35 Brilliant 3D Printing Designs That Solve Real Problems
When I first learned about 3D printing, my brain couldn’t wrap my head around it. I used to wonder why we’d need such technology, but when I saw what people in the 3D printing corners of Reddit are making, I totally got it.
There are so many creative, practical uses for this technology that I had no idea about. They all solve a problem, whether it’s a prosthetic leg for a dog or a Batsuit you always wanted. It’s a need, not a want.
Regardless, the creativity shown here is something I envy.
1. When It Is Recommended We All Wear A Mask This Kid Answered A Request From Local Hospitals To Create “Ear Guards”
To help take the pressure off healthcare workers ears from wearing masks all day and made the 3D printing patterns available to everyone (in the comments).
2. I Made These Spikes To Stop “Helpful” People From Grabbing Me Without Consent
3. Peak Laziness Achieved: I 3D Printed A Hand So I Don’t Have To Use My Own
I got tired of the grueling physical labor of raising my arm every time the sun was in my eyes, so I designed a wearable face hand. It features a fully adjustable strap and provides 100% autonomous sun shading.
Is it stupid? Yes. Does it actually work flawlessly? Also yes.
4. In Response To The Caesar Pen Holder, I Present My Kitchen Knife Block!
5. A Wireframe Prosthetic Leg
6. Wife And Kids Kept Stealing My Charger.
7. Looking For Industrial Designers Willing To Help A Thesis Project
Hi everyone! I’m a college student from the Philippines currently working on my thesis project, which involves designing a 3D printed accessible prosthetic solution for tripod (3 legged) dogs.
As part of the research, I’m looking to interview industrial designers who can share their professional insights and perspectives. The interview would be short, purely academic, and conducted online. Having an interviewee from the Philippines would be especially valuable, but designers from anywhere are more than welcome to help. Any guidance would really mean a lot!
8. I Pranked My Family By Secretly Upgrading My Submarine Into A U-Boat!
9. My First Cat Toy
i everyone! Long time lurker on the other sub, and joined here the day it was created. I’ve always wanted to share some of my creations, but was always scared of getting banned or just being such a newbie that it was too embarrassing lol.
Anyways, this is the first cat toy I have ever designed, and thought I would share it for any other cat owners out there. It’s a pretty cool modular design that is quick and easy to print. Let me know what you think of it, and where I could possibly improve on future designs.
As a newbie, all constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.
10. 100% Biodegradable (Pha) Stool That Turns Into Wildflowers
A stool that, as it degrades, turns into wildflowers.
The stool is 3D printed in PHA (not greenwashing PLA), a bacteria-produced material that is 100% biodegradable. Its shape comes from 3D-scanned rocks, while the surface is inspired by fungi and microbial structures.
It sits between the natural and the digital: organic in form, material, and afterlife, but made through a fully digital process.
Inside are seeds and nutrients, allowing the object to slowly break down until what remains is not waste, but wildflowers. (stool will not degrade indoors)
is a concept piece
11. Frog Pen And Brush Holder
12. Thought You Guys Might Appreciate This Little Table I Designed And Built
13. I Overdesigned My Mug Holder
Hope some of you will appreciate it ! I do these design on my spare time and release them for free for 3d printing, input is appreciated. And because I know this sub, I know it can’t be manufactured except with a 3d printer, I also know that you can buy good mug holder in ikea and it’s pointless to add plastic to this cruel world, I also happened to know that hot mug could melt plastic (even tho it doesn’t in this design)…hope we can have healthy discussion about our design and about 3d printing !
14. 3D Printed Newtonian Telescope
Just started learning SolidWorks, and this is the first real thing I’ve made. I designed a 127mm f/7 Newtonian telescope that’s fully 3D-printable (some parts work with CNC wood too) and mounts on a standard camera tripod. It can show Saturn’s rings and lunar craters.
as this is my first build, I’d love any tips or advice from people with more experience in SolidWorks or 3D printing.
