3D printing is a technology that can create physical objects from digital models. It can be used for various purposes, such as prototyping, art, education, entertainment, and more. In this post, we will show you 9 things you can 3D print for your family, using a consumer-grade desktop FDM 3D printer or a 3D pen. These are some examples of how you can use 3D printing to make your life more fun, creative, and convenient.
1. DIY a Bluetooth Speaker with 3D Printed Enclosure
If you are not satisfied with the speakers in the market, why not make your own? You can design and print a custom enclosure for your speaker, using different colors and patterns to suit your taste.
For example, this maker created a compact Bluetooth speaker with a white skeleton and yellow honeycomb panels. He also added two small parts in red and blue on the front surface. The result is a classic and lively speaker that stands out from the crowd.
You can assemble the speaker with components from other speakers, or buy them online. The sound quality may not be as good as wooden speakers, but the pleasure of DIY is priceless.
2. Cast Paper Flower Sculpture from 3D Printed Mold
If you are into paper art, you can use 3D printing to make molds for your paper sculptures.
For example, this artist used Blender to create a 3D model of a grape hyacinth flower, and then printed the mold with PLA filament. She then cast the flower from the mold with wet paper pulp, and let it dry.
The mold was not sanded, so the layer lines of the 3D print are visible on the paper cast. This creates a unique texture and style for the sculpture. You can use different colors and shapes of paper to make your own paper flowers.
3. 3D Print a Slow Feeder Bowl with Food-Safe PLA
If you have a dog, you may want to slow down its eating speed to prevent digestive issues.
A slow feeder bowl is a bowl that has obstacles or partitions that make the dog work harder to get the food. You can 3D print your own slow feeder bowl with food-safe PLA, a type of biodegradable plastic that is safe for contact with food.
For example, this dog owner designed a simple but interesting slow feeder bowl for her pet. The bowl has the dog’s name raised on the bottom, which acts as the obstacle for the dog to get the food. You can customize the bowl with your dog’s name and favorite color.
4. 3D Print a Roasted Toast Toy for Bread Lover
If you love bread, you may also love this roasted toast toy.
This maker used Nomad, a 3D modeling app, to create a toast with arms and legs. She then printed the toast with PLA filament, and painted it with acrylic paints.
The toast looks like it has been roasted to the perfect condition, with a golden crust and a soft inside. You can use this toy as a decoration, a keychain, or a gift for your bread-loving friends.
5. Custom a Nintendo Switch Dock in Candy Colors
If you or your family is a pink fanatic and also a Nintendo Switch player, you may want to try this 3D-printed dock.
The dock can hold the game console in a suitable angle and make it look like a little TV. It also has the iconic logo of Nintendo on the front, and you can customize it with names and messages.
The dock is printed with pink PLA filament, but you can choose other candy colors to match your preference. The dock is easy to assemble and use, and it can add some sweetness to your gaming experience.
6. Colorful Potted Plants Made with a 3D Pen
A 3D pen is a device that can extrude heated plastic filament, which hardens quickly, allowing you to draw 3D objects in the air.
You can use a 3D pen to make colorful potted plants, without the need of watering or sunlight. For example, this user created a gradient effect by cutting different colors of filament and arranging them in the pen. The filament melted and blended naturally, creating a beautiful transition of colors.
You can use this technique to make different kinds of plants, such as cacti, succulents, flowers, and more.
7. FDM 3D Print Laptop Vertical Stand
If you want to save some space on your desk, you can 3D print a vertical stand for your laptop. A vertical stand can hold your laptop upright, reducing its footprint and improving its ventilation.
You can design and print a stand that fits your laptop model and size, using PLA or ABS filament. For example, this maker made two vertical stands, one for Thinkpad and one for Macbook.
You need to measure the thickness of your laptop carefully, and adjust the width of the stand accordingly. You can also attach anti-slip stickers on the bottom of the stand, to prevent it from sliding or scratching your desk.
8. 3D Print Kujou Jolyne Butterfly Decoration
If you are a fan of anime, you may want to 3D print some decorations inspired by your favorite characters. For example, this maker loves Kujou Jolyne, the main character in the anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean.
She learned 3D modeling with Blender, and printed a butterfly with Jolyne’s face and hair on it. She then painted the butterfly with acrylic paints, and added some glitter and rhinestones to make it sparkle.
The butterfly is a symbol of Jolyne’s stand, Stone Free, which can turn her body into strings. You can use this decoration as a wall hanging, a necklace, or a gift for your fellow fans.
9. Wall Mount for Remote Control, Sensor Light, Gateway and Thermometer
Are you troubled with finding the remote control from a mess of objects? 3D printing can help you organize them on the wall.
You can customize wall mounts for each gadget you often use, such as remote control, sensor light, gateway, thermometer, and more. You can print the wall mounts with PLA or ABS filament, and attach them to the wall with screws or adhesive tape.
This way, you can easily access your gadgets, and prevent them from being lost or hidden by your child or cat.
Conclusion
These are some of the things you can 3D print for your family, using a consumer-grade desktop FDM 3D printer or a 3D pen. 3D printing can help you create personalized, functional, and artistic objects that can enhance your life. If you want to try 3D printing, but don’t have a 3D printer or a 3D pen, you can use FacFox’s 3D printing services for consumer products. FacFox is a professional 3D printing company that can print your designs with high quality and fast delivery. You can choose from a variety of materials, colors, and finishes, and get your 3D printed products shipped to your door. Whether you want to make a gift, a decoration, a gadget, or anything else, FacFox can help you turn your ideas into reality. Visit their website to learn more and start your 3D printing journey.