3D printing is a truly revolutionary technology that blasted open the floodgates of creativity and design. It gave almost everyone a powerful tool to realize their dreams and experiment with their ideas. These machines also made it easier to have more flexibility in the execution of designs, like adding an element of randomness to each output. That’s the kind of uniqueness that each of these Maze Lamps brings to your room, catching your attention with its unique lines and snaking paths, creating a play of light and shadow even when the lamp is turned off.
Most people probably think of 3D printers as extras large boxes that sit on desks, applying layer upon layer of melted plastic to complete a small shape. In reality, there are different kinds of 3D printers and different types of printing, and while the most popular machines are designed for use by individuals or small businesses, it didn’t take long for industrial-grade ones to pop up. This kind of printer offers a bit more flexibility in terms of movement and can cover a wider area as well.
The Maze Lamp design takes advantage of this capability by having an industrial 3D printer lay out the lines over a rotating axis. Normally, what you’d get is a cylindrical shape that looks like it was made from a spindle of extra-large spaghetti as the plastic material coils around and around the slowly spinning base. But if you move the nozzle forward, backward, and sideways while it spins, you can create more interesting patterns that look like the lines of a maze. Stack those lines on top of each other and you get a three-dimensional maze on a cylinder.
What makes this process even more special is that the pattern of these lines is random. No two Maze Lamps will ever have the same design, making each piece a one-of-a-kind item. For programmers and designers, this kind of procedurally generated pattern adds a unique characteristic to every iteration. As a bonus, the material used by the 3D printer is made from plastic shredded from discarded refrigerator doors, giving our own waste a beautiful new lease on life.
Thanks to the three dimensional patterns printed around the core, the Maze Lamp entices viewers whether the light is on or not. The light shining from the casts an eerie glow, almost like some otherworldly artifact found hidden in some ancient Aztec temple. On its own, the lamp becomes a sculptural art piece, not unlike a totem that represents the aesthetics and the technology of civilization that made it.
3D printing is often relegated simply to hobbyists and small-time designers. Given its size limits, architects and interior designers haven’t embraced the technology overwhelmingly yet – but fashion brand PINKO is looking to use the technology to create some of the most unique retail spaces ever. Located within the Fiumicino airport, this outlet boasts an interior facade made entirely of 3D-printed modules joined together. The space looks like living tapestry, as the walls have hypnotic depth to them.
Inspired by the brand’s iconic swallows and the intricate details of textile fibers, the design translates into a “skin” that wraps the entire shop. This textured layer is a marvel of engineering. It’s composed of two overlapping “threads” that begin with a simple, linear arrangement before morphing into a complex, swirling pattern. This intricate design adds depth and a captivating richness to the space.
The “threads” cleverly intertwine with the display shelves, creating a seamless integration between form and function. Glass shelves highlight the handbags, while the central area boasts coat racks that echo the color scheme of the threads, showcasing the garments. The final part of the store features a large mirror, adding a touch of spaciousness…. but the magic doesn’t stop there. Embedded within the 3D-printed cladding are programmable luminous glass spheres. These spheres create dynamic light effects, transforming the atmosphere and injecting a touch of sophistication. The result? A retail space that transcends its purpose, evolving into a dynamic and ever-changing setting.
The monochromatic color palette further underscores the design’s brilliance. The neutral tones create a versatile backdrop that complements the clothing on display, fostering a contemporary and elegant atmosphere.
The complexity of the design demanded an innovative approach to production. To achieve the desired form, prototypes were created using a novel technique where robots 3D printed directly onto custom-made molds. This method allowed for precise control and the creation of a truly unique design element. Each wall panel was printed out of PIPG, a polymer composed of 70% recycled PET-G, demonstrating a commitment to eco-friendly practices without compromising on quality.
They say everything in nature has a purpose for existing, even if their existence is a nuisance to us humans. Scavengers, for example, are nature’s janitors and recyclers, putting dead things to good use. Even termites, whose presence is often a death sentence for homes and structures, are important to the ecosystem, and they can apparently serve as artful inspiration as well. Maybe not the termites themselves but the complex tunnels they create inside their mounds. These patterns are actually meant to facilitate airflow, which makes it the perfect reference for a man-made cooling solution that brings natural design and technology together to create a more sustainable solution to hot temperatures.
