“Simple Solution To A Big Problem”: 90 Brilliant 3D Printed Creations To Admire While You Struggle To Connect Your Paper Printer

“Simple Solution To A Big Problem”: 90 Brilliant 3D Printed Creations To Admire While You Struggle To Connect Your Paper Printer


Houses, custom cars, food; and even functional blood vessels, a human ear and heart tissue have been built from scratch, thanks to a bunch of innovative people who got their hands on 3D printers. These machines have come a long way since they were first invented in the 80s. And nowadays, they’re a staple at some schools, where children are learning the art of design and manufacturing from a young age.

While some of the older generation are struggling with yet another paper jam at the office, trailblazers are breaking boundaries with what they’re able to create. From prosthetics legs for people and pets, to ‘ear guards’ and bat-suits, people have been showing off their 3D works of art in various dedicated online groups.

Bored Panda has put together an awe-inspiring list of the best ones for you to scroll through while you wait for your boring documents to print.

A boy scout holds 3D printed ear savers made with a 3D printer, helping people use masks comfortably.

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).

GallowBoob Report

A golden retriever dog with a colorful 3D printed prosthetic leg and the prosthetic leg shown among green foliage.

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!

datboi-69x Report

There seems to be no limit to what people are willing to try when it comes to 3D printing. Just recently, scientists announced that they’ve managed to recreate one of the hardest metals on Earth using a new 3D printing technique. It’s a massive breakthrough, and here’s why…

“Tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) is valued because it can withstand intense wear, pressure, and repeated use,” explains Science Daily, adding that it’s ideal for industrial tools. However, adds the site, the material is difficult to shape, expensive to produce, and often requires more raw material than ultimately ends up in the finished component.

The fact that the scientists have found a way to 3D print WC-Co, could be a game-changer. It means less waste and lower production costs while still preserving the strength and hardness that make the material special.

A brown tabby cat playing with an oval-shaped cat toy, an example of brilliant things made with 3D printers.

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.

stonkytonkys Report

A white and orange cup holder, a brilliant thing demonstrating the practical uses of 3D printers, clamped to a desk.

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 !

NeutralAndChaotic Report

In case you’re unfamiliar with how a 3D printer works, the HP site explains that the machine creates a physical object by stacking layer after layer of a particular substance. Almost like making a sandwich…

“Each layer is poured as a liquid. Once the liquid dries or hardens, the next layer is poured on top,” say HP‘s experts. “There are other 3D printing methods, but they work in roughly the same way.”

A modern, green and black 3D printed bird feeder mounted on a fence and disassembled, showing brilliant things from 3D printers.

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!

Sharp_Perception Report

Person in a full Batman costume, showcasing brilliant 3D printers creativity for things they couldn't find.

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.

Grahamkieran22 Report

Various Halloween-themed coasters with witches, a bat, pumpkin, ghost, and zombie created with 3D printers.

Made some Halloween themed coasters that can be printed with a filament swap! Let me know what you think! I really want to design some more of these!

PeachesParty34 Report

Every day, people are pushing the boundaries of 3D printing and surprising us with what can be created. Researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago have even printed artificial mouse ovaries using gelatin. And these weren’t just for show… The team actually surgically implanted the 3D-printed ovaries in seven infertile mice. 

“Of the seven mice that received implants, three mice successfully gave birth to litters of pups,” reports HP. The researchers are hoping this will lay the groundwork for artificial human ovaries to be printed one day, helping infertile people and even cancer patients.

A person wearing a brilliant 3D printed green hand-shaped visor, demonstrating the versatility of 3D printers.

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.

Dry-Pay6654 Report

Colorful modular speakers, brilliant things showcasing the versatility of 3D printers, in green and orange.

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.

Icy_Alternative_1611 Report

Pizza, cheese and chocolate are among the culinary creations coming out of 3D printers nowadays. According to South African-based VEA Foods, 3D food printers use a process similar to traditional 3D printing but with edible ingredients instead of plastic or metal.

“The ingredients, stored in cartridges, are deposited layer by layer, forming complex shapes and patterns,” explains the site. “These ingredients can range from chocolate and icing to mashed vegetables and dough, depending on the desired final product.”

It’s also possible to 3D print food that can later be baked or cooked.

A stylish, two-toned toothbrush holder created with a 3D printer, adding a unique touch to bathroom decor.

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!

MilesTheDistance Report

A person smiling next to a detailed Iron Man suit display, one of many brilliant things created with 3D printers.

