15 Useful 3D Prints: Go From Beginner to Advanced!

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The article titled “15 Useful 3D Prints: Go From Beginner to Advanced!” delves into a video that showcases 25 functional and practical 3D prints. Each print presented in the video challenges the user to learn a new skill in 3D printing, covering a range of skills including bed adhesion, retraction, slicer settings, and flexible materials. The prints are designed to not only test the user’s printer capabilities but also leave them with a useful and practical part. The article gives a detailed description of two prints from the video: the tupperware lid organizer and the drinking glass labels. It highlights the different aspects of 3D printer performance and knowledge that these prints test, such as filament retraction, cooling, dimensional accuracy, layer adhesion, and precision measurement using a vernier caliper.

The introduction captures the essence of the article by presenting it as a triathlon of 3D printing. It emphasizes the importance of learning new skills and challenges in the 3D printing field through practical and useful prints rather than wasting filament on useless creations. The paragraphs provide a preview of the specific prints that will be discussed in further detail and set the tone for an informative and engaging article on improving 3D printing skills through functional prints.

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Table of Contents

Testing Bed Adhesion and First Layer Quality

Tupperware Lid Organizer

The Tupperware lid organizer is a practical 3D print that serves as a comprehensive test for various aspects of 3D printer performance. While it may seem like a simple print at first, it actually challenges the user to test their skills in filament retraction, cooling, belt tension, and z-wobble. The vanes sticking up in the print serve as a retraction test, exposing any issues with stringing. Additionally, the quick layers at the vanes highlight any cooling issues that may be present. The tall, pointy bits on the larger model also allow for the testing of belt tension and stiffness, as well as identification of any z-wobble caused by a bent lead screw. Furthermore, the large square surfaces with 90-degree corners provide a bed adhesion test, helping to identify any issues with corners bending or warping. Overall, the Tupperware lid organizer serves as a multi-dimensional test that covers several important aspects of 3D printer performance.

Drinking Glass Labels

The customized drinking glass labels are not only a useful 3D print, but they also challenge users to learn new skills in 3D printing. These labels require the use of 3D modeling software, specifically OpenScad, to customize the print without doing any modeling. This introduces users to the world of OpenScad modeling and allows them to create personalized labels for their glasses. Additionally, the print requires the use of flexible filaments to prevent the models from snapping when fitting them onto the glasses. This presents users with the opportunity to work with flexible materials and test their skills in printing with them. Furthermore, accurate adaptation of the model to different glasses requires precision measurement using a vernier caliper. This enhances users’ measurement skills and ensures a proper fit for the labels. Lastly, the print serves as a challenging retraction test, as well as a demonstration of the importance of drying hygroscopic filaments. Overall, the drinking glass labels provide both functionality and opportunities for skill improvement in 3D printing.

Cable Organizers

The cable organizers are another set of useful 3D prints that also serve as tests for 3D printer performance. These organizers help reduce cable clutter and require the use of flexible filaments for smooth and clean functionality. Working with flexible filaments challenges users to ensure proper retraction settings, as well as proper drying techniques for hygroscopic filaments. The tight slits in the organizers also test users’ ability to accurately adjust slicer settings, such as infill and perimeters, to achieve the desired level of squishiness in different areas of the print. Additionally, the cable organizers test the dimensional accuracy of the printer and extruder, as well as the layer adhesion of the print walls. The snap-on tabs and tight tolerances in the lids also add to the dimensional accuracy test. Lastly, these prints provide an introduction to customizing prints within a slicer, as users may need to adjust dimensions and scale them non-proportionally to fit different types of cables or drawers. The cable organizers are practical prints that offer both functionality and opportunities for skill development in 3D printing.

Tablet Stand

The tablet stand is a functional 3D print that can be used to hold tablets and improve viewing angles. While it may appear to be a straightforward print, it offers a unique challenge to users. Print orientation plays a crucial role in the success of this print, as it requires sharp overhangs and corners. Users will need to use vase mode, a setting in the slicer software that allows for continuous printing without layers, to achieve these sharp features. This print is a test of the user’s ability to print large, spiral objects with sharp corners and overhangs. It challenges users to understand and utilize the capabilities of their printer to accomplish complex prints. The tablet stand is both functional and a test of the user’s printer and printing skills.

Discovering Drilling Dust Collector for Mess-Free Drilling

Drilling can create a lot of dust and debris, making it a messy process. The drilling dust collector is a practical 3D print that helps minimize mess and keep the work area clean. This print is an example of a functional print that serves a specific purpose. By attaching the drilling dust collector to a drill, users can collect the dust as they drill, preventing it from spreading throughout the workspace. This print does not directly test specific printer capabilities or skills. However, it showcases the versatility of 3D printing in creating tools and accessories that can improve the overall efficiency and cleanliness of various tasks. The drilling dust collector is a simple yet ingenious solution to a common problem in drilling, making it a valuable addition to any toolbox.