There has been some interest in alternative cooling solutions, especially those that don’t consume too much electricity or none at all. Traditional techniques, particularly evaporative cooling that makes use of clay pots or pipes, have gained a lot of traction, especially because they can become decorative pieces inside modern homes. That said, the old methods don’t exactly scale well to today’s climate, room sizes, and needs, so designers have to think a bit outside the box to come up with a better solution to fit modern needs.
TerraMound looks to termites for one part of the solution, particularly how their shapes exemplify high surface-area-to-volume ratios, meaning how much surface area there is in a compact space. Surface area is one of two critical elements in an evaporative cooler, and that is made possible by utilizing complex geometric patterns that look like artistic versions of termite mounds. Such a design would be impossible to do en masse by hand, which is where 3D printing comes in and where the project’s uniqueness really shines.
The other critical element to this type of cooling solution is porosity, which is why clay is the preferred material for this kind of cooler. Clay is also not a typical 3D printing material, which is what makes this ceramic cooler design even more special. This method can eventually be extended to large-scale 3D printing technologies, allowing the quick and easy production of facade panels, walls, and other structures that not only look beautiful but can also help improve airflow in buildings.
As a cooler, TerraMound isn’t completely passive, as it has a fan at the bottom to draw air upwards. A planter sits on top as a source of water that trickles down the desktop cooling tower, utilizing the absorbent properties of the terracotta clay to help the evaporation process. It also acts as a distinctive and beautiful piece of table decoration, one that you wouldn’t have guessed was inspired by something we humans consider to be pests.
In the ever-evolving landscape of product design, from ideation to realization, 3D printing technology is revolutionizing contemporary design practices. 3D printing technology employs computer-aided design (CAD) and fabricates objects layer by layer. Commonly used in manufacturing, automotive industries, and industrial product design for creating tools, parts, and prototypes, this process, also known as additive manufacturing, layers materials like plastics, composites, or bio-materials to produce objects of varying shapes, sizes, rigidity, and color.
The commonly selected 3D printing technologies include Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), PolyJet, and Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). XiP is an advanced resin 3D printer by Nexa3D, offering professional-grade printing at speeds 6 times faster than SLA printers and over 10 times faster than filament 3D printers. With a 4.8L build volume and a 9.3″ 4K Monochrome LCD, it delivers crisp details. Its compact desktop design houses industrial LSPc technology, ensuring stability with a billet aluminum enclosure and precision ball screw Z-axis platform. The printer supports a wide range of resins, including proprietary formulations for diverse applications, all dispensed through smart recyclable cartridges.
What are the benefits of 3D Printing?
• Reduces Costs:
3D printing offers significant cost advantages over traditional manufacturing methods due to its automation, resulting in reduced labor expenses. Moreover, its minimal waste production leads to lower material costs.
• Produces Complex Designs
3D printing exceeds the design constraints of traditional manufacturing, enabling the creation of intricate designs, including square or circular punctures or abstract designs with fewer restrictions.
• Promotes Internal Manufacturing
3D printers enable rapid prototyping, eliminating the need for outsourcing. This accelerates the design and production of new products, enhancing overall efficiency.
• Rapid Prototyping
3D printing enables the production of designs that were previously impossible with conventional manufacturing methods. By transforming digital files into physical parts within hours, this technology allows companies to adopt an on-demand manufacturing model for parts. 3D printing offers a comprehensive solution, facilitating prototyping, and short-run production, thereby transforming every aspect of businesses.
• Minimizes Waste
Traditional manufacturing generates substantial material waste due to inefficiencies while additive manufacturing minimizes waste by precisely utilizing materials, only using what’s necessary for each product or part. This is a great way to reduce material costs and improve environmental sustainability for companies.
• Manufactures Diverse Products
Industries across the board are leveraging 3D printing for a diverse range of products. From consumer goods like eyewear and furniture to industrial tools and automotive parts, technology is reshaping manufacturing. It’s also vital in healthcare for prosthetics and orthotics alongside architectural models. Additionally, the film industry benefits from 3D printing for creating intricate props.
