How to Make 3D Printed Keychains: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

If you’ve ever wanted to create personalized, durable, and creative keychains, 3D printing is an excellent way to bring your ideas to life. Whether you’re making them for yourself, as gifts, or even to sell, this tutorial will walk you through the entire process—from designing your keychain (including using SVG files for detailed drawings) to printing and finishing it, with options for multicolor designs. We’ll also cover key printing considerations like vertical vs. horizontal orientation. No prior experience? No problem! Let’s dive in.

Kingroon KP3S V1

What You’ll Need

Before we get started, here’s a list of tools and materials you’ll need:

● 3D Printer: Any FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printer like the Ender 3 or Prusa i3 works great.

● Filament: PLA is beginner-friendly, but ABS or PETG can work for durability. Multiple colors for multicolor designs.

● Computer with 3D Design Software: Free options include Tinkercad, PrusaSlicer (for basic edits), or others like Fusion 360, Blender, or FreeCAD.

● Slicer Software: Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Simplify3D to prepare your design for printing.

● Keychain Rings: Available at craft stores or online.

● Sandpaper or Files: For smoothing rough edges (optional).

● Paint or Markers: For adding color (optional).

● Drill or Small Hole Punch: If you don’t include a hole in your design.

● SVG Files (Optional): For intricate designs (more on this below).

● Time and Patience: Especially if you’re new to 3D printing or experimenting with filament changes!

Step 1: Design Your Keychain

The first step is creating a 3D model of your keychain. You can design something simple like a nameplate, get creative with shapes like animals or logos, or use SVG files for more detailed drawings.

Option 1: Use Tinkercad (Beginner-Friendly)

1. Sign Up/Log In: Go to Tinkercad.com and create a free account.

2. Start a New Design: Click “Create New Design” to open the workspace.

3. Choose a Base Shape:

 Drag a basic shape (e.g., a rectangle or circle) onto the workplane.

4. Resize: Adjust to something like 150mm x 30mm x 3mm for a standard keychain size.

5. Add Text or Details:

Use the “Text” tool for names or words, setting the height to protrude 2mm.

6. Make a Hole:

 Add a 4mm cylinder, set it as a “Hole,” and group it with the base to cut it out.

7. Export: Save as an .stl file.

Option 2: Use PrusaSlicer (Simple Modifications)

While PrusaSlicer is primarily a slicing tool, it also offers basic design capabilities:

1. Create a base shape or import a svg file

2. Import an STL or SVG:

Open PrusaSlicer (download from Prusa3D.com) and import an .stl or .svg file.

3. Adjust Size:

 Use the “Scale” tool to resize to about 50mm x 30mm x 3mm.

4. Add a Hole:

Drop a cylinder from “Add Primitive” (right-click > “Add Negative Volume” > “Cylinder”), size it to 4-5mm, and position it.

5. Customize: Use “Cut” or “Height Range Modifier” to tweak the design.

6. Export: Save as an .stl.

○ Note: For advanced modeling, try Fusion 360, Blender, or FreeCAD.

Option 3: Using SVG Files for Detailed Designs

SVG files are 2D vectors you can turn into 3D models for intricate designs.

1. Find or Create an SVG: Download from FreeSVG.org or create in Inkscape.

2. Import into Design Software:

○ Tinkercad: Click “Import,” upload your SVG, and adjust height (e.g., 3mm base, 5mm total).

○ PrusaSlicer: Import the SVG, extrude it (e.g., 3mm), and add a hole.

○ Other Tools: Fusion 360, Blender, or FreeCAD offer more control.

3. Refine: Add a 4-5mm keyring hole and extra features.

4. Export: Save as an .stl.

○ Tip: Simplify complex SVGs for better printing.

Design Tips

● Keep it small (around 5cm long).

● Ensure the keyring hole is at least 4mm wide.

● Avoid thin parts that might break. 

Step 2: Prepare Your Model for Printing

“Slice” your .stl file into printer instructions.

1. Open Your Slicer: Use Cura, PrusaSlicer, or similar.

2. Import Your File: Drag your .stl into the workspace.

3. Set Up Your Printer: Select your printer model or input custom settings.

4. Adjust Settings:

○ Layer Height: 0.2mm for a balance of speed and quality.

○ Infill: 20-30% for strength.

○ Supports: Needed for overhangs (more on orientation below).

○ Bed Adhesion: Use a brim or raft if needed.

