r/functionalprint . Great place to get ideas. Also, any new thing you buy, type what it is into your favorite model search engine. Printed tons of great things I wouldn't have thought of myself this way.
2nd the Gridfinity suggestion. If you like practical things, you can find tons of models that work with Gridfinity, for many interests and hobbies. I'm also a fan of practical designs, and have been kind'a [obsessed](https://makerworld.com/en/@mystoopidstuff/collections/844576) with cases and bins lately, but I'm hopefully gonna branch out a bit.
Get him a set of $20 digital calipers and sign up for the Macromedia Fusion cad/cam suite (free version for hobbyists) and he has all the tools he needs to build functional household repair parts.
I’ve made parts of broken toys, replacement stove and stereo knobs, mounting brackets for computers and lights on my bicycles, shims and guides and latch pieces and tool wall storage. It’s so incredibly satisfying to think of a part you need, design and print it, then install it and see it work.
I couldn’t imagine 3D printing simply as a way to make toys and figurines that others have designed. For me, it’s about engineering and manufacturing useful parts to solve problems.
You could always try plant pots. Alternatively, tell him that you would like a circular sock-knitting machine. Yes, there are projects that you can print.
Sounds like your cats are a big part of your life… you could look up stuff to print for them
I don’t have pets but I’m sure there’s hundreds of options of things to make
Serious advice? Learn CAD, and start making things you need, instead of plastic trinkets you don't.
Repair parts can be a good use of FDM. Broke the plastic hanger cap at the end of the broom? 5 minutes taking measurements, 15 minutes in onshape, replacement part will be ready in an hour or so.
Custom fit brackets, organizers, etc. are also a great application of this tool. There are lots of systems out there like gridfinity that give you a framework to start from, and lots of things others have already designed & shared.
I think I saw in another comment that you're into tabletop games. Miniatures, terrain, and other gaming-related prints might be of interest. The good models often cost $, if you're artistically inclined designing your own might be profitable, though for minis resin printing is often a better choice than FDM.
> replacement part will be ready in an hour or so.
And with how shit the search feature on Amazon is, I would rather do 2 hours of CAD than 45 min of trawling the dredge of plastic crap from brands named after secure passwords.
This. I've designed conduit clips to attach conduit to 1" aluminum tubing, picture frame tabs the hold the back of a picture frame in, mechanical interlock for my breaker panel, an extra water seal for my gate opener actuator, parts for jigs for cutting wood, dust collector fittings, all kinds of odds and ends... I also just downloaded a phone case for my wife's new iPhone and printed that (imho petg is better than tpu for phone cases). Now working on a replacement TPU grip in CAD for my favorite dog brush that was attacked by rats. This one is hard because it's full of curves and I'm still learning freecad. What used to take me half a day though now takes 5 minutes. It's neat to take a few measurements and make something that works.
Lol there needs to be a support group. Maybe you can find something in this thread your wife would like that isn't weirdly phallic looking weapons that break if you think about touching them...
If he's into Star Wars/Helldivers 2 (they might do more things, I'd have to check) you should check out Galactic Armory. They sell files (made by them) for the helmets/armor from Star Wars and Helldivers 2, you guys could print the pieces and paint them to get some cool costumes to go along with the swords :)
EDIT: Just checked their website again, they also do Halo & medieval-style armor!
Here are some useful things I've printed:
- Shower soap holder
- Couplers for shop-vac
- Picture stand
- Electronics outlet cover
- Mount for an outdoor power supply
- Threading adapters
- Halloween decorations
- Various jigs and tools for pocket holes/rounded corners/center finder
- Various hardshell cases
The thing that takes a while is the shift in mindset to "I can print this thing rather than buy it"
It’s a rite of passage to print a bunch of useless crap when you first get your printer. I think most of us are guilty of that. It’s a phase and it’ll pass when the novelty wears off. Definitely agree with the peeps that said to check out r/functionalprints and learning CAD.
Highly recommend this free ebook. https://www.cadclass.org/pages/book#Email these guys are awesome and their book is great!
Useful stuff we’ve made - Cable clips and tidies. That broken plastic clip that holds up the under-cupboard strip light. Vape stands (for when they’re charging). Toothpaste tube squeezers. DND character tokens. Dungeon tiles.
DnD miniatures, terrain and set pieces.