Top 10 Examples of 3D Printing in Product Design
Here are Top Ten examples of how 3D printing is used in product design across various product types:
Acclaimed Australian designer Julia Koerner merges nature and computer algorithms with 3D printing and innovative resin-based techniques to create her award-winning handbag collection, resulting in visually lightweight yet rigid designs with a distinctive skeletal aesthetic. Inspired by the organic shapes of dried kelp found along the Pacific coastline, Koerner’s KELP MINI handbag seamlessly blends artistry with functionality. Each meticulously crafted handbag is created with sustainable plant-based materials and solar-powered manufacturing, offering clever design elements like hinged bases and snap closures, making them ideal for storing essentials with style and efficiency.
MYCO-ALGA presents a groundbreaking interior tiling solution that transforms bathroom aesthetics. These 3D-printed tiles are crafted from repurposed natural waste and living organisms, featuring captivating designs inspired by organic forms. Sustainable at every stage, MYCO-ALGA tiles undergo a precise process encompassing digital design, 3D printing, organism cultivation, and bio-pigment enrichment. As a result, the outcome is eye-catching tiles with unique, non-repeating patterns resembling crawling organisms, that offer both lightweight durability and visual allure that effortlessly merge style with sustainability.
Barcelona-based company introduces Pure Plants, 3D-printed sculptures doubling as air purifiers. Utilizing Pure.Tech technology efficiently absorbs and neutralizes indoor pollutants like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide. Mimicking plant structures with geometric patterns, these sculptures enhance decor while promoting healthier indoor air quality. Crafted from sustainable Pure.Tech biomaterial and PLA bioplastic derived from corn dextrose integrate aesthetics with eco-consciousness.
EXPLR 02 is a futuristic 3D-printed shoe blending wireframe-inspired aesthetics with organic elements. Crafted with advanced techniques, it epitomizes modern manufacturing’s versatility. While challenging footwear norms, questions linger about real-world durability. Yet, EXPLR 02 signifies a leap in innovative, personalized shoe designs, shaping the evolution of 3D-printed footwear.
The 3D-printed Hula table lamp, envisioned by Felix Pöttinger, ingeniously merges direct and indirect lighting to efficiently illuminate spaces, tackling urban living challenges by minimizing glare. Its ring-shaped shade, reminiscent of a hula hoop, is available in Snow, Forest, and Blossom Pink, adding a distinct flair to any setting.
The University of Virginia research team has developed an innovative 3D printing method using soil infused with seeds to create plant-covered structures like walls and roofs. The team’s eco-friendly approach integrates greenery into architecture, providing natural insulation, flood prevention, and green spaces. By minimizing materials and utilizing locally sourced resources, their process reduces emissions and waste. With plans to expand their prototypes and improve their soil ink formula, the team aims to contribute to carbon-neutral construction.
Architecture is no exception in the age of ubiquitous 3D printing, with many firms favoring this method for building structures. Cement company Progreso recently collaborated with COBOD to construct Guatemala’s first 3D-printed building to withstand seismic activity. This compact home, completed in just over 24 hours, merges modern construction techniques with traditional craftsmanship, featuring organic-shaped walls and a traditional palm leaf roof. With a footprint of 527 square feet, the structure operates as a fully functional living space capable of withstanding extreme seismic events.
Oeschler’s new manufacturing technique, demonstrated in Johannes Steinbauer’s Office for Design’s 3D-printed seats, eliminates traditional materials while maintaining comfort and functionality. 3D printing is reshaping furniture design and manufacturing, introducing innovation in sustainability and functionality. With a simple yet versatile design, these chairs offer easy assembly and recyclability, signaling a promising future for 3D-printed furniture in the industry.
Wood is a preferred choice for its eco-friendliness, yet shaping and recycling pose challenges. Enter 3D-printed wooden partition screens and window coverings, offering a breakthrough solution. While 3D printing democratizes design, it also increases material waste, prompting a search for sustainable options. Crafted from wood waste and fortified with natural elements, this innovative material resembles wood in appearance, texture, and scent. Moreover, its circular lifecycle allows for recycling into new forms, minimizing waste. Despite potential production cost concerns, its promise for intricate designs and sustainability makes it attractive for environmentally conscious designers.
