Once in a while we collect some of the best models to create with your desktop 3D printer. Usually we follow a theme, as it was the case with, for example, our recent list of Top 12 Halloween prints. This time around however, we wanted to present you all kinds of interesting models, so we have created a list of cool things to 3D print, where everyone can find something they are interested in printing. The ideas are divided into 3 categories: Useful things, decor, and for geeks. At the end of the short description of the 3D printable object you will find a link to download the digital file, mostly in STL format; some files are free but for a couple of them you might need to pay a small fee. Have fun!

Useful things

Kitchen containers

These are kitchen containers that can be used to store your coffee and sugar. Featuring the chemical structures of sucrose and Caffeine as part of their design, the containers might be a fun addition to your kitchen. They come with two types of lids – flip or push. Perhaps, you might want to print the push ones as they are better for coffee or sugar storage to retain the aroma or keep away the ants. The kitchen containers are 6.4×3.7×8.9 cm (sugar) and 6.4×3.4×7 cm (coffee). Don’t forget to verify that your 3D printing material is food safe. You can download the STL file HERE.

Bike coffee holder

The Coffee Cup Holder is a very practical accessory for your bicycle. The design looks very clean, and if you are the kind of person who loves coffee, then it’s a perfect idea for you to 3D print! The download includes files in 7 different sizes to fit a variety of bike frames. According to the creator of the bike coffee holder files, Harry Dalster, the approximate print time is 6 hours. You can download the STL file HERE. Enjoy the ride with your 3D printed gear!

Key holder: Winking owl

Key holders are useful, but who knew they can be this much fun too! If you forget often where in the house you have placed your keys, this is an idea for you! You can 3D print the winking owls that will guard your keys, while entertaining your guests or family. The birds have their eyes closed when empty, but once you hang the keys, the weight makes the big round owl eyes open. These models consist of multiple parts but are very easy are easy to assemble, according to the creator of the design. With the download comes the manual with pictures. You can download the file HERE.

Self-watering planter

Parallel Goods introduced their first design, the Self-Watering Planter. The planter is exactly the growing environment your plants need, while giving you flexibility in your watering routine. Designed to be 3D printed with PLA, the item is very easy to use: just plant your favorite herb or other water-intensive plant, add water, and you’re all set. You can customize your planter by mixing and matching different colors for the pot and reservoir. How does the self-watering work? Just set the pot in the reservoir, add your plant of choice, and fill the reservoir to the line inside of the spout. Then refill whenever you can’t see any water in the spout. The file can be downloaded HERE.

Pencil holder

Next in our list of cool things to 3D print is an item that will help you avoid mess on your desk, pen and pencil holder. The beautiful geometry of the holder caught our attention: the smooth lines remind of waves and the honeycomb-like structure, when looked at from the top, is always a nice visual addition. You can experiment with the color of your print to make the beautiful design reflect your personality. You can download the file HERE. Organize your workspace well and stay productive!

Combination Lock

The combination locks seem like a very useful idea. If you your suitcase lock is lost or broken, panic not! You can 3D print a new one, and then assemble the parts easily. To manufacture your own customized combination lock, you can start by choosing a size: 3, 4, or 5 digit passcode. The file is available HERE. Also at the link, the creator of the design explains the assembly process in detail. For instance, to fit the wheels into the slots, you need to place the two halves onto each other, and attach with either a M3x20 nut and bolt or superglue, and make sure not to get any glue on the wheels–you won’t be able to spin them if you do.

Decor

Lamp

The decor category of our cool things to 3D print list, starts with a beautiful lamp inspired by the famous Eiffel Tower. The design was born from a collaboration between le FabShop, a 3D printing startup from Brittany, and Maison&Objet, an international furniture fair. Designed and engineered by Samuel N. Bernier, a canadian industrial designer, this object was produced using MakerBot Replicator Z18 desktop 3D printer. In the 3D file, the upper and lower parts of the 30cm wide lamp are cut into quarters. To print the entire lamp, you should print four times the bottom quarter and four times the upper quarter. Then you’ll have to clip each of these parts with each other. The model can be printed without any support, just use raft. You can download the file HERE.

Vase

A sophisticated addition to your interior design, this lamp is easy to 3D print and a treat to look at! It is a single contiguous shape at all layers, and can be printed with a single line of extrusion. That is, it’s a vase mode print. The Orbit Vase 2 digital file is available HERE.

Flower pot

The last two models in the decor category of the cool things to 3D print are for plant lovers! This particular collection is called Cute Girls Planter, and features four different designs, which will look very harmonious in almost any space. The digital files are available in three formats: .obf, .fbx, and .stl. You can purchase the file HERE.

Anti-gravity planter

This simple but at the same time unique planter is easy to 3D print and assemble. You will need to print two bases, which are responsible for the anti-gravity visual effect, without supports and assemble them with two threads, as shown in this video. As for the planter itself, print it with supports (they should be easily removable) and snap it into one of the two bases. The planter has no drainage hole, so there should be a layers of pebbles on the bottom in order to avoid killing the plant. The file to download is available HERE.

For Geeks

Lord of the Rings headset holder

This headphone holder is so awesome that it might well interest even those who have never heard of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The item is easy to print and does not require any supports. The three components making up the holder slot together, so there is no need for glue. Practical and impressive, the LOTR headphone holder stands just over 20cm tall. You can download the printable file HERE.

Baby Yoda figurine

This next item in our list of cool things to 3D print does not need much description – it is only the cutest Baby Yoda figurine in the world. The author of this Baby Yoda figurine was enchanted by the mischievous creature and spent 122 hours working on the project for any enthusiast to obtain a high-quality model to join the collection.

In order to conceal the places where assembly parts of the model must be connected, the tiny hero was cut along the contour of his little robe seams. For you to achieve the cleanest result possible such parts as figurine’s feet, hands, scarf, ears and joystick knob are provided as separate files. All assembly parts are provided in STL files in recommended positions that were worked out in order to ensure the smoothness of the details’ surfaces after printing and that the 3D printing beginners won’t face difficulties when placing the parts on a build plate. You can purchase the files HERE.

Iron Man wearable helmet

This model of the iconic Iron Man Mark 42 helmet features a functional front part, or visor, which opens and closes easily. However, you will need to add a few electronic components, such as li-ion controller and battery, when assembling it. It is recommended to 3D print the item with ABS or PLA; the STL file is available HERE.

Groot phone holder

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 introduced us to Baby Groot, and the audience immediately had their hearts melted by the adorable anthropomorphic tree-baby. Now you can 3D print Baby Groot to hold your phone. Designed by Aslan3D, the piece is fast and easy to print. Sadly, the available file is only compatible with the iPhone cellphones at the moment, you can download the STL HERE.

SpaceX helmet

The last item in our list of cool things to 3D print is the futuristic SpaceX helmet. This particular model is impressive for several reasons. Firstly, it features an articulating top half that allows the wearer to lift the visor up. Secondly, NeoPixel LEDs illuminate the face with motion activated animations! Plus, you can customize motions to change different colors, animations or even play sounds. Powered by the Circuit Playground Express, program animations may be changed quickly with motion gestures, sound effects and more with all the built in sensors! Easy to reach USB ports will allow you to recharge the battery. The  helmet is 3D printed in several pieces and assembled to complete the perfect astronaut costume! The file can be downloaded HERE. 

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