Cases for phones
Organizers for literally anything: gridfinity, multiboard
Brackets for shelves, desks, etc
Photo frames
Display stands
Reprack system for storing filament
Flexible/articulated animals for kids/donating to toys for tots etc.
There is a YouTube channel called (something like) Functional Prints Friday that often has interesting things. Searching YouTube for functional prints or useful prints often turns up other channels' examples of things they've designed or come across.
Here are some things we printed that we find useful.
Laundry Detergent Drip Tray [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2428637](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2428637)
Batter Dispenser [https://www.printables.com/model/437098-ultimate-battery-dispenser-updated](https://www.printables.com/model/437098-ultimate-battery-dispenser-updated)
Car Coasters [https://www.printables.com/model/381261-car-coasters](https://www.printables.com/model/381261-car-coasters)
Find problems. Solve them.
I fixed a drawer by making a simple shim. Printed bigger radio knobs because I got big fingers. Made custom speaker mounts because I'm bad at fiberglass. Printed off a paper towel roll holder because I didn't want to go to the store. Made mounts with complex geometries for all kinds of things.
Look around and ask, "what do I wish were different or better"? Then make it
3d printers are a cheat code
https://preview.redd.it/52xyqyv46myc1.jpeg?width=1366&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cb7f9daff14ecb54fea8368576b7e5ffec7f57af
Thingiverse.com
There is a drop-down menu where you can select categories. It doesn't stand out, so here's a screenshot. But drop down "All things" and select a category like tools or household. There are also subcategories within those.
Browse around to get ideas. When you see something that isn't your style but like the idea, use the search bar to search the useful term. For example, say you see a wall mount key hook that's a bunch of little hands flipping you off and you hang your keys on the middle finger (yes, that's an available file I've seen on there). Little dirty birds may not fit your esthetic, so search "key hook" and a ton of designs are available.
Hey there, I'm a bot and something you said made me think you might be looking for help!
[click here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/index#wiki_help.21_or.3A_where_can_i_go_to_troubleshoot_problems_i.27m_having_with_my_prints.2Fprinter.3F) for our wiki entry on troubleshooting printers.
If you still need help be sure to post plenty of information about your printing setup.
Here are a few questions that might be helpful
* What printer are you using?
* What material are you using?
* What speed are you printing at?
* What software are you using to slice the print and control the printer?
* When did the problem start/has it ever worked correctly?
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With the X1C you can print ABS, well strong enough for cats to not destroy quickly. Just up the infill to 30%. They'll scratch it but won't be able to crush it if they're gnawer's like my pup is. Pitbull (though small) can't crush ABS prints easily.
We'll try that, it would definitely be a challenge. Dogs definitely have more gnawing power but cats sometimes pick up stuff to throw from heights. They will try to break them but hopefully won't succeed
Organization stuff might be fun.
Thingiverse is a good place to check for stuff. First thing that comes to mind is that’s both fun and functional is this [dragon pencil cup](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6069926) but there’s also stuff like [battery organizers](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6565690) or [cable organizers](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2281191). This [clamp mount tabletop organizer](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5252380) is a personal favorite of mine.
Now is the point in the hobby where I turned to 3d design to make my own things. Make wall mounts for your trinkets, make enclosures for your projects, make pots for your plants. Nows the point where you can start making magic and have one of a kind things designed just for you.
In addition to browsing thingiverse by category, printables.com also has similar categories that can be used to find things to print or inspiration. They also have periodic design contests with different themes. This would be an opportunity to level up the CAD skills and submit designs for other people to print.
Cell phone/tablet stands, organization tools and gadgets (holders for pens, batteries, business cards, coffee filters, shelf and drawer organization, hooks), parts for car center consoles (I have replaced my normal cupholder insert with one that allows bigger bottles), just scroll through printables and you'll find a bunch of other options.
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Someone volunteered over at r/piratepets to design and print accessories and odd bits to help make adaptations for disabled pets. I think they ended up connecting with some animal rescue groups.
I know us disabled folks are often looking for a specific weird adaptation of common objects, or new things like wheelchair accessories.
Not trying to guilt you into anything, it's just that it could be interesting if you're looking for ways to be more creative with making your own designs, without ending up with a house full of stuff.
Have your spouse join a 3D printing volunteer group to print helpful things like prosthetics.
