Prevent Waste With These 15 Excellent End-of-Spool Small Prints
If you don't know what to do with your filament leftovers, check out these small 3D prints and don't let that last meter go to waste!
There’s a strong sense of satisfaction when it comes to cracking open a fresh spool of filament. Aside from the feeling of plentifulness, it’s also in top shape. It hasn’t had a chance to absorb any moisture from the air yet, so there’s no need to worry about the challenges of printing with wet filament. So, slice away and put the printer to work without any trepidation.
On the other side of that coin though is the pain of having those last meters of filament left on a spool. There’s not enough to start a new project, but it feels wasteful to simply throw away the rest. We could store the filament and weld them together with other filament leftovers, but that raises another set of questions. Are they going to be the same color? And how long will the material be stored and aging?
So, what’s the solution? In this article, we’ve got the answer. We’ve prepared a selection of the best small prints to help you make the most of the end of your spool. Whether useful or fun, keep these pre-sliced, and the next time you’re faced with filament leftovers, just print out one of these designs.
And now, let’s check out the selection!
Grandma's Favorite Filament Clip
This small but useful design holds filament tight to the spool, bending a single strand slightly without deforming it. This will help you keep your spools organized and neat.
The designer offers a couple of options: the classic version and a closed version. Based on the comments, many have found the closed version much better than the classic. Regardless of which option you go for, though, the consensus is these clips are great.
In terms of printing, the creator notes that it takes only 6 minutes to print and requires just 1 gram of filament.
- Who designed it? Extrutim
- Where to find it? Printables
Webcam Cover
A webcam cover is an essential accessory for your laptop. Whether for personal or professional use, this cover is a reliable guardian against unauthorized camera access.
This model features an ultra-compact, low-profile design that effectively covers your webcam for privacy. You can easily attach it using double-sided tape, and it will remain securely in place. The design consists of two parts, which allow you to smoothly slide it open and closed. For best results, print with a 0.16-mm layer height and 25% infill.
- Who designed it? pernik
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Screw Measuring Tool
This small and attractive little print is the perfect quick and easy tool to print as your spool is winding up (winding down?) its lifespan. If you’re anything like us, you’ll probably have a bag of screws and other bits and pieces mixed into a bag, and God only knows what’s actually in there.
There will come a time where you have to sort that bag out. This excellent little print will help you them out without the need to eyeball it.
- Who designed it? andres_SLB
- Where to find it? MakerWorld
Spotify Code Keychain
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always personally wanted a keychain that would link somebody directly to Ric Flair Drip on their Spotify. Now finally my dreams have come true. Woo!
This simple little print might finish before the track wraps up, and will always be there to link you directly to one of Mr. Boomin’s finest. Other songs are available, of course, and if you want to spend a little more time creating your own code to your own song, there’s instructions present for that too. Woo!
- Who designed it? Stampabile
- Where to find it? MakerWorld
Small Hex Screwdriver Handle
The Small Hex Screwdriver Handle is a practical gem for any toolbox. Its compact design strikes the perfect balance between functionality and space efficiency. Crafted to be slightly undersized, you can mold the bit into the handle while the plastic is still warm and pliable, ensuring a seamless fit.
The printing process is straightforward. Post-print, press the hex bit into the handle, and roll the opening between your fingers. For those printing multiple handles or seeking a more customized fit, you can scale it up 2-5%. Or, you can scale it up 1-3%, let the handle cool, and then hammer the bit in.
- Who designed it? 4volt
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Chainmail 2.0
This modular design has an interesting appeal. It consists of a part that’s designed to connect with multiples of itself to build larger fabrics. The fact that you can combine them in different colors to create a patchwork gives it quite a bit of design potential.
There are files for a single part and also for batch printing with the parts already positioned together in assembled position. The designer recommends a 0.4-mm nozzle and 0% infill to print it, but as with any design for assembly, it’s smart to start with a few tests to calibrate your printer.
