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
- [A GIFT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY] Create, Draw, Doodle, and Build in 3D with this affordable yet high grade 3D pen. The new SCRIB3D P1 3D Pen helps improve spatial thinking, creativity and artistic skills. Great for quality family time and as a practical tool for making handmade gifts or decorations, or for everyday fixes around the home. The P1 Pen features a stepless speed function designed for optimal speed control no matter the task - whether slower intricate projects or faster infill work.
- [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.
- 【Upgraded 68-in-1 3D Printer Tools Kit, 1-Year Warranty】Designed by a Team of 15-Year 3D Printing Enthusiasts, the kit includes all essential tools. From wire cutters to needle-nose pliers, it cuts and trims PLA and other filaments precisely and fast. From high-quality hand drill with 10 drill bits to 5 types of metal files, your 3D printing range expands to a wide variety of materials. Upgraded durable 900D Oxford fabric with orange tags for quick and easy organization.
- 【Scrapers for Flawless Removal 3D Printed Models】One Stainless Steel removal scraper features a 15-degree angled (0.5mm thickness, 1.57-inch length), providing optimal leverage and precision, perfect for models like 3D printed dragon eggs and ideal for PETG, ABS, PLA+. The smaller orange scraper, with 10 extra-thin flat blades, offers pinpoint accuracy, making it ideal for removing small models with precision, such as 3D printed toys.
- 【1 Deburring Tool & 10 HSS BS1010 Swivel Blades】Our model polishing tools include 3 engraving knives with 9 types of blades, 5 different metal files and a 360° swivel-head deburring tool. This deburring tool conforms to uneven shapes, surfaces, edges, and ideal for PETG, ABS, PLA+ 3D printed models. Additionally, we add 10 EXTRA razor-sharp BS1010 blades made of tempered high-speed steel. HSS is known for being stronger and lasting 80% longer than regular steel.
- 【3D Printer Tools Expedite Your Workflow, 1-Year Warranty】Designed and Selected by a 15-Year 3D print enthusiasts team, this kit includes all essential tools. We have MK8 Brass Nozzles x 2, Nozzles Cleaning Needles × 5, Brushes × 2, Small Multifunctional Wrench x 1, 45# Steel Removal Scraper x 1, Razor Spatula x 1 plus Blades x 11, Files x 5, Engraving Knife x 1 plus Blades x 6, Tweezers x 2, Wire Cutter x 1, ensuring a successful 3D model-building experience. Pro tools, better price.
- 【Nozzle Cleaning & Replacing One-Station Solution】To avoid filament inconsistent extrusion caused by a clogged nozzle, we prepare 5 different types of cleaning needles, (0.2mm, 0.25mm, 0.3mm, 0.35mm, 0.4mm). Moreover, 2 EXTRA Premium 3D Printer MK8 Brass Nozzles (0.2mm, 0.4mm) suitable for most 1.75mm PLA/ABS filament 3D printers. In addition, 2 types Metal and Nylon cleaning brushes, tweezers are added for precision cleaning.
- 【2 Types of Removal Scrapers for Flawless Prints】To remove different-sized prints without damaging the print bed, the kit includes 2 types of removal scrapers. One scraper features a Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Blade for maximum leverage and fast removal, perfect for medium to large models like 3D printed dragons, ideal for PETG, ABS, PLA+. The smaller scraper with 10 extra-thin flat blades offers pinpoint accuracy, making it perfect for removing small models with precision like 3D printed toys.
- [NOTE] PLA comes in multiple colors, but this printer supports single-color printing only. Multi-color designs can be created by printing separate parts and assembling them
- A Home Toy Factory with Endless DIY Fun: This mini 3D printer brings a toy factory home, helping families make new toys without extra store trips. With access to 20,000+ human-reviewed and print-tested models (1,000+ added weekly), plus 16 mini and 2 premium design modules, kids can create age-appropriate characters, accessories, decorations, and DIY projects right at home. It’s a smart long-term educational gift that inspires creativity and keeps kids engaged
- AI-Powered Creativity Made Simple: This AI 3D printer lets kids bring their imagination to life. With AI Doodle, children can create custom 3D models using voice, text, or image prompts—no design skills required. AI MiniMe transforms photos into fun cartoon-style 3D figures, while MINIMAKIE enables kids to design personalized avatars, DIY toys, and unique creations. A built-in AI assistant provides guidance for a smooth and enjoyable creative experience
- Vivid Multi-Color Printing: Bring your creations to life with vibrant, multi-color prints. This printer supports up to 4 colors simultaneously, giving you endless creative possibilities.
- 1-Click Auto Leveling: Enjoy smooth, uninterrupted prints with the advanced 1-Click Auto Leveling feature that automatically calibrates your print bed for optimal results every time.
- Ultra-Fast 12X Printing Speed: The AD5X features a Core XY structure with speeds up to 600mm/s and acceleration of 20,000mm/s². Its stable design boosts both efficiency and print quality, making it ideal for rapid prototyping and batch production.
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!