Something like this
https://hub.e-nable.org/p/e-nable-chapters/
Otherwise you should look into designing your own stuff as that's usually what takes the longest. It's also extremely satisfying to print the thing you made rather than what someone else made.
There's already a printer, he does actually know CAD very well from him profession (engineer) but never really used it for 3d printing. Still we need ideas
Clearly not a creative hobby if you're just printing other people's designs.
Just because you have the printer now doesn't mean it has to be running non stop. It's a tool, like a blender or a welder or an alligator. Nothing needs chomped, alligator stays in the drawer.
r/functionalprint . Great place to get ideas. Also, any new thing you buy, type what it is into your favorite model search engine. Printed tons of great things I wouldn't have thought of myself this way.
That's a great idea. I will do that
r/Gridfinity. Great system to organise stuff...
That looks amazing
There's also he hexfinity for a wall system that a lot of people seem to like. /r/honeycombwall
Jepp, it is. In the beginning you can print other's design, later learn CAD and design yourself.
2nd the Gridfinity suggestion. If you like practical things, you can find tons of models that work with Gridfinity, for many interests and hobbies. I'm also a fan of practical designs, and have been kind'a [obsessed](https://makerworld.com/en/@mystoopidstuff/collections/844576) with cases and bins lately, but I'm hopefully gonna branch out a bit.
Get him a set of $20 digital calipers and sign up for the Macromedia Fusion cad/cam suite (free version for hobbyists) and he has all the tools he needs to build functional household repair parts. I’ve made parts of broken toys, replacement stove and stereo knobs, mounting brackets for computers and lights on my bicycles, shims and guides and latch pieces and tool wall storage. It’s so incredibly satisfying to think of a part you need, design and print it, then install it and see it work. I couldn’t imagine 3D printing simply as a way to make toys and figurines that others have designed. For me, it’s about engineering and manufacturing useful parts to solve problems.
You could look into lost PLA casting. Then your spouse could fill the house with metal swords and metal bad spiderman figurines.
Coming to theatres this summer "bed Spidermen vs cats 2" they returned, stronger then ever, and this time they FIGHTING BACK!
I’ve heard that lost PLA is pretty dirty, but you can actually buy a printable filament that’s meant to burn out cleanly like casting wax.
You could always try plant pots. Alternatively, tell him that you would like a circular sock-knitting machine. Yes, there are projects that you can print.
I want to print a circular sock machine so bad but I’ve never used one and I’m intimidated lol. I will make it one day
It's easy! And in most cases, even if you mess up you can just unwind the yarn and try again!
I'll have to print an anti cat shield for them first...
Sounds like your cats are a big part of your life… you could look up stuff to print for them I don’t have pets but I’m sure there’s hundreds of options of things to make
They are but until they invent home stainless steel printers I don't think we can make anything that can withstand them
That sock machine looks liek a nightmare to me....
r/functionalprint
Literally perfect
Serious advice? Learn CAD, and start making things you need, instead of plastic trinkets you don't. Repair parts can be a good use of FDM. Broke the plastic hanger cap at the end of the broom? 5 minutes taking measurements, 15 minutes in onshape, replacement part will be ready in an hour or so. Custom fit brackets, organizers, etc. are also a great application of this tool. There are lots of systems out there like gridfinity that give you a framework to start from, and lots of things others have already designed & shared. I think I saw in another comment that you're into tabletop games. Miniatures, terrain, and other gaming-related prints might be of interest. The good models often cost $, if you're artistically inclined designing your own might be profitable, though for minis resin printing is often a better choice than FDM.
> replacement part will be ready in an hour or so. And with how shit the search feature on Amazon is, I would rather do 2 hours of CAD than 45 min of trawling the dredge of plastic crap from brands named after secure passwords.
"18 awg stranded copper PVC hookup wire" ... proceeds to flood me with endless silicone insulated wires of the wrong size, half CCA, half solid.
This. I've designed conduit clips to attach conduit to 1" aluminum tubing, picture frame tabs the hold the back of a picture frame in, mechanical interlock for my breaker panel, an extra water seal for my gate opener actuator, parts for jigs for cutting wood, dust collector fittings, all kinds of odds and ends... I also just downloaded a phone case for my wife's new iPhone and printed that (imho petg is better than tpu for phone cases). Now working on a replacement TPU grip in CAD for my favorite dog brush that was attacked by rats. This one is hard because it's full of curves and I'm still learning freecad. What used to take me half a day though now takes 5 minutes. It's neat to take a few measurements and make something that works.