15. Tigris Of Gaul Full Helmet Build
I finally finished it, and I’m so happy with the results, just in time for Gladiator II.
16. My Batsuit
I printed my first cosplay suit last year now will be moving onto the mechanical suit but hope u all like my first one from the Batman.
17. Check Out These Articulated Robots I Made (Customisable)
18. 3D Printed Anti-Theft Fake Bluetooth Trackers
Visible trackers increase the perceived risk for thieves. Since theft relies on speed and anonymity, the sight of a tracker creates instant doubt. Most will simply move on to an easier, unprotected target rather than risk being followed or caught.
19. Made My Own Eyewear
20. Simple (3D Printed) Solution Big Problem
Has anyone had the problem to go to a restaurant and don’t have a book to place tour bag.
Sure there are a lot of pieces like this already but I decides to come up with my own that would be just as easy to print.
21. This Is The World’s First 3D Printed Lamp Made Of Discarded Orange Peels
22. Trying To Convince Myself That My 3D Printed Shoes Are Not Just For Looks. That I’ve Designed These Ripples For Flexibility And Grip. But I’m Not Sure I Am Sold On That Myself
23. First Product Design – Rethinking A Smart Speaker
Wanted to design a simple smart speaker enclosure that would sit well on any desk.
This is my first attempt at product design. I’m not formally trained, just building and learning through this, so I’m sure there are things I’m missing.
I’d really appreciate feedback on how this could be improved especially in terms of form, proportions, and overall feel.
24. Do You Like My Desk Lamp?
25. Under Monitor Pen And Ruler Holder
I kept ending up with a cluttered desk and never finding my pens and a ruler when I needed them. So I made this simple under-monitor holder to keep everything off the desk but within easy reach.
26. I Made This Magnetic, Levitating Pen + Holder!
Just finished printing it, and it looks amazing!
27. Modular Birdhouse
Hey fellow birders and makers!
I just uploaded my latest 3D printing model: a multi-species bird house with adjustable entrance holes, removable grid floor, and perforated bottom for increased airflow. Perfect for attracting different types of birds to your yard! Let me know what you think.
And if you’re interested in more wildlife-friendly designs, be sure to check out my other projects, including smart bird feeders that work with Blink security cameras!
28. Just Assembled My First Custom-Designed Watch
29. Thought I’d Share What I’ve Been Working On My Sophomore Year
Trying to think about 3D printing as less of a set process and more of a craft, ended up with some really cool effects as a result. I plan on taking some of these forward into production.
30. Zeroboy Xp – DIY 3D Printed Retropie Handheld
This is a 3D printed handheld emulator I finished a few months ago. It uses a Pi Zero 2W and runs Retropie. It plays GBA/GBC games perfectly.
I just started getting into Industrial Design and DIY electronics this year and this was my first big project. I modeled everything in Autodesk Fusion. The enclosure was 3D printed in ABS, vapor smoothed, primed and painted. I then designed and applied custom decals/logos.
The circuit board that mounts the A/B, Directional, and menu buttons was designed in CAD and then printed using PC filament. Copper rivets were inserted and tactile switches soldered in, controlled by a Pico.
Would appreciate any feedback or questions 🙂
31. Advice I Received
One of the best tips I ever got from a friend: photograph your products at Ikea
If you don’t have time to do a render for your project or if you need some quick contextual shots, the ikea display room already has its scenery, lighting* and props available for great pictures.
This was a toothbrush holder I designed and printed for myself to hold toothbrushes apart from each other. I did some basic touch ups on my phone to get what you see here.
Let me know what you think!
32. My New Strat Is Somewhat Puzzling
33. I 3D Printed, Sanded, Painted A Sep Funnel Stand Based On Juicy Salif!
Took two weeks of on and off working on the project. Sooo much sanding and lots of coats of primer and paint! Printed with the A1 Mini so I had to print in multiple parts.
34. Mount Fuji As A 91 Piece Krypt Style Jigsaw Puzzle
35. My Kid Wanted A Batman Headset Holder. What Do You Think?
