or sand.

The standard version, equipped with the smallest reel, will drop the weight at a rate of about 110 cm per hour. For those seeking an extended runtime, an alternative tail feather version is available. The weight descends at a much slower rate, around 10 cm per hour.

It’s recommended to print the clock using a layer height of 0.2 mm and an infill of 10-20%, while the pendulum weight should be printed at 100% infill.

With this project, there are over a hundred files, tolerances to be checked, and an intricate assembly process. Fortunately, the creator has provided detailed project instructions and helpful tips to guide you.

• Who designed it: HaraldAndersson
• Core components: Strong string, silicone spray or lubricant, weights (sand, rice, etc.), glue
• Where to find it: Printables

Print Yourself Some Time

3D Printed Clock: 30 Great Projects to Tell Time

Out of every project on the list, this might be the biggest in terms of printing hours and time commitment. The result is a stunning functional combination vault that can keep your items safe. This passion project was carefully documented, with details on every step of the process linked in Printables.

The designer recommends using PETG for all of the printed parts, likely for the extra give that the material allows for, though some makers have printed their Vaults using PLA entirely.

For the required hardware, you can find all of the part numbers listed in the details as well. While assembly may seem daunting at first, it’s surprisingly straightforward, with plenty of reference images showing how the parts are to be assembled. There’s an optional piggy bank-style top for a fun little twist.

If you run into any issues with your build, check the comments on Printables – the designer has been very active in helping the community resolve any problems they come across and you’ll more than likely find an answer to your question already there.

• Who designed it: EddyTheWizard
• Core components: Various screws and fasteners
• Where to find it: Printables

Can You Solve Them?

3D Printed Puzzle Box: 25 Best 3D Models

Prepare to put your 3D printer to the test with this challenge! This project will push the limits of your machine’s capabilities while helping you fine-tune your settings. It has a print time of around 12 minutes, making it an ideal choice for quickly assessing the precision and performance of your printer.

The goal of this project is to print a continuous vertical pin in the Z direction and add a sphere or cone atop the pin. While printing a cone is a relatively easier option, mastering this challenge may require several attempts and adjustments to your printer’s settings. It’s recommended to start with the default settings and fine-tune them based on your results.

It’s worth noting that the project is available in G-code format, but you can customize your own G-code within the FullControl design library platform.

• Who designed it: FullControl
• Core components: None
• Where to find it: FullControl design library, Printables

This stunning, dynamic project requires some experience and effort, but it’s definitely worth it! The designer suggests a simplified version without the Moon orbiting around the Earth for makers who may be looking for a more straightforward creation – an option that would be just as impressive.

• Who designed it: dragonator
• Core components: Brass rods, 5-V gear motor, bearings
• Where to find it: Instructables

Print the Planets

3D Printed Solar System: 10 Great Orreries & Models

This world map art would be a good addition to any blank or boring wall in your house! The map comes in several pieces, including continents, countries, and even a compass. While it does take a lot of patience and effort to create, the result is totally worth it!

• Who designed it: Andraxis
• Core components: Wooden board or backing, glue
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

Straight from Tony Stark’s lab and into yours! This is a lamp that uses LEDs to simulate the Arc reactor that powered the first Iron Man suits and that Tony inserted into his chest to ensure that his heart wasn’t reached by shrapnel.

Most of the parts, besides the lights and copper coils, are 3D printed. There’s also a stand with the iconic “genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist” etched around the edges. While we don’t recommend inserting this into your chest, it certainly makes an impressive desk ornament or night light!

• Who designed it: Nik_Senecovic
• Core components: LEDs, copper wiring
• Where to find it: Instructables

We Are Groot

Marvel 3D Prints: 15 Best Comic-Inspired Models

A cool gift for car lovers or a challenging project for makers, this fully functioning model is nothing to scoff at. And if you don’t like the included motor-dolly display, you can even print an alternative stand.

• Who designed it: 3D_Printed_Engines
• Core components: Bearings, geared electric motor, power supply, fasteners
• Where to find it: Cults

You’re on your way to work when you feel it: The spray from your tire crawling up your back. We’ve all been there, and it’s never pleasant.

Luckily, Thingiverse user mbellucci has a solution: a mudflap that can be easily adjusted to provide maximum coverage with minimal work. On sunny days, the telescoping mechanism can be retracted, while on wet days it can be extended to keep you and your clothes as dry and clean as possible. And since it comes in multiple pieces, you can find a color scheme or pattern that matches your bicycle.

• Who designed it: mbellucci
• Core components: None
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

Ride in Style

The Best 3D Printed Bike Parts & Accessories of 2023

Whether it’s for cosplay or just because it’s cool, who hasn’t wanted to make an exoskeleton glove? These work great if you need to fit a monstrous prosthetic glove on your hands. Simply print different wrist joints to get one for each hand.