10. Homeware
Crafted by Vienna-based designer Nicolas Gold, renowned for his expertise in “Tiny Furniture,” this collection employs 3D printing. The range comprises vases, bowls, planters, and lighting, all crafted from lightweight, recyclable bioplastic sourced from corn. This blend of architectural precision and modern technology results in sophisticated homeware where design, architecture, and 3D printing harmonize seamlessly. The Tiny Architecture collection showcases intricate patterns such as the asymmetrical Bloz and fabric-like Fald, crafted from partially recycled materials to enhance their individuality.
Most sports are dictated by the skill and prowess of the athletes competing but there are also some sports where the sportswear and footwear that they wear can contribute to how they perform. But not all of these sports have customizable or flexible footwear to help the athletes out. Bobsleigh is one such sport and with the Winter Olympics a year away, Germany is partnering with BMW to give their team better footwear to help them compete at the top level.
The BMW Group is the technology partner of the German Bobsleigh, Luge, and Skeleton Federatin (BSD) and they have come up with customizable spiked shoes for the bobsleigh team using the power of 3D printing. Regular bobsleigh footwear have defined rows of nails attached to the toe area but these are not replaceable or moveable. Based on track and field shoes, which are more flexible, they came up with threads for screw spikes which are used to attach spike plates on which spike nails can be distributed.
This means that the spikes can be adjusted to a large selection of shoe styles, sizes, and other aspects to make them more comfortable and suitable for the athletes’ needs. You can also adjust the material and geometry of the plates and the placement of the spike nails, giving better acceleration according to the power transmission on the ice. And since 3D printing is used, they get to be more flexible and test out the spikes and make adjustments, without having to spend a fortune and spend so much time manufacturing.
They were able to test out the spike plates during the Bobsleigh World Cup (which ends later this month) and so far, they were able to get positive feedback from the athletes that they made them for. Of course there are still changes that need to be made but they do have 11 months to go for it before the Winter Olympics in February 2025. We’ll also see by then what effect these spikes have on the German team’s performance.
Coined the White Tower or Tor Alva, this majestic tower is said to be the world’s tallest 3D-printed building, and is currently being prepared for assembly in a Swiss village called Mulegns. Designed by researchers from ETH Zurich, the tower will be constructed from a hundred columns, with an impressive performance space perched on top. Created in collaboration with the cultural institution Nova Fundaziun Origen, the White Tower will be printed in different sections, then transported to the site, and assembled in the remote village in the Swiss Alps.
The White Tower has an interesting Baroque-inspired style and will have a height of 100 meters. Massive 3D-printed columns will uphold five floors, and a semi-open facade. The facade is a removable lightweight membrane that will protect the inside of the tower from weather conditions. Visitors will be welcomed into the lower floors, which will include large columns, that form smaller cozier spaces.
The White Tower will feature a spiral staircase, that will lead them up the various floors, with each separate floor becoming visibly airier, lighter, and free-flowing, before opening into a hall on the top floor. The hall will function as a performance space for concerts and theater and will accommodate 45 visitors, including seating for them and a stage. Once the performances end, the tower will be disassembled, and rebuilt somewhere else.
The 3D-printing process will take around 900 hours and will include robotic 3D printers that will release a soft cement-like mixture from its nozzle, extruding it in layers to form the basic structure of the different elements of the tower, which will later be assembled on-site, building the White Tower.
“The entire structure of the tower is designed using custom software that allows the precise definition of the geometry and can send the necessary data directly to the printing robots,” said ETH Zurich’s Digital Building Technologies. “This technology enables non-standard, tailor-made elements to be manufactured efficiently. These types of forms would be nearly impossible to produce at this scale using conventional technologies. In this new construction process, the tower will be assembled from 102 3D-printed individual columns. Elements are only filled with concrete where it is structurally required, which greatly reduces material use. This construction method avoids waste because no formwork for pouring concrete is necessary.”