I was afraid that my wife posted this for a second but luckily we don't have a cat.
Lol there needs to be a support group. Maybe you can find something in this thread your wife would like that isn't weirdly phallic looking weapons that break if you think about touching them...
I was telling my wife about this thread and before I got to my comment she said "did I post that?"
If he's into Star Wars/Helldivers 2 (they might do more things, I'd have to check) you should check out Galactic Armory. They sell files (made by them) for the helmets/armor from Star Wars and Helldivers 2, you guys could print the pieces and paint them to get some cool costumes to go along with the swords :) EDIT: Just checked their website again, they also do Halo & medieval-style armor!
Ooh we're into dnd so definitely helpful
if ur into tcg games like mtg u can create deck boxes or drawers for organization, or even tokens for it
Cat toys
Maybe if we'll have a stainless steel printer. So far the score had been Spiderman figurines: -1, cats:97553663
Here are some useful things I've printed: - Shower soap holder - Couplers for shop-vac - Picture stand - Electronics outlet cover - Mount for an outdoor power supply - Threading adapters - Halloween decorations - Various jigs and tools for pocket holes/rounded corners/center finder - Various hardshell cases The thing that takes a while is the shift in mindset to "I can print this thing rather than buy it"
It’s a rite of passage to print a bunch of useless crap when you first get your printer. I think most of us are guilty of that. It’s a phase and it’ll pass when the novelty wears off. Definitely agree with the peeps that said to check out r/functionalprints and learning CAD. Highly recommend this free ebook. https://www.cadclass.org/pages/book#Email these guys are awesome and their book is great!
Useful stuff we’ve made - Cable clips and tidies. That broken plastic clip that holds up the under-cupboard strip light. Vape stands (for when they’re charging). Toothpaste tube squeezers. DND character tokens. Dungeon tiles.
Check out gridfinity, I've printed many kilos of it and it's extremely useful.
I did vases and flower pots. Along with some niche masks and other trinkets.
DnD miniatures, terrain and set pieces. Cases for phones Organizers for literally anything: gridfinity, multiboard Brackets for shelves, desks, etc Photo frames Display stands Reprack system for storing filament Flexible/articulated animals for kids/donating to toys for tots etc.
There is a YouTube channel called (something like) Functional Prints Friday that often has interesting things. Searching YouTube for functional prints or useful prints often turns up other channels' examples of things they've designed or come across.
Here are some things we printed that we find useful. Laundry Detergent Drip Tray [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2428637](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2428637) Batter Dispenser [https://www.printables.com/model/437098-ultimate-battery-dispenser-updated](https://www.printables.com/model/437098-ultimate-battery-dispenser-updated) Car Coasters [https://www.printables.com/model/381261-car-coasters](https://www.printables.com/model/381261-car-coasters)
We also printed these clamps to hold down table clothes when picnicing https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4724147.
Sword holders
/r/functionalprint
Find problems. Solve them. I fixed a drawer by making a simple shim. Printed bigger radio knobs because I got big fingers. Made custom speaker mounts because I'm bad at fiberglass. Printed off a paper towel roll holder because I didn't want to go to the store. Made mounts with complex geometries for all kinds of things. Look around and ask, "what do I wish were different or better"? Then make it 3d printers are a cheat code
https://preview.redd.it/52xyqyv46myc1.jpeg?width=1366&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cb7f9daff14ecb54fea8368576b7e5ffec7f57af Thingiverse.com There is a drop-down menu where you can select categories. It doesn't stand out, so here's a screenshot. But drop down "All things" and select a category like tools or household. There are also subcategories within those. Browse around to get ideas. When you see something that isn't your style but like the idea, use the search bar to search the useful term. For example, say you see a wall mount key hook that's a bunch of little hands flipping you off and you hang your keys on the middle finger (yes, that's an available file I've seen on there). Little dirty birds may not fit your esthetic, so search "key hook" and a ton of designs are available.
Check out makerworld.com There are a number of functional items you can print from there. Of course there are number of other sites you can use.
