Have you ever finished a 3D print, only to look at your new creation and think, “Now what?” That shiny new printer holds so much potential, but staring at endless online model repositories can feel overwhelming. It’s like having a giant toolbox but not knowing which tool to grab first! Many makers face this exact problem: inspiration dries up, or they only print basic calibration cubes.
Choosing what to print next is a common hurdle. You want projects that are fun, useful, or just plain cool, but sifting through millions of files wastes valuable printing time. We know you want to maximize your machine’s capabilities, not just print the same five things over and over.
This post is your ultimate idea generator! We break down fantastic, diverse projects perfect for any skill level. You will discover fresh inspiration, learn about different types of prints, and finally conquer that “what to print next” anxiety.
Get ready to load up your slicer, because we are diving straight into the best things you can create right now!
Top Things To Print With A 3D Printer Recommendations
- Drumm, Brook (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 281 Pages - 12/08/2015 (Publication Date) - Make Community, LLC (Publisher)
- 【Comprehensive 56-in-1 3D Printing Tool Kit】With 56 essential tools, including a deburring tool with 5 extra blades, wire cutters, hand drill with 10 drills, mini needle file set, plastic and stainless steel spatulas, tweezer set, digital caliper, nozzle cleaning set. this kit equips you for a wide range of post-printing tasks from filament trimming to precision drilling.
- 【Achieve Flawless Prints with Ease】Our high-quality toolkit includes specialized deburring tools and file set to remove imperfections, allowing you to achieve smooth, professional-grade finishes on your 3D prints. Fine-tune dimensions and clear nozzle clogs effortlessly for accurate results every time.
- 【Robust, High Quality Construction】 Crafted from high quality carbon steel, the sharp blades and comfortable grip design ensure reliability and long lasting performance. Many tools are hardened to withstand extensive use, making them perfect for your 3D printing needs.
- [FOR CREATIVE PROJECTS] Create, draw, doodle, and build in 3D with this versatile, high-quality 3D pen. The SCRIB3D P1 enhances spatial thinking, creativity, and artistic skills. Ideal for collaborative projects, handmade creations, decorations, or everyday repairs. The P1 features a stepless speed function for precise control, whether working on detailed designs or faster infill tasks.
- [READY-TO-USE KIT] Includes 3 colors (30 feet) of PLA plastic to keep you Doodling for ages, as well as a power adapter, step-by-step manual, and a free stencil guide. Just plug in, heat it up and enjoy the fun of creating three-dimensional masterpieces. PLA is a versatile, easy-to-use printing plastic that is great for both first time and advanced users.
- [BEGINNER FRIENDLY] Plug the adapter into the back of the pen and choose your filament. The red light will turn on indicating warm up, this will take about 2-3 mins. Double click the forward button to start and feed the filament through the back of the pen. Once the filament has reached the nozzle of the pen, click forward to stop. Press and hold the forward button or double click for a continous flow. Once you have completed your design, press and hold the reverse button to retract filament.
- 👍WHY CHOOSE US? A good piece of work needs a good set of tools, all the accessories of 3d printer tools are made of high quality materials, well made, comfortable to hold and can be used for a long time; AEORUM124 pieces of entry-level 3D printer kits selected by professionals are the perfect hand tools for all the 3D printing professionals, hobbyists and creators.
- 👍HIGH VALUE TOOL KIT: You will get 1x electric rotary tool with 13pcs accessories , 1x deburring tool with 10 steel blades, 5x 3d printer nozzle cleaning kit, 1x 170 wire cutters, 5 sizes of files, 1x hand pin vise with 10pcs drill bits, 2x carving knife with 20pcs blades, 3x sanding sticks, 1x 6-in. long nose pliers, 3x cleaning steel brushes,1x tube cutter, 5x anti-cutting finger cover, set 25 in 1 precision magnetic screwdriver kit, 3piece magnetic nut driver set, etc.
- 👍3D PRINTING TOOL KITS WITH TOOLBAG: 3D printer kit every accessory has its place to help you complete your work quickly and enjoyably; The solid wood tool box with lid is designed with deliberately larger storage space and movable compartments to add and organise more tools and preventing gadgets from getting lost!
- Capillary Flow for Micro Gaps & Cracks: Ultra-thin formula penetrates tight seams and fractures – ideal for high-res models, resin prints and fine detail assembly.
- Designed for All 3D Print Filaments: Bonds reliably with PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, ASA & Nylon – no blooming, warping or residue. Clean finish, strong hold.