3D printing has already come a long way since it was first introduced in the 80s. It still hasn’t reached the levels where almost every household has one like we now have with regular printers of course. But now we’re seeing consumer-level 3D printers as well as “templates” we can download and print on our own. Even if you only have a basic knowledge of how this technology works, it’s pretty easy to try it out on your own or at least find a tutorial online on how to do it. If you’re a fan of the old school transformers, these downloadable templates will be right up your alley.
Dr. Operator has been publishing 3D model templates on Printables and they’re quirky and interesting, especially if you like toy collectibles. But instead of the usual IP-related collectibles that remain faithful copycats, you get his own take on things like Star Wars’ AT-AT, Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine, Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K, etc. If you’re a fan of the Transformers series, then you’ll appreciate his latest series of 3D models that take inspiration from our favorite robots, but adding his own style and flair (and back story).
There are currently only two templates in this series but hopefully we get more robots soon. The Ham and Cheese model is a robot that turns into, you guessed it, a ham and cheese sandwich. It was inspired by the designer’s favorite Transformer, Soundwave. The “back story” is that the Ham is an Autobot and the Cheese is a Decepticon and they decide to abandon the fight and just become a sandwich. The Hippie Van Transformer is what exactly the name says it is. There are different toy car brands but the designer says that the Transformers are still the coolest so he created this.
There is still an upcoming 3D model kit that isn’t available yet on Printables but it may just be the coolest. It’s a robot that turns into a telephone headset and may even have a built in Bluetooth module. For kids out there, a telephone is what we used to communicate before there were smartphones. We’re looking forward to what other Transformers templates he’ll be able to come up with eventually.
3D printing has brought a lot of changes when it comes to designing products. It has made experimentation with various materials and prototyping these proposed designs easier and more efficient. We’re seeing a lot of concepts get past the initial product rendering stage just by utilizing various 3D printing techniques and tools that are now available and is constantly evolving.
Designer: Nils Sorger
The +/- Brace is one such concept for a pain relieving elbow brace that can be used when doing physical labor or any kind of sports that requires strenuous activity so you can minimize the risk of injury. It’s something that can be created and customized using an app. choosing your size, form, structure, and padding. The final product you created can then be fabricated on your own, ordered through the maker community, or ordered through the creator’s app platform.
The 3D printing and laser cutting machine is called Grasshopper with a custom built script so body measurements inputted can be used to generate the data output. They used various iterations to find the optimal pattern for the brace and ended up with the 4-way stretch softshell fabric which is made up of 49% Polyester, 30% Polyamide, 12% Polyurethane, and 9% Elasthan. This is the best one for breathability and flexibility as well as a comfortable and flexible fit so you can still do all the activities you need to do. For the additive, they also tested several FDM-printed pads and ended up with something that is like foam or gel.
After much prototyping, the +/- Brace ended up with an aesthetic that seems like a combination of a Bluetooth speaker and a honeycomb packaging. It looks pretty flexible and comfortable, which are important characteristics of this kind of product so the user will not really feel like the brace is hindering their movement. All thanks to the improvement and enhancement of the 3D printed fabric-based manufacturing plus open source process, they were able to conceptualize and actually prototype this kind of individualized brace that shouldn’t break the bank.
Instead of decking the halls with boughs of holly, deck them with rolls of filament instead! Sure, that doesn’t sound particularly festive at first thought, but it’ll make much more sense when you see these absolutely gorgeous 3D-printed Christmas ornaments we’ve hand-picked for you. We scoured the internet to find some of the most eye-catching 3D prints that perfectly capture the holiday spirit, from geometric snowflakes to some pretty beautiful-looking baubles. Ditch the boring old store-bought ornaments this year, fire up your 3D printer, and make your own (or rent a 3D printer for cheap). They’re sure to add a touch of individuality to your tree this year, they’ll print in mere hours instead of taking days to deliver, and you’ll definitely have people asking you where you got them!
1. Christmas Tree Ornament Set by Popandsicle
Popandsicle’s Christmas Tree Ornament Set is a brilliant way to give your tree a unique aesthetic that’ll have friends and family wondering where you got those ornaments from. The captivating spiral shape of the ornaments instantly catches your eye – even more so when printed in a metallic-colored or shiny filament. Quite literally putting a ‘twist’ on traditional holiday decorations, this set features a range of designs, each optimized for 3D printing in vase mode (or printing upside down). The collection comes in a set of 6 ornaments that print rather quickly, and are free to download off Prusa’s Printables website.