- Who designed it? flowalistik
- Where to find it? Cults, MyMiniFactory, Printables, Thingiverse
Zip Toggle
This part is a creative solution for an everyday issue and may save that damaged backpack you love. It’s a replacement zip toggle that’s designed to connect to any medium- or large-sized zipper whose original toggle has broken off.
This design consists of three parts that are assembled together. It’s recommended to print it in a 0.1-mm layer height with 20% Gyroid infill, and the designer says PLA works well.
- Who designed it? ByteSlinger
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse
Ultralight Glider
Living up to its name, the Ultralight Glider weighs only 2 grams, providing a unique and engaging experience. This featherweight glider delivers gentle flights, perfect for indoor settings. With a swift 15-minute print time, it’s also an efficient way to make the most of the end of a spool.
Printing at a 0.2-mm or 0.3-mm layer height, coupled with the flat surface requirement on the build plate, ensures optimal results. The print-in-place design eliminates the need for supports or brims, streamlining the printing process.
- Who designed it? robotfriend
- Where to find it? Printables
CanMate Soda Cover
Worried you won’t be able to prevent bugs, dust, or curious furry friends messing with your soda? Well, you… can! Ugh. Anyway, download this quick and easy print to add a leak-resisting, foreign object-barring cover to your Dr. Pepper. What’s the worst that could happen?
- Who designed it? Chiafroe
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Pocket Doorstop
When you’re fast approaching the final strands of your TPU spool, consider printing one of these – a pocket-sized door stop. Ambitiously described as “the perfect travel companion” by its maker, this little wedge of rubbery joy is available in three sizes. That should allow you to tackle a range of doors that simply refuse to remain open. Better still, you can take them on any time, any place.
- Who designed it? 3DKimba
- Where to find it? Printables
Digital Number Stencil
This is fun, a stencil that allows you to write perfect digital display numbers. Just like the real thing, you only need to print the one to get the full 0-9 range of numbers – the complete set.
It brings back memories for me of waking up for school in the 1990s, remember those days? Anyway, enjoy this fantastic little end of spool print bound to please artists and creatives. What more can you ask for?
- Who designed it? izzodesign74
- Where to find it? Printables
Whistle
This whistle design is reputed to be very loud! Printing a batch of them for a group trip or an event would certainly not be a waste.
The designer did extensive research on available whistles to develop this concept, so we can expect a high-quality design.
There’s a single version and a double version that you can try out. The designer recommends printing the model with a 0.2-mm resolution and 20% infill, but no supports.
- Who designed it? Scarlet_Engineering
- Where to find it? Cults, Thingiverse
Educational Gear Examples
I’ve got to say, I don’t know all my gears. Maybe if I’d been educated in gears better, I’d have reached the ripe old age of 38 armed with the geary knowledge I needed. Or, that I think I’ll need one day. Maybe.
This curation of prints that demonstrate different gearing mechanisms and the description even highlights their specialities. A wonderful way to educate yourself or others with a tangible little print. What better way to round off a spool?
- Who designed it? osamutake
- Where to find it? Printables
Print-in-Place Foldable Hook
This recently uploaded model is a hook that you can fold when not in use. According to comments, it can hold up to 4-kg loads when printed in PETG.
Be aware that it’s a print-in-place design, so it’s better to check the tolerance of your printer before giving it a shot. There are two STL files available; one has a larger tolerance than the other. Try printing it with a 0.2-mm resolution and 30% infill.
- Who designed it? Dmawzx
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Bolt & Screw Handles
3D printing enthusiasts are often adept at DIY projects. So, it’s probably the case that tools, wrenches, nuts, and bolts are always around. If you’ve got some leftover filament, why not print some handles for them?
There are four kinds of handles available in all sizes, from M3 to M6 bolts and nuts. The designer doesn’t offer any printing tips, so give it a try with a 0.2-mm resolution and 30% infill.
- Who designed it? Remi-Rafael
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
License: The text of "Prevent Waste With These 15 Excellent End-of-Spool Small Prints" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.