Top 10 3D Printing Projects for Beginners

Article by: Vincent van Vliet

Last update: July 12, 2024

3D printing has opened up a world of possibilities for hobbyists, tinkerers, and creators alike. For beginners, diving into the realm of 3D printing can be both exciting and intimidating. To help ease the transition, we’ve compiled a list of the top 3D printing projects that are not only fun and straightforward but also serve as excellent practice for honing your skills. Additionally, we’ll share recommendations for beginner-friendly filaments and essential tips for achieving successful prints.

Phone Stand

A phone stand is a practical and simple project perfect for beginners. With various designs available, you can choose one that fits your style. This project will help you understand basic print settings and support structures. Opt for a design with minimal overhangs to ensure a smooth print.

Cable Organiser

Tired of tangled cables? Print your own cable organiser! This project is not only useful but also a great way to learn about printing small parts with precision. Look for designs that include slots for different cable sizes and experiment with different filament types to find what works best for you.

Keychain

Keychains are small, quick, and customisable projects that can add a personal touch to your keys. Start with a simple design and gradually try more intricate patterns as you gain confidence. Keychains also make for excellent gifts.

Planter

A small planter is an ideal project for beginners interested in combining their love for gardening with 3D printing. Choose a design that doesn’t require supports, and experiment with different filament colours to match your décor.

Desk Organiser

Keep your workspace tidy with a 3D printed desk organiser. There are countless designs available, from simple trays to intricate compartmentalised organisers. This project will help you learn about printing larger objects and dealing with potential warping issues.

Pen Holder

A pen holder is another practical project that can spruce up your desk. Choose a basic cylindrical design or explore more creative shapes. This project will teach you about the importance of infill density and wall thickness in 3D printing.

Bookmarks

For book lovers, 3D printed bookmarks are a fantastic and easy project. Simple flat designs are quick to print and can be customised with your favourite quotes or patterns. This project is perfect for practicing precise layer adhesion.

Puzzle

It goes without saying that puzzles are fun to print and solve. Start with a simple puzzle design to get familiar with assembling multiple parts. As you gain experience, you can try more complex puzzles that will challenge both your printing and problem-solving skills.

Coasters

Coasters are useful household items that are easy to print. Choose designs that incorporate different textures and patterns to make your coasters both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This project will help you understand surface finishes and layer resolution better.

3D Printed Toys

Printing small toys, such as miniature figurines or simple articulated models, is a delightful project for beginners. These prints can be more complex, allowing you to practice using supports and fine-tuning print settings to achieve detailed results.

Here are Some of Our Recommendations for Beginner-Friendly Filaments

Choosing the right filament is crucial for successful 3D printing. For beginners, we recommend starting with PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament due to its ease of use and low printing temperature. PLA is biodegradable, available in various colours, and produces minimal warping.

Another excellent option is PETG 3D printing filament. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) combines the ease of PLA with the durability of ABS; it’s slightly more challenging to print than PLA but offers better impact resistance and flexibility, making it ideal for functional parts.

Embrace These Tips for Successful Prints

Level Your Bed: Ensuring your print bed is level is crucial for achieving good first layer adhesion. Most 3D printers come with bed levelling instructions – follow them carefully.
Calibrate Your Printer: Regularly calibrate your printer to maintain accuracy. This includes checking the extruder temperature, bed temperature, and filament feed rate.
Use Adhesives: If you’re struggling with bed adhesion, try using adhesives like glue stick, hairspray, or specialised 3D printing adhesives to keep the first layer in place.
Adjust Print Speed: Slower print speeds can improve print quality, especially for detailed or complex parts. Start with the recommended speed for your filament and adjust as needed.
Maintain Your Printer: Regular maintenance – such as cleaning the print bed and nozzle, lubricating moving parts, and checking for wear and tear – will ensure your printer operates smoothly.
Experiment with Settings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different print settings. Adjusting parameters like layer height, infill density, and support structures can significantly impact the quality of your prints.
Stay Patient and Persistent: 3D printing is a skill that takes time to master. Be patient with yourself and learn from each print, whether successful or not.

Ready to start printing?

Embarking on your 3D printing journey with these beginner-friendly projects will set you on the path to becoming a proficient 3D printing enthusiast. Remember to start with simple designs, gradually take on more complex projects, and enjoy the process of creating tangible objects from digital designs. Happy printing!

Article by:

Vincent van Vliet

Vincent van Vliet is co-founder and responsible for the content and release management. Together with the team Vincent sets the strategy and manages the content planning, go-to-market, customer experience and corporate development aspects of the company.