Designer Spotlight: Erin Balogh (3DPmom)
Whether you're looking for fidgets for kiddos or you want to be dazzled by 3D prints, check out 3DPmom's Designer Profile and designs!
If you’ve got kids or have 3D printed models for your friends’ children, you’ll have come across Erin Balogh (3DPmom). Her carrot garden fidget toy has around 7,500 downloads on Printables, while the mini paper bag lanterns – ideal for cute Halloween decor – have over a hundred makes and were awarded in Printables’ 2023 Halloween contest. Plus, the rocket with boosters and pixel pineapple fidget are featured on MakerWorld and have thousands of downloads and makes each. You can even find some approving toddlers showing off their toys!
Erin’s also created a fun St. Patty’s Sling Puck Game and dazzling Pot O’ Gold Slinky. How many times have we watched the videos of their creation and use? Many. How could we not! From great color choices to designs that are proven to work, Erin’s putting in the work to dazzle her followers and supporters.
Let’s learn more about her and her creative process!
Q&A
All3DP: Tell us a little about yourself – what’s your background?
Erin: I was an ER nurse for 10 years before inventing a product called the Hot Iron Holster. Through that process I became intrigued with CAD design and using 3D printing for prototyping. I purchased my first 3D printer in 2017 and taught myself Fusion by experimenting and watching YouTube.
How do you get the ideas for your designs?
I am creativity inclined and have had to learn engineering. Coming up with new ideas is the best part of designing and I often find that one idea leads to another. I like designing prints that move and have a little something extra in their form and function.
How much does the technical side of 3D printing (e.g. supports, a design that requires assembly or one that’s printable in one piece) come into play when you’re designing? Or is your designing entirely independent from 3D printing and you later figure out how they work together best?
The technical side is integrated into my design process. I’m constantly thinking “How are my overhangs? How are my tolerances? How do I make it more simple or less complicated? How much filament will this use and how much waste do I have”? There is a lot to consider.
Of all the things you’ve created, which are you most fond of and why?
My booster rocket and carrot garden are favorites. The way they expand when picked up is unexpected and it’s fun to see peoples’ reactions when they play with them for the first time. Parents say their toddlers will look under the table trying to find the rest of the carrot!
If you could step back in time and give yourself some advice from the beginning, what would it be?
Be brave and try new things even if you have no prior knowledge. Never stop learning and recover from mistakes quickly. Lastly, take the time to learn how to adjust your support settings to make them easier to remove so you don’t end up in the ER!
Rapid Fire
- Favorite CAD software? Autodesk Fusion
- Favorite slicer? Bambu Studio
- Favorite 3D printer? Bambu Lab A1
- Favorite filament material to print with? PLA, but have been using TPU more and want to create more designs for it
- Favorite filament brand? Bambu Lab, Polymaker
Find Her On
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License: The text of "Designer Spotlight: Erin Balogh (3DPmom)" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.