The Most Useful Thing to 3D Print, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the thing you think is the most useful!

Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:58

With the ever-growing possibilities of 3D printing, selecting the right project can be a challenge. Users often spend considerable time and resources experimenting with various designs to find the most practical and fulfilling creations. A communal approach to assessing these options enhances the experience, guiding users towards consensus-approved choices that maximize both their time and the capabilities of their 3D printers. This site hosts a dynamic list where users can cast votes on what they believe are the most useful 3D printing projects. By aggregating community input, we aim to continually refine and update this list, ensuring that it effectively reflects the current opinions and trends within the 3D printing community. Your participation helps to shape an authoritative resource that benefits all users, from novices to seasoned enthusiasts.

What Is the Most Useful Thing to 3D Print?

1

34
votes
Prosthetic limbs

3D printing enables the creation of customized prosthetic limbs that are less expensive and more accessible than traditional prosthetics.
Prosthetic limbs are artificial limbs designed to replace missing or non-functional limbs. They are created using 3D printing technology, offering a cost-effective and customizable solution for individuals with limb loss or limb impairment. Prosthetic limbs can enhance mobility, restore functionality, and improve the overall quality of life for those who wear them.

Material: Typically made from lightweight and strong materials like carbon fiber or thermoplastics

Customizability: Can be tailored to fit the individual wearer's unique anatomy and needs

Functionality: Designed to mimic natural limb movement and provide basic motor control

Comfort: Prosthetic sockets and padding ensure a comfortable fit

Durability: Capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear
2

21
votes
Jonas Bergsten · Public domain

Hearing aids

3D printing allows for the creation of highly customized hearing aids that fit perfectly in the patient's ear.
Hearing aids are small electronic devices designed to amplify sound to improve hearing for individuals with hearing loss. They are typically custom-made to fit comfortably inside the ear canal and are used to enhance speech and environmental sounds for better communication and quality of life.

Size: Varies, but typically small and discreet

Fit: Custom-made to fit comfortably in the ear canal

Amplification: Adjustable volume and frequency response to suit individual needs

Microphone: Captures external sounds and converts them into electrical signals

Receiver: Converts electrical signals back into amplified sound and delivers it to the ear
3

25
votes
Coronation Dental Specialty Group · CC BY-SA 3.0

Dental implants

Per-Ingvar Brånemark

3D printing can create highly accurate dental implants for patients who require them, reducing the need for invasive surgery.
Dental implants are a complex dental procedure used to replace missing teeth by surgically placing artificial tooth roots in the jawbone. These implants provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth that match the natural teeth in appearance and function.

Material: Typically made of titanium

Function: Serve as artificial tooth roots

Biocompatibility: Implants fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration

Types: Endosteal and subperiosteal implants

Procedure: Involves surgical placement into the jawbone
Dental implants in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most difficult dental procedure
4

8
votes
Architectural models

3D printing can create highly detailed models of buildings and other structures, allowing architects to visualize and refine their designs.
Architectural models are physical scale models of buildings or structures created through 3D printing technology. These models are used by architects, engineers, and designers to visualize and communicate their designs in a tangible and realistic way.

Scale Accuracy: Ensures that the model is an accurate representation of the actual building or structure.

Detailing: Allows for intricate detailing of architectural elements such as windows, doors, and facades.

Material Options: Can be printed using a variety of materials, including plastics, resins, and even metal, to simulate different building materials.

Customization: Enables customization of the model based on specific design requirements or client preferences.

Size Variation: Allows for the creation of models in various sizes, from small-scale maquettes to large-scale exhibition models.
5

15
votes
Educational aids

3D printing can create models and prototypes that can be used in the classroom to teach science, engineering, and other subjects.
Educational aids are 3D printed models, tools, or resources specifically designed to enhance the learning experience for students of various age groups and subjects. They provide a hands-on approach to education, enabling students to visualize and interact with complex concepts in a tangible way.

Customizability: Educational aids can be customized to meet the specific needs of different subjects or learning styles.

Durability: They are made of durable materials to withstand multiple uses and handling.

Precision: 3D printing allows for high precision in creating intricate educational models and tools.

Accessibility: They can be easily accessed and shared, as digital design files can be distributed for printing.