Printed on 2x bambu p1s printers in PLA +

For some reason, the 3d print community always assumes I’m a fat lonely man with no life. I’m a woman, happily married to my amazing husband. He supports me printing these lifesize beauties. I work 5x 12 hour shifts a week as a nurse. These are displayed in a spare bedroom im using as my office. My husband has his own office to with what he pleases.

Mk2 Model is from do3d. I 3d modeled the base for printing, no you can’t have it.

Yes iron man is my favorite avenger.

Have a nice day.

[deleted] Report

A practical bag hook 3D printed and attached to a wooden table, demonstrating brilliant things from 3D printers.

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.

Destroier053 Report

A silver citrus juicer resembling a scientific apparatus, squeezing a lemon into a glass, highlighting brilliant 3D printers.

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.

Kainkun Report

Textured dark gray 3D printed stool with an organic shape, viewed from two angles against a concrete floor.

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

In_Praise_0f_shadows Report

An intricately designed silver helmet with a lion's head and a weeping face, made using 3D printers.

I finally finished it, and I’m so happy with the results, just in time for Gladiator II.

Gstudios_art Report

Hands assembling a small 3D printed gingerbread house, with a flat sheet of components labeled Merry Christmas, showing brilliant things made with 3D printers.

I’m printing out a bunch of these on my M5C to send to the kiddos in my family. It’s a quick print and my kids LOVED the test prints.

Autumn_Moon_Cake Report

A telescope set up on a snowy path under a night sky, with an inset of the moon, highlighting brilliant things made with 3D printers.

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.

Lost_Stomach2326 Report

A sleek, modern appliance for a coffee machine, made with 3D printers, featuring a touch control panel.

Hello everyone, I’d like to share an academic project focused on redesigning the Nespresso Essenza XN2140, while preserving its original internal mechanism and capsule system.

One of the main challenges was adapting a new outer shell to fit the existing internal architecture, instead of redesigning the technical components to make the machine lighter or thinner.

The entire prototype was 3D printed using FDM, except for the water reservoir, which was produced in SLA, then sanded, painted and assembled.

I’d especially appreciate insights from those with experience in small appliance development, but all feedback is welcome.

Solecrabt Report

A DIY handheld game console made with 3D printers, shown in assembly steps and completed, playing Zelda.

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 🙂

Federal-Reception394 Report

A set of interlocking orange numbered blocks created with 3D printers.

I don’t know why they love simple low tech puzzles. They are delightful to make.

StarsapBill Report

Various trackers attached to a backpack, including Eufy Security, showcasing brilliant items made with 3D printers.

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.

Bike_Relative Report

A detailed 3D printed map of Lake George, showing brilliant topography and water bodies made with 3D printers.

This was my first big project that I designed from start to finish.

I had many failures along the way, used the wrong glue at first, pieces broke. Learned not to use matte paint when touching up, even if using matte filament

The frame came out great. It was painted a Carmel color, and brushed with mahogany ink to imitate a wood finish.

Jstevens87 Report

A sequence of images showing the process of creating a decorative wall plaque using 3D printers.

Bronze rub finish, doing 2 coats of black first before doing any rub finish,just a plain white resin print fresh off the printer, had the piece out before the storm.

MrHorologist Report

Two views of a colorful 3D printed city model in blue, purple, and white, showcasing brilliant things from 3D printers.

I love Board Games and I have enjoyed making my own version of Cathedral. And now I am looking for something similar, a Game that makes you think and has simple pieces but I can make a version with my own models and make it look cute and fun. I´ve been learning a lot along the process. Any ideas are welcome.
If you like this one I shared it in Makerworld so you can print it.

navalguijo Report

A gray 3D printed digital clock with a charging spot for earbuds, a brilliant thing made with 3D printers.

the shelf for earbuds to charge and the space in the base is for personal items like keys watch whatever it took me 3 month to get to final product it’s not perfect as i wished but I’m very proud to work on something like this as a student in product design field.

ya3am_0 Report

A uniquely designed lamp with a glowing blue cube and red pillars, showcasing brilliant 3D printers.

I recently finished this 3D printed lamp project and wanted to share it here to get your thoughts. The concept is a bit all over the place I add plastic dip to the top of the red support to have so grip I know it’s a bit unconventional, but that’s part of what I like about it. What do you think? Would love any feedback, design suggestions, or ideas for improvement or future versions!

Independent_Poem_343 Report

Two orange and teal 3D printer clamps securely hold wooden pieces, showcasing brilliant things made with 3D printers.

So I’m trying to learn CAD design and 3D printing at the same time. Kind of cool how you can make things available for free on repositories.

Printables has competitions for trivial things like door stops. Fun to try and make new mouse traps.