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Challenging 3D Prints for Testing Printer Capabilities and Bed Adhesion

Some 3D prints are not just about functionality but also about pushing the limits of printer capabilities and testing bed adhesion. These prints serve as challenges that require users to master specific techniques and skills in 3D printing. They are designed to go beyond basic prints and test the users’ ability to achieve dimensional accuracy, advanced filament usage, and proper bed adhesion.

Print-in-Place Broom Holder

The print-in-place broom holder is a challenging 3D print that not only serves a practical purpose but also tests layer adhesion and strength. This print is designed to hold brooms securely, keeping them organized and off the floor. However, printing this holder presents challenges in achieving proper layer adhesion and ensuring its strength. The intricate design and print-in-place functionality require careful calibration and tuning of the 3D printer. Users must master proper layer height and evaluate their printer’s retraction and cooling settings to ensure successful print outcomes. The print-in-place broom holder is a test of the users’ ability to achieve strong, functional prints with precise layer adhesion.

Garden Labels

Garden labels are another challenging print that allows users to test their bed adhesion, filament selection, and slicer settings. These labels are used to mark and identify plants in a garden or greenhouse. While they may seem simple, achieving the desired level of detail and durability in these prints can be quite challenging. Users must select appropriate filaments that can withstand outdoor conditions and UV exposure. Additionally, achieving good bed adhesion is crucial to ensure that the labels stay in place and withstand environmental factors. Users must also fine-tune their slicer settings to achieve the desired level of detail without compromising print quality. The garden labels serve as a test of the users’ ability to select suitable filaments, optimize bed adhesion, and fine-tune slicer settings for intricate prints.

Vase Mode Prints

Vase mode prints are a unique type of print that challenges users to achieve large, spiral prints with sharp corners and overhangs. Unlike traditional printing methods, vase mode allows for continuous printing without layers, resulting in smooth, seamless prints. This mode requires careful calibration and tuning of the printer to achieve the desired quality and detail. Users must select appropriate print settings, such as print speed, temperature, and layer height, to achieve sharp corners and overhangs without compromising structural integrity. Vase mode prints serve as a test of the users’ ability to achieve complex prints with a high level of precision and aesthetics.

3D Printed Carabiners

3D printed carabiners are complex prints that require dimensional accuracy, advanced filaments, and proper bed adhesion. Carabiners are widely used for outdoor activities and require high strength and durability. 3D printed carabiners provide an opportunity for users to push the limits of their printer and skills. Achieving dimensional accuracy is crucial to ensure that the carabiners function properly and can withstand the expected loads. Advanced filaments, such as high-strength or flexible materials, may be required to achieve the desired strength and flexibility. Additionally, proper bed adhesion is essential to prevent warping or delamination during printing. 3D printed carabiners serve as a comprehensive test of the users’ printer calibration, filament selection, and bed adhesion skills.

Flexible Shoe Lace Replacements

Flexible shoe lace replacements are a challenging print that requires mastery of flexible filaments, precision measurement, and bed adhesion. These replacements aim to provide an alternative to traditional shoelaces, offering flexibility and comfort. However, printing with flexible filaments requires a different set of skills and techniques compared to rigid filaments. Users must master the art of printing with flexible materials, ensuring proper extrusion and bed adhesion. Precision measurement is crucial to adapt the replacements to different shoe sizes accurately. Users must also consider the functionality and durability of the print, choosing appropriate flexible filaments that can withstand the stress and strain of regular use. Printing flexible shoe lace replacements challenges users to explore the capabilities of their 3D printer with flexible materials and refine their skills in precision measurement and bed adhesion.

Tray for Hardware Organization

The tray for hardware organization is a 3D print that tests retraction and layer height, among other aspects of 3D printer performance. This tray is designed to organize and store hardware, such as screws, nails, and bolts. While it may seem like a simple print, achieving precise dimensions and layer adhesion is crucial for the functionality of the tray. Users must fine-tune their retraction settings to minimize stringing and achieve clean, accurate prints. Additionally, optimizing the layer height is important to ensure that the tray has the necessary strength and durability to hold hardware securely. The tray for hardware organization challenges users to master retraction techniques and optimize layer height for functional prints.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 25 functional and practical 3D prints showcased in the video not only serve useful purposes but also challenge 3D printing enthusiasts to learn new skills and test their printer capabilities. From testing bed adhesion and retraction to advanced slicer settings and flexible materials, these prints cover a wide range of skills and techniques. From simple tools and organizers to complex prints with intricate details, users can explore the versatility and capabilities of their 3D printers while creating functional objects. Whether it’s testing dimensional accuracy, layer adhesion, or the ability to print with specific filaments, each print presents a unique challenge and opportunity for skill improvement. By selecting prints that are both useful and practical, users can make the most of their 3D printing journey and continuously improve their skills in the process.

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