Portability: Some educational aids can be printed in smaller sizes, making them portable enough to be carried to different locations without losing their functionality.
6

11
votes
Replacement parts

3D printing can create replacement parts for machines and other devices, reducing the need for expensive repairs or replacements.
Replacement parts refer to 3D printed objects that can be used as substitutes for broken or worn-out components in various devices or machinery. These parts are designed to fit perfectly and function just like the original ones, saving time and money by avoiding the need for purchasing new replacements.

Material: Depends on the specific part, commonly ABS or PLA plastic

Accuracy: Precise measurements to ensure proper fit

Strength: Durable and sturdy to withstand required loads and stresses

Compatibility: Designed to be compatible with the original device or machinery

Functionality: Maintains the same functionality as the original part
7

4
votes
Jewelry

3D printing can create highly intricate and customized pieces of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Jewelry is a form of personal adornment, typically made from precious metals and gemstones. It includes various types of accessories such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and anklets. Jewelry is often crafted by skilled artisans who combine their creativity and expertise to create unique and intricate designs. It is worn for various reasons, including aesthetics, cultural or religious significance, and as a symbol of social status or personal identity.

Materials: Gold, silver, platinum, gemstones

Crafting Techniques: Hand-forged, casting, soldering, stone-setting

Types: Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, anklets

Styles: Classic, modern, vintage, bohemian, minimalist

Gemstone Varieties: Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, pearls, etc.
8

12
votes
Toys

3D printing can create customized toys that are tailored to a child's interests and preferences.
Toys are handmade objects designed for play and amusement. They are created with various materials such as fabric, wood, clay, and metal, amongst others. Toys come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and forms, representing different characters, animals, vehicles, and more. These handmade creations offer imaginative and interactive experiences for children and adults alike.

Material: Fabric, wood, clay, metal, etc.

Size: Varies, from small to large

Shapes: Various shapes like animals, characters, vehicles

Artistic Detail: Intricate hand-painted or hand-sewn designs

Functionality: Some toys may have moving parts or sound effects
9

6
votes
Cosplay props

3D printing can create highly detailed and accurate props for cosplay enthusiasts to use in their costumes.
Cosplay props are 3D printed objects used in cosplay, which is a type of performance art where participants dress up as characters from popular culture, such as comic books, movies, or video games. These props are usually weapons, accessories, or equipment that enhance the overall appearance of the cosplay costume.

Material: PLA or ABS plastic

Size: Varies based on the specific prop

Durability: Sturdy and able to withstand frequent use

Accuracy: Highly detailed and faithful to the original design

Customizability: Can be easily modified or painted to match different characters
10

2
votes
Saral Shots · CC BY-SA 4.0

Household items

3D printing can create a wide variety of household items, including organizers, kitchen utensils, and decorations.
Household items are everyday objects used in a household setting that can be 3D printed. These items can range from practical tools to decorative pieces. 3D printing allows for customization, cost-effective production, and easy replacement of these household items.

Material: Various thermoplastics (e.g., PLA, ABS)

Print time: Depends on complexity, can range from minutes to hours.

Print size: Limited by the 3D printer's build volume.

Durability: Varies depending on the chosen material and design.

Customization: Allows for personalized designs and adaptations to specific needs.

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Ranking factors for useful thing

Functionality

The usefulness of an object is tied to how well it performs its intended function.
Accessibility

Whether the design is relatively easy to 3D print and assemble.
Practicality

How often an item can be used in everyday life as well as its size and storage requirements.
Customizability

The ability to customize or adapt the design to suit the user's needs.
Cost

The cost of producing the object, including the cost of the 3D printer, materials, and time.
Innovation

Whether the design solves a practical problem in ways that other solutions don't.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most useful thing to 3D print. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or thing is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1417 views
137 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each thing once every 24 hours. The rank of each thing is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most useful thing to 3d print

3D printing has revolutionized the way we make things in the modern age. It has brought about a new era of innovation and creativity, allowing us to create objects that were once impossible to produce. The technology has become more accessible and affordable in recent years, making it possible for more people to experiment with 3D printing at home. With this new wave of interest, the question arises - what is the most useful thing to 3D print? The possibilities are endless, from practical household items like replacement parts and tools, to artistic creations and even prosthetic limbs. Let's explore the many ways 3D printing can be used to improve our lives.