- 1.76 oz XXL Size – More Than Standard: Provides extended use for pros and makers – 5× the volume of typical thin CA glues for long-lasting repair capacity.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: What to Print with Your 3D Printer
3D printing is an exciting hobby! You can make almost anything you can imagine. This guide helps you decide what cool things you should print first. We cover what makes a good print and what materials work best.
Key Features to Look For in a Print Project
1. Complexity and Detail
Some prints are easy; others are hard. Look at the model’s complexity. Beginners should start with simple shapes, like a small box or a simple figurine. These models require less time and fewer settings adjustments. Advanced users can try intricate mechanical parts or highly detailed statues.
2. Size and Print Time
Think about how big the object is. Large prints take many hours, sometimes days! If your printer is small, don’t try to print a giant helmet right away. Check the estimated print time before you start. A shorter print time means you can test your printer settings faster.
3. Purpose and Functionality
What do you want the item to do? Is it just for looks (decorative), or does it need to hold weight (functional)? Functional prints—like a phone stand or a replacement knob—need stronger materials. Decorative prints offer more freedom in color and texture.
Important Materials for Your Prints
The material you choose changes everything. Different plastics have different strengths.
- PLA (Polylactic Acid): This is the most popular choice. It is easy to print with and comes in many colors. PLA is great for beginners and decorative items. It breaks down easily if it gets too hot.
- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): This material is tougher than PLA. It resists heat better. Use PETG when you need parts that might be handled often or used near a window.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is very strong and durable. It needs a heated bed on your printer to work well. Many people avoid ABS for beginners because it can smell while printing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Print Quality
A great print doesn’t just happen; you have to set things up right. Bad settings cause ugly prints.
What Makes Prints Look Good:
- Layer Height: Smaller layer heights make the print smoother, like thin sheets stacked neatly. Smaller numbers mean better detail but longer print times.
- Infill Percentage: This is how solid the inside of your print is. A 20% infill is usually strong enough for most items. More infill means more strength but uses more material and time.
- Good Bed Adhesion: The first layer must stick perfectly to the print bed. If it doesn’t stick, the whole print can fail!
What Ruins Prints:
- Stringing: Thin, wispy hairs of plastic appear between parts of the model. This usually means the material temperature is too high or the retraction settings need adjusting.
- Warping: The corners of the print lift off the bed as it cools. This happens a lot with materials like ABS if the print area is too cold.
User Experience and Common Use Cases
Think about why you bought your 3D printer. Most users fall into a few groups:
Hobbyists and Gamers:
These users love printing miniatures, board game accessories (like custom tokens or storage boxes), and small toys. These prints usually focus on detail and fun colors.
Fixers and Organizers:
This group prints things they actually need around the house. Examples include custom drawer dividers, unique cable clips, replacement knobs for appliances, or specialized tools. Functional prints require strong materials like PETG.
Creators and Designers:
These users design their own items. They might print custom jewelry, unique planters, or prototypes for new inventions. They often need to print things that fit together perfectly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 3D Printing Projects
Q: What is the easiest thing to print first?
A: The easiest thing is usually a “calibration cube” or a simple, solid figurine. These test if your printer is set up correctly without wasting much time.
Q: Do I need to paint my 3D prints?
A: No, you do not have to paint them. You can choose filament in any color you like. Painting is only needed if you want a specific look or need to hide layer lines.
Q: How long does an average print take?
A: An average small item, like a keychain or a small tool, might take one to three hours. Larger, detailed items can take ten hours or more.
Q: Should I print things outside?
A: No. Some materials, especially ABS, release fumes that are not healthy to breathe indoors without proper ventilation. Keep printing indoors but in a well-ventilated room, or use safer materials like PLA.
Q: What is “support material”?
A: Support material is temporary plastic scaffolding your printer builds underneath parts of the model that hang in the air. Once the print is done, you break this scaffolding away.
Q: Can I print things that move?
A: Yes! You can print interlocking gears, hinges, or articulated toys all in one piece. The parts must be designed carefully so they don’t fuse together during the print.
Q: What is the best website to find free models to print?
A: Websites like Thingiverse or Printables host millions of free, ready-to-print 3D files shared by other users.
Q: How do I make my prints waterproof?
A: Most standard prints are not perfectly waterproof because of the tiny gaps between layers. You can seal them with a spray-on resin or epoxy coating for full waterproofing.
Q: Can I print metal objects?
A: Not directly with most home printers. Some advanced desktop machines can print “metal-filled” filament, but the final object is usually plastic, not pure metal. True metal printing requires very expensive industrial machines.
Q: Will my print break easily?
A: It depends on the material and the infill. PLA breaks more easily than PETG. A print with 100% infill will be much stronger than one with 5% infill.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!