5. Orientation Matters:

○ Horizontal Printing: Flat on the bed for strength and detail. Layers stack vertically, but overhangs may need supports.

○ Vertical Printing: Upright saves space and avoids hole supports, but layers run horizontally, potentially weakening the design.

○ Choose Based on Design: Flat with details? Horizontal. Tall and simple? Vertical.

6. Slice It: Generate the G-code and preview.

7. Save: Export to an SD card or send to your printer.

Step 3: Print Your Keychain (Including Multicolor Options)

Source: Cute Multicolor Keychain

Time to print, with options for multicolor designs using manual filament changes!

1. Load Filament: Insert your first color (e.g., PLA) and heat the extruder.

2. Prep the Bed: Level and clean the bed; add tape or glue if needed.

3. Start Printing: Load the G-code and press “Print.”

4. Monitor: Watch the first layers for adhesion. Print time varies from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Adding Multicolor with Manual Filament Changes

If your printer has one extruder, you can still create multicolor keychains by swapping filament mid-print.

Full Multicolor Keychain

1. Design in Layers: Split your design into parts at different heights (e.g., base at 0-2mm, text at 2-4mm).

2. Set Pause Points in Slicer:

○ PrusaSlicer: Right-click the model, select “Add Color Change” at the desired layer height (e.g., 2mm).

○ Cura: Use “Post-Processing Scripts” > “Filament Change” and input the layer number.

3. Print and Swap:

○ Start with your first color (e.g., blue for the base).

○ When the printer pauses, unload the current filament and load the next color (e.g., red for text).

○ Resume printing. Repeat for additional colors.

Single-Layer Multicolor (Surface Design)

1. Design a Shallow Layer: Create a recessed area (e.g., 0.4mm deep) for text or a logo.

2. Plan the Switch: Note the layer height where the recess ends (e.g., 2mm or layer 10 at 0.2mm layers).

3. Add a Pause: Set a filament change at that layer.

4. Print and Swap:

○ Print the base (e.g., black) up to the recess.

○ Pause, swap to a contrasting color (e.g., white), and finish the top layer.

Considerations

● Alignment: Layer-based, so keep it simple.

● Time: Each pause adds a few minutes.

● Test First: Try a small sample.

Limitations of Printing Orientation

● Horizontal: Stronger, smoother top, ideal for multicolor layers. May need supports.

● Vertical: No hole supports, fits more prints. Weaker, with visible layer lines.

Step 4: Troubleshooting Common 3D Printing Issues

Encountered a snag? Here’s how to fix common issues: Stringing—those wispy threads? Lower the nozzle temp by 5-10°C or boost retraction (e.g., 5mm). Poor Adhesion—print not sticking? Clean the bed with alcohol or add a brim. Layer Shifting—design sliding? Tighten belts or slow to 50mm/s. Failed Filament Swap—clogged mid-color change? Cut filament cleanly and swap fast. Warping—edges lifting? Raise bed temp (e.g., 60°C for PLA). These tweaks will keep your keychain printing smoothly!

Step 5: Post-Processing

Refine your print after it’s done.

1. Remove from Bed: Let it cool, then remove with a spatula.

2. Clean Up: Trim stringing or brim with pliers or a knife.

3. Smooth It: Sand with 200-400 grit sandpaper. Vertical prints may need more sanding on the face.

4. Add the Hole (If Needed): Drill a 4-5mm hole if skipped.

5. Paint (Optional): Use acrylics or markers if not using multicolor filament, then seal with clear spray paint.

Step 6: Comparing Filament Types

Kingroon PETG

Which filament fits your keychain? PLA: Cheap, easy to print, but brittle—ideal for beginners. PETG: Stronger, slightly flexible, perfect for daily wear. ABS: Tough, heat-resistant, but needs good ventilation. TPU: Soft, bendable, great for unique, flexible designs. For most keychains, PLA’s ease wins, but PETG adds durability—choose based on your needs!

Step 7: Scaling Up: Selling Your Keychains

Turn your keychains into a side hustle! Craft trendy designs like fandom logos and price them at $5-$15, covering filament (~$0.50) and time. Sell on Etsy, eBay, or local craft fairs. Package with cardstock backings or small bags for a pro look. Skip copyrighted designs unless licensed. With practice, you could profit from your printer!

Step 8: Assemble Your Keychain

1. Attach the Ring: Thread a keychain ring through the hole.

2. Test It: Attach to keys and test durability.