2. Christmas Village by FiveNights
Less for your treetop and more for the tabletop, this 3D-printed Christmas Village is just a glorious little project with a lot of intricate details that make it a nice challenge for the seasoned printing expert. Designed to look like a cosy hilltop village, the print comes with what presumably looks like a snowcapped terrain with roads, rails, houses, and trees galore. The entire print can be done without supports, says the maker, and you’ve got a hatch at the bottom for inserting an LED lamp or your smartphone flash. Once illuminated from the inside, the village really does come to life as light makes its way through the translucent body of the print and through the doors and windows of all the houses. The print files are available for free from Ultimaker’s Thingiverse website.
3. Baby Yoda Christmas Ornament by Psdwizzard
Nothing shows you have elevated eclectic tastes more than having a Baby Yoda bauble hanging from your Christmas tree. Sure, everyone opts for the spheres, lights, stars, and personal photographs, but there’s just something so perfect about your own personal Grogu dressed as Santa hanging from your tree. This decorated character from the Mandalorian comes with its own Santa robe and hat, is is pictured here holding a decorative orb. Printing it is relatively simple, although you will require supports. The entire thing prints in a single color and needs to be post-processed and painted by hand, which should be a fun activity if you’re a fan of the Star Wars universe, eh? The Baby Yoda Christmas Ornament is available to download for free on the Thingiverse website.
4. Christmas Ball by cunicode
The beauty of these Christmas ornaments from cunicode lies in A. the fact that their complex geometry can only be machine-made using 3D printing, and B. they’re large, eye-catching, but incredibly lightweight, so you can deck your tree with as many of them without them weighing your branches down. “Since 3D Printing costs are driven by volume and material used, I designed the geometry of these balls to use minimum material while keeping maximum strength,” cunicode says. The 3D STL file for the Christmas Ball is available for free on the Thingiverse Website.
5. Deer in the Mountains by jdormer9
Yet another tabletop accessory to bring the holiday spirit, this one gets props for its artistic flair. The Deer in the Mountains print from jdormer9 is an elegant 2D graphic of a deer against white mountains. Artistically, it gets full marks for its uniquely minimalist style, although functionally I would love to have seen a built-in card holder or something that adds a little more value to this piece. However, the beauty of 3D printing is that you can optimize designs to suit your own needs. Heck, add a card-holder at the back, turn the deer’s antlers into a keychain holder, go wild! The Deer in the Mountains 3D file is available for free on the Printables website.
6. Christmas Spiral Teardrop 2023 by Scott McClurg
Scott McClurg, who also goes by his internet moniker ‘dazus’ is a pretty big deal in the 3D-printed ornament space. McClurg’s works combine geometry with tradition, resulting in some of the most hypnotic, kaleidoscopic Christmas decorations your eyes will ever see. The 2023 Christmas Spiral Teardrop is remarkable to look at, especially given that it’s printed using a plastic filament with a silver-gold metallic finish. The ornament’s undulating interweaving surfaces catch light beautifully, creating wonderful contrasts that are further punctuated by the hollow spaces. Things get even more interesting when the ornaments spin, creating a hypnotic motion that’s difficult to look away from! The 2023 Christmas Spiral Teardrop, understandably, is one of the more tricky 3D prints to execute. The ornament needs quite a few supports, McClurg mentions, and there are a few more details to keep in mind while you run this print, which can be found on the Thingiverse website, along with the free 3D file for the ornament.
7. Open Lattice Christmas Bell by Scott McClurg
It was a pretty herculean task zeroing down on just one of McClurg’s ornaments, so here’s another one that we can’t stop admiring. With a similar interwoven hypnotic lattice-esque design like the Christmas Spiral Teardrop, the Open Lattice Christmas Bell is a gorgeous themed ornament that adds gravitas and pizzazz to your tree without adding any weight. Its complex design does present a few challenges while printing, but it’s nothing a seasoned 3D printing enthusiast can’t handle. We recommend using a metallic-finish filament to give the bell some shimmer! The Open Lattice Christmas Bell is free to download on the Thingiverse website.