The bonus? The manual includes claws!

• Who designed it: 3DPrintIt
• Core components: Screws
• Where to find it: MyMiniFactory, Thingiverse

Pac-Man’s ghost characters have become immensely iconic over the years, leading to a lot of cool fan creations like these lights! Whether you want to add a pop of color or just love Pac-Man, these lights are a great addition to any desktop.

When adding in the lights, keep in mind that you’ll need to cut a hole for the power cable, as the model doesn’t have one included. Alternatively, one maker suggested using wireless LED lights, which makes these guys nice and portable (though the lights will have to be recharged).

• Who designed it: tksgeo
• Core components: LEDs, USB power supply
• Where to find it: Printables

Want to elevate your beverage experience? Take a look at these naturally beautiful leaf coasters. It includes an assortment of leaf-shaped coasters with three unique leaf designs, three pot variations, and three plant types. To complete your set, you’ll need to print six of your preferred leaf designs, along with one pot and one planting arrangement.

When printing the delicate stems, it’s essential to take extra precautions to avoid breakage. To achieve maximum strength, increasing the infill percentage or the number of perimeters is recommended, especially if your layer adhesion isn’t top-notch. The Tree and Ground arrangements can have lower infill. For extra stability, you can add weights (i.e. rocks or sand) to the bottom of the pot.

• Who designed it: Trilobyte3D
• Core components: Weights (rock, sand, etc.)
• Where to find it: Printables

This project replicates the inner workings of a clock. Not just any clock, but a three-dimensional spinning tourbillon. What does it do? Nothing. What is it for? No idea. Why make it? Simple: Because it’s neat.

• Who designed it: mcmaven
• Core components: USB power supply
• Where to find it: Cults

Things that Spin

3D Printed Planetary Gear: The 20 Best Models of 2023

If you’ve been hoping to 3D print your own lightsaber hilt, look no further! This great design even lights up. With a few wires, an LED, and some patience, you can surprise your friends with the internal workings of your own lightsaber!

Note: It doesn’t actually deflect blaster fire, so don’t try it.

• Who designed it: cworthdynamics
• Core components: 150-mAh LiPo battery, switch, 5-mm LED
• Where to find it: Pinshape, Thingiverse

Give a retro sci-fi twist to the T-Rex skull: Add pistons and bolts, and boom – Terminator Rex. If you’ve got the tools and skills or want to develop them, you can add eyes that glow with a drill, power supply, and a red LED.

• Who designed it: Deep Fri3d
• Core components: LED, power supply needed for glowing eyes
• Where to find it: Pinshape, Thingiverse

Prehistoric Prints

Dinosaur 3D Print: The Best Models in 2024

If you like tending to your garden as much as you do printing fun mechanisms, then this might be the project for you. Based on popular Japanese water features, the Shishi Odoshi “Deer Scarer” is a simple, small-scale 3D printed mechanism.

Requiring a small pump, this fountain fills a weighted pipe to the tipping point from a reservoir. At this point, the pipe pivots, emptying into the reservoir with a small splash before returning to its original position, creating a gentle, consistent noise.

• Who designed it: jelson
• Core components: Vinyl tubing, DC power supply, water pump
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

Shaped to look like something from the 1500s, this is actually a puzzle box that’s concealing a secret compartment.

While we don’t recommend storing valuables inside, it could be a fun place to keep tea (as long as the box is printed in food-safe PLA, of course).

• Who designed it: Loubie3D
• Core components: None
• Where to find it: Instructables, Thingiverse

The James Webb telescope is one of the most important scientific projects undertaken in the last 50 years, bringing the secrets of the universe to our doorstep. An upgrade from the previous Hubble telescope, the James Webb packs more sensors, lenses, and other components than its predecessor because of an ingenious design quirk: it folds. The telescope was packed into the rocket and unfolded like an umbrella when it reached its destination, with each stage being anxiously watched by technicians and astrophysicists across the globe.

While many models of the groundbreaking telescope are available, this design transforms just like its inspiration. This is the perfect item for a coffee table or science lab bench!

• Who designed it: chemteacher628
• Core components: Small wood nails, Mylar foil, magnets, glue
• Where to find it: MyMiniFactory

This beautiful project looks like a clockwork tulip bulb – something cooked up by Herr Drosselmeyer in The Nutcracker, perhaps. A pretty and challenging piece, but one that’s worth the effort.

• Who designed it: ChrisBobo
• Core components: None
• Where to find it: Cults

Go Green!

3D Printed Flowers: Beautiful Models to 3D Print