What is the First Thing You Should Do with a 3D Printer? 8 Best Options
If you are just beginning with 3D printing, choosing what to print first presents one of the toughest decisions. With so many choices, it might be intimidating; but, choosing the correct project will make all the difference. Selecting the correct first print can be challenging whether your goals are to master new skills, hone your printer settings, or just produce something awesome. You want something entertaining as well as instructive, simple to run yet demanding enough to challenge your ability. These eight of the top 3D print ideas will help you start your path; each one provides the ideal mix of inspiration and learning chances for novices.
1. Spiral Vase
A great first print for novices, the Tall Vase is an arresting design that distinguishes any 3D printing project. Those wishing to print large objects and test the Z-axis range of their printer often choose this trio of spiral vases. The simplicity and elegance of the design define it and make it ideal for displaying several kinds of filaments or experimenting with several print techniques. Scaling the model to 200% will make it perfect for filling an Ender 3 workspace and provide an amazing centerpiece for any kind of room.
This print stands out for allowing one to experiment with several filament kinds and even paint the finished work. Tall design calls for a lot of time to print, thus you have a wonderful chance to adjust your printing parameters for best results. Though their delicate look and artistic appeal make them flexible enough for decorative use in many contexts, the vases are especially appropriate for dry flowers. These vases will assist you in improving your 3D printing techniques and producing aesthetically pleasing outcomes regardless of your level of expertise. It's accessible on Thingiverse, where you may also investigate the variants others have produced for even more inspiration.
Download file: Thingiverse
2. Christmas Tree
This lovely Christmas Tree design will help you to enter the festive mood and accentuate your holiday decorations. Printable in "vase mode," the design lets the model be produced with flawless, continuous layers. This method guarantees a smooth, sophisticated look for the tree, therefore highlighting its beauty and utility as a decoration. Ideal for producing a beautiful and light item free of support or scaffolding during the print, the "vase mode" prints a thin, delicate shell.
This model addresses studying printing techniques in addition to design. Beginners should attempt the vase mode (Spiralize Outer Contour in Cura) to experience generating original prints with little time commitment. The outcome is a beautiful Christmas tree light but strong enough for festive use. For everyone wishing to further personalize their tree by experimenting with other materials or paint, this is also a great activity. This tree is a flexible model that fits different degrees of 3D printing knowledge whether your desired modest, whimsical Christmas ornament or a big centerpiece.
Download file: Printables
3. Tablet Holder
Easily printed, this tablet holder is both a useful and fashionable accent. Perfect for holding tablets in both portrait and landscape orientations, it would be great addition to your desk or house. The single-piece, multi-position tablet holder design calls for no more parts or intricate assembly. It's a useful tool on your desk since its balanced construction guarantees that it can comfortably handle a range of tablet diameters without tipping over.
Beginning users looking to print something aesthetically beautiful and functional will find the design ideal. The holder's adaptability also ensures it will fit in many various environments, from living rooms to home offices. This model is especially intriguing since it is a "remix," that is, a modification or adaptation of a past design with special qualities that make it even better than its original form. Anyone who wishes to delve further into the realm of 3D printing would find this project perfect since it shows how easily basic designs may be changed and enhanced.
Download file: Thingiverse
4. Flexi Rex
On Thingiverse, the Flexi Rex is among the most often used 3D models; this is understandable. Not only is this cute T-Rex a great print, but its flexible hinges let the model move and bend, therefore illustrating how 3D printing might be utilized to produce flexible, useful components without assembly. The Flexi Rex is beautiful in that the body of the dinosaur is produced in one continuous piece with design flexibility built right in.
Using flexible filament—which is necessary for printing flexible pieces like hinges and joints—sets the Flexi Rex apart. This model is a terrific chance to experiment with flexible materials like TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and its basic yet elegant form makes it a great present for children or a nice addition to a desk or display shelf. When it comes to creating complex, moveable models, 3D printing is capable. Among 3D printing aficionados, the Flexi Rex has become a fan favorite having produced thousands of successful prints.
Download file: Thingiverse
5. Dragon Egg with Threads
Perfect for people who wish to expand their 3D printing knowledge, the magical and complex Dragon Egg with Threads is a good option. The model consists of a threaded dragon egg suitable for decoration Easter egg hunt or gift presentation. The design is highly detailed and features delicate coils that need for exact printing. For people who wish to evaluate the accuracy of their printer, this is a great option since building such a thorough model presents a difficulty.
Especially about layer height, printing this model calls for a steady touch and ideal settings since finer layers produce better results. The threaded construction adds still another level of intricacy, and this model provides the ideal chance to learn exact printing techniques while working with complicated textures. This is a satisfying print that produces a beautifully created egg with various artistic possibilities. For intermediate 3D printing users, this project also helps you improve your thread printing techniques, so providing an interesting and demanding experience.
Download file: Printables
6. Spring Loaded Box
The Spring Loaded Box is a great option if you want a 3D print with some mechanical flare mixed with utility. Designed brilliantly, this print-in-place box has a spring-loaded top that opens and shuts with simplicity. The best aspect is This is a fantastic project for novices who wish to see a completely functional thing come to life with little effort since it is all printed as a single piece and assembly is not necessary.
Using print-in-place designs—where moving components are printed as part of the whole construction, so removing the need for separate assembly—this box highlights the strength of these designs. Perfect for verifying the accuracy of your printer and appreciating the significance of tolerances in 3D printing, the spring-loaded element adds still another level of intricacy. Any desk or shelf would benefit from the box's elegant and contemporary appearance as well. This box is a must-try whether your goal is simply a fun project to accomplish or tiny item storage.
Download file: Cults
7. Plastic bottle watering can (with hose)
With this basic but clever idea for a watering can, transform an old soda bottle into something practical. This project is a great illustration of how 3D printing may be used to recycle and reinterpret commonplace items. Printing a basic portion appropriate for a soda bottle will allow you to turn it into a useful watering can, perfect for tending to plants—especially for children or those with tiny hands.
Those who like to make something useful from recyclable materials will find wonderful design in this one. The print procedure is really simple; once you fasten the printed section to a bottle, you have a completely working watering can with environmental friendliness and simplicity of use. Learning about scaling 3D models to fit other objects and evaluate printer accuracy using practical goods is a fantastic approach. This is a great project to work on whether your interests are in gardening or simply in upcycling.
Download file: Cults
8. Under Desk Drawers
These under-desk drawers are a great illustration of how 3D printing may creatively tackle common problems. Under your desk, this design lets you add more storage space, thereby maintaining clutter-free organization of your workstation. This is a fantastic project for evaluating the accuracy of your printer since the drawers are made to be printed with strict tolerances, therefore they move in and out effortlessly without getting caught.
Users who wish to push their printing moving component capability will find this project perfect. Your printer settings must be tuned in precisely since the drawers must fit tightly while yet offering a smooth and simple sliding movement. Learning about scaling models also offers a fantastic chance to make sure everything fits together exactly. All you have to do once printed is a basic drill to put the drawers under your desk, therefore providing more cable, pen, and other small item storage space.
Download file: Thingiverse.
Best 3D Modeling Software
There are many 3D modeling software applications available, each with its own features and design workflow. For this tutorial, we recommend using SelfCAD because it provides a complete set of modeling, sculpting, rendering, and slicing tools in one platform.
Its intuitive interface makes it easy for beginners to get started while offering the advanced functionality needed to create detailed, high-quality 3D models.