8. Gimbal Christmas Ornament by Jouni Ahola
Complex 3D prints are great, but what about kinetic ones? This Gimbal Christmas Ornament isn’t the kind you’d just hang on your tree and forget about. With multiple joints, it’s the kind of ornament you’d want to fiddle with, adjusting, readjusting, and fidgeting just because it’s so much visual and tactile fun. Designed to be a single-print design, this marvel from Jouni Ahola prints flat, but can then be flipped around like a Rubik’s cube, or more accurately, a gimbal. Like the rest of the ornaments, this one too is free to download, and can be found on the Thingiverse website.
9. Merry Bird Christmas Ornament by Michiel Cornelissen
Call it an adorable ornament or a metaphor for a certain social media company, this bird-in-a-cage ornament is lightweight and exceedingly charming to look at, even though it’s literally a print of a bird trapped inside a Christmas ornament. It has all the hallmarks of a good 3D printed ornament, with its lightweight, hollow, yet intricate design. The bird is hinged, which means it swings to and fro inside its spherical cage, and although it isn’t available for free like any of the other ornaments, you can directly buy it from the Shapeways website and they’ll print it out and send the ready ornament directly to your doorstep!
10. Trippy Snowflake Kinetic Sculpture by JBV Creative
Less of an ornament and more of a kinetic toy, the Trippy Snowflake Kinetic Sculpture is something you’ll constantly find yourself reaching for, sort of like a snowglobe but more enchanting. The multi-part sculpture features a geared mechanism that causes two snowflakes to rotate in opposite directions when you crank the handle, creating a hypnotic, alluring optical illusion. Perhaps one of the most complex and lengthy builds in this collection, the sculpture has multiple parts and components that need to be printed separately (although if you have a large print bed you can print multiple parts at the same time). Given how detailed and thorough it is, this print isn’t available for free either, and the STL file will cost you $45, but the benefit is that once you buy the file, you can print as many of these as you want! Heck, gift them to friends as stocking stuffers too! You can buy the Trippy Snowflake Kinetic Sculpture 3D file on the JBV Creative website.
3D printing has come a long way, but unless you’re using industrial printers in large factories, you’re probably limited to creating small designs or just parts of a whole. That, unfortunately, means that creators and makers aren’t able to fully express their ideas and designs, at least not those that involve pieces that can’t fit inside a commercial 3D printer. That said, you don’t have to give up your creative freedom to use an expensive production line if you can put 3D printing robots to smart use, like this sustainable plastic coffee table that is able to form organic geometric forms just by making the robot arm loop round and round.
When people think of 3D printers, they most likely think of those boxy contraptions sitting on tables, with nozzles that quickly run back and forth while oozing out hot plastic material in order to build up a three-dimensional object almost like from thin air. While this is the most common and most convenient kind of 3D printing, it has severe limitations in the size or shape of the object being made, basically anything that can fit the area and height of the printer.
LOOPS is a collection of coffee tables conceived to push the envelope of 3D printing and create objects that are larger than normal without requiring additional hardware. An industrial 3D printing robot pretty much goes round and round to create the base shape, building layer after layer of composite material until the desired form is achieved. This is the process used for creating the base of these tables, allowing the designer to apply different geometric shapes with organic forms that look like they’re literally growing before your very eyes.
The coffee tables are more than just experiments in 3D printing, they are also testaments to beautiful sustainable design. Tabletops are made from 100% recycled plastic that is crushed, melted, and then moulded from used plastic. The 3D printed bases, on the other hand, are made from composite material containing cellulose from responsible forestry. When the tables reach the end of their use, both the base and the top can be recycled or reused to extend their life in a different way.
The LOOPS coffee table collection offers a unique and novel design that pushes the boundaries of 3D printing to produce beautiful shapes and textures that almost resemble traditional ceramic creations. The variety of recycled plastics used gives each tabletop a unique appearance, both in color as well as in texture. The minimalist yet elegant designs make the coffee tables the perfect artistic centerpieces for any space, offering a thought-provoking design that opens your mind to the possibilities of sustainable 3D printing.
