Five Interesting Ideas to 3D Print: Interactive Tutorials Are Included
One of the best things about 3D printing is how quickly you can turn ideas into real, useful objects. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced maker looking for fun weekend projects, it’s always exciting to complete a design and hold the finished print in your hands the same day.
In this article, we’ll explore four quick and easy 3D printing projects you can design and print in under a day. Each project comes with a step-by-step interactive SelfCAD tutorial, so you don’t just get the finished file, you also learn the design process too.
1. Mini Dustbin: A Practical Household Essential
A tidy workspace makes a big difference, and this mini dustbin is a fun and practical project. In this tutorial, you’ll design a small container with a rounded body and lid, perfect for holding bits of paper, scraps, or other desk waste.
You can check out the interactive tutorial to learn how the design was created.
You will learn how to use basic shapes, such as the Cylinder, to create 3D models, as well as how to utilize various tools like Inset, Move, Scale, and others.
After you finish 3D modeling, use the built-in online slicer of SelfCAD to slice the file and send it for 3D printing. It doesn’t require any supports.
2. Rubber Band Powered Boat: Fun with Simple Mechanics
Next, dive into a bit of engineering whimsy with the Rubber Band-Powered Boat, a toy that zips across the water using elastic propulsion. This project is an excellent introduction to mechanical design in SelfCAD, where you'll model the hull, propeller, and hook for the rubber band.
In the interactive tutorial, you will start by deforming a cube to shape it into a boat, then design the axis using a cylinder and a cube. Finally, you'll create the propeller using a combination of cylinders and cubes.
To slice the file, use the built-in online slicer of SelfCAD, which you can access by clicking 3D Print after 3D modeling.
You will need to use supports in the print when slicing. To do this in SelfCAD slicer, go to Settings > Supports.
After 3D slicing, you can preview the file and see how supports have been added and make adjustments if necessary.
3. Stylish Basket
For a touch of artistry, this design lets you craft a woven-style storage container that's both decorative and practical. In the interactive tutorial, you will get to know how to use a simple bend tool and copy offset to create the design.
If you would like to add more details, you can do so using the various tools of SelfCAD. 3D printing the file doesn’t require any special settings too.
4. Spiral Sea Shell
Wrap up your day with the Spiral Sea Shell, a stunning project that doubles as both a decorative piece and an educational tool. This design introduces you to creating smooth, organic curves and working with rotational patterns, making it an ideal way to learn advanced modeling techniques in a simple, guided manner. Beyond its beauty, the seashell also serves as a hands-on example of natural geometry, offering students and hobbyists alike a chance to explore the elegance of spirals found in nature while building valuable 3D design skills.
When you follow the interactive tutorial, you'll begin by deforming a spiral shape, then use an ellipse to follow the spiral path and form the structure of the shell.
When slicing, remember to add 3D printing supports, as there are areas that are floating.
5. Moon: A Celestial Display Piece
Conclude your creative day with the Moon model, a captivating celestial project that brings the lunar surface to life in 3D. The interactive tutorial is beginner-friendly and it starts with a basic sphere primitive and you can scale it to any size you would like. You can also use the various 3D sculpting brushes of SelfCAD to Sculpt the final design based on your needs. You need to use supports when slicing the design.