Here is my first design. Kind of ugly but trying to removethe clutter of traditional door stops.

judasbrute Report

A custom orange and black 3D printed saw guide on a table saw, a brilliant thing made with 3D printers for DIY projects.

The sole plate is replaceable if it gets damaged by a saw cut. I did not design this, kudos to the person who did though, you rock buddy!

CJ-54321 Report

A collage of various 3D printed planters and decorative items, including a tall plant stand and a unique succulent pot, highlighting brilliant things from 3D printers.

I designed this a little bit ago, and I’ve finally returned to it before spring hits to make a few additions, just wanted to show it in all its glory before I make changes

It’s been setup with these same plants for a few months now and the drip holes seem to go pretty well

I wouldn’t call it a beginner print by any means, but I still encourage anyone to give it a go!

Printed on an A1 Mini and can be done with or without an AMS for the platform.

jaayjeee Report

Two holders filled with various colored paints, displaying organized brilliant things made with 3D printers.

I saw these on a YouTube paint tutorial and thought it was a clever way to be able to identify paints when looking for a color.

CJ-54321 Report

A clever 3D printed monitor attachment holding pens and a ruler, optimizing desk space.

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.

Sveshpelmenis Report

A 3D printed wireless charger and a stylish table lamp, brilliant things for home decor made with 3D printers.

So I started designing 3D printed molds to make concrete objects. I started with a basic plant pot and a small catch tray, then I went for a MagSafe charging stand and a lamp.

I was thinking of adding a ring which would go around the whole base of the lamp, which would act as a light dimmer.

What would you improve? What should I build next?

Esialam- Report

Two distinct light shades with intricate patterns, showcasing the brilliant things made with 3D printers.

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.

Easy_Promotion_5178 Report

A before and after image of a floor lamp with a 3D printed mushroom-shaped shade, highlighting brilliant 3D printers.

Go easy on me, i’m just an economist who loves design. i have started trying my hand at making my own pieces and this is my first real prototype. It’s a very simple design, made using two pieces of brushed aluminum, and a 3D printed shade that slots on top. I will be making a mold from the shade for a hollow resin cast so i can replicate it and eliminate the pattern left by the 3D printer (although it does look kinda cool in an unintentional way).

creiglamb Report

A red 3D printed vertical laptop stand holding a black laptop on a desk, demonstrating brilliant 3D printers.

I miss the days of weird, bold and whimsical hardware – especially in the electronics space. ThinkPad is one of those brands that used to have a very distinct aesthetic and endeavored to make an impression with the hardware before UX dominated product design. I attempted to create something that would make the ThinkPad team and designers proud. There are of course functional reasons for making this dock the way I did, but almost as important is the character of the hardware. Hopefully you all find it interesting.

design_build_test Report

A set of stackable, curved stools in blue and orange, an example of brilliant things made with 3D printers.

Hey i made a stool, that is inspired by the organic structures, and Antonio gaudí methods of finding natural equilibrium in structures.

Let me know what you think (The 3D print is a scale model 1:2 ).

Complex_Farmer_1058 Report

A red and white RC hovercraft built with 3D printers rests on a bed, showcasing brilliant things made with 3D printers.

This took 6 weeks of 3D printing 24 hours / 7 days a week. It’s 3 feet by 3 feet and weighs about 20 pounds.

Lorenzmotors Report

An open and closed view of a 3D printed orange and black case, brilliantly storing tools with 3D printers.

Such an amazing model and one of my favourite prints to date!

All credit for the model goes to PjotrStrog on printables

Lecodyman Report

A brilliant 3D printed orange flame-patterned bowl, with a small dragon toy inside, highlighting clever 3D printers.

Iwas intrigued when I discovered PolySmooth Clear PVB with a PolySher. I wanted to see how transparent I could make it!

I did use this through the Bambu AMS system on my P1S (had to respool it. I did many test with settings and stuff before attempting this model I found on Makerworld, scaled up 25%

Figured it’d be a fun multi-material test. These were not printed together, but in 2 separate pieces.

The red is Hatchbox Transparent PLA Red. Could have done a better job there, but still looks cool!

Cobanyte Report

A hand holding a green 3D printed holder with various drill bits, illustrating brilliant things people make with 3D printers.

I needed a holder for my spare bits. It is easy to print and compact.

armykcz Report

A detailed 3D printed knight figurine holding a digital drawing pen, designed for creativity.

Printed this model on the Bambu lab A1, took about 11hrs. Got it from Maker world. Epic level of details!!

akashchopra24 Report

A unique 3D printed desk lamp with an adjustable, articulated design.

Designed, printed and assembled this adjustable desk lamp. Looking for feedback before I publish it.

OneButterscotch2691 Report



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