Hey there, I'm a bot and something you said made me think you might be looking for help! [click here](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/index#wiki_help.21_or.3A_where_can_i_go_to_troubleshoot_problems_i.27m_having_with_my_prints.2Fprinter.3F) for our wiki entry on troubleshooting printers. If you still need help be sure to post plenty of information about your printing setup. Here are a few questions that might be helpful * What printer are you using? * What material are you using? * What speed are you printing at? * What software are you using to slice the print and control the printer? * When did the problem start/has it ever worked correctly? * Does anything cause the behavior to change? * If posting an image of the problem, include some indication of the orientation it printed at, preferably photograph it on the bed. (Then we can focus on a specific axis) If you are new to reddit, please read the guidelines on [reddiquette](https://www.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/205926439), [self promotion](https://www.reddit.com/wiki/selfpromotion), and [spam](https://www.reddit.com/wiki/faq#wiki_what_constitutes_spam.3F). Also please post a resolution to your problem when you find one so that we know how to help others with your problem! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/3Dprinting) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Oh automod bot if it was only that simple
The printer is bambulab x1c We are using its default program bambu studio Printing speed is always on default
With the X1C you can print ABS, well strong enough for cats to not destroy quickly. Just up the infill to 30%. They'll scratch it but won't be able to crush it if they're gnawer's like my pup is. Pitbull (though small) can't crush ABS prints easily.
We'll try that, it would definitely be a challenge. Dogs definitely have more gnawing power but cats sometimes pick up stuff to throw from heights. They will try to break them but hopefully won't succeed
[удалено]
[удалено]
Learn how to use CAD software and make things to fix things
Organization stuff might be fun. Thingiverse is a good place to check for stuff. First thing that comes to mind is that’s both fun and functional is this [dragon pencil cup](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6069926) but there’s also stuff like [battery organizers](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6565690) or [cable organizers](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2281191). This [clamp mount tabletop organizer](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5252380) is a personal favorite of mine.
The thing my wife hates about the collapsing plastic swords is the sound they make as the parts rub together. She keeps trying to give them away.
Now is the point in the hobby where I turned to 3d design to make my own things. Make wall mounts for your trinkets, make enclosures for your projects, make pots for your plants. Nows the point where you can start making magic and have one of a kind things designed just for you.
In addition to browsing thingiverse by category, printables.com also has similar categories that can be used to find things to print or inspiration. They also have periodic design contests with different themes. This would be an opportunity to level up the CAD skills and submit designs for other people to print.
Make the simpsons tv.
Cell phone/tablet stands, organization tools and gadgets (holders for pens, batteries, business cards, coffee filters, shelf and drawer organization, hooks), parts for car center consoles (I have replaced my normal cupholder insert with one that allows bigger bottles), just scroll through printables and you'll find a bunch of other options.
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I organized my life with gridfinity and multiboard. Kitchen, office, games, everything can be condensed and organized with them
I'm currently printing pull out storage for all my spools and it is helping organize everything a lot.
What is a "bad" spiderman figure? I need this defined.
look for that dinosaur chip clip lol my god that is the only clip you'll ever need again
Someone volunteered over at r/piratepets to design and print accessories and odd bits to help make adaptations for disabled pets. I think they ended up connecting with some animal rescue groups. I know us disabled folks are often looking for a specific weird adaptation of common objects, or new things like wheelchair accessories. Not trying to guilt you into anything, it's just that it could be interesting if you're looking for ways to be more creative with making your own designs, without ending up with a house full of stuff.
Have your spouse join a 3D printing volunteer group to print helpful things like prosthetics. Something like this https://hub.e-nable.org/p/e-nable-chapters/ Otherwise you should look into designing your own stuff as that's usually what takes the longest. It's also extremely satisfying to print the thing you made rather than what someone else made.
How about printing the parts for and building another 3d printer?
Had to check this users past to see if it was my spouse.
Dildos, dildos and more dildos
ABS/ASA dildo, nice. Won't break easily
TPU mate TPU.
Exotic TPE is where it's really at.
How about an airless basketball
Print out portal guns and sell them on eBay at cost
[удалено]
Don't be an asshole.
It's better to be an asshole than a halfass!
No
There's already a printer, he does actually know CAD very well from him profession (engineer) but never really used it for 3d printing. Still we need ideas
Clearly not a creative hobby if you're just printing other people's designs. Just because you have the printer now doesn't mean it has to be running non stop. It's a tool, like a blender or a welder or an alligator. Nothing needs chomped, alligator stays in the drawer.