3D printing has changed, to an extent, how we create, giving designers, engineers, and hobbyists the limitless ability to create whatever they can think of. If you can dream it, you can create it. From functional and useful gadgets to artistic and whimsical designs, 3D printing is full of possibilities.
1. CatCube Cat & Dog House (V1.2)
Model Link: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/home/catcube-cat-dog-house
Pet lovers will appreciate the CatCube Cat & Dog House as a combination of home decor and useful functionality. It is a 3D-printed pet house that is offered on Cults3D, and it offers a wonderful nook for cats or dogs to enjoy. It can be printed in different colors or even material with different finish options. It is modular; so that it can be built, take-up space, is easily disassemble and material can be saved. It has some ventilation holes and a nice large (for a cat) internal pet space which adds to their comfort. Its design features, and modular arrangement adds some aesthetics to it because it is modern and playful when practical becomes an eye-catcher in the home.
Why It’s Cool: Pets get a comfy, personalized space, and you get to flex your 3D printing skills with a functional, eye-catching design.
2. RoboRattler, Robot Rattlesnake, Articulated Figure
Model Link: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/art/roborattler-robot-rattlesnake-articulted-figure
The RoboRattler is a captivating articulated figure that moves like a real snake. This robot rattlesnake is a flexible, segmented model that demonstrates the capabilities of creating moving parts through 3D printing without needing to assemble them. Each segment is printed in such a way that they lock together, allowing the snake to twist and coil like a real snake. This project is suitable for anyone looking to design an articulated model or art inspired by robotics.
Why It’s Cool: The articulated design shows the potential with 3D printing in providing the ability to make complex moving structures in one print which is useful for play and display.
3. Automatic Dice Tower
Model Link: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/automatic-dice-tower
All board game fans can rejoice over the Automatic Dice Tower, an essential for any fair and fun dice rolling experience. Not only is this awesome 3D-printed dice tower good, it automates the rolling of dice, providing you with random roll outcomes every single time. The way the dice tower is designed, with the internal baffles and the chute, ensures the dice tumble while making their way down the dice tower before finally landing in the tray at the bottom. Such a great project for all gamer types looking to take their tabletop gaming to the next level! When printing this, it is important to maintain precise printing tolerances so that the internal mechanism would not be out of alignment plus it recommends PETG when printing which provides you with a strong part with a smooth surface finish.
Why It’s Cool: It adds a professional automated feel to your game nights with a great mix of modern-day engineering ingenuity and gaming fun.
4. Mushroom Fairy House (Container)
Model Link: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/home/mushroom-fairy-house-container
The Mushroom Fairy House is a charming container and decorative object. The design of this object looks like a toadstool and has a removable cap. It is a great place to store little items like jewelry, a treat or a fiddly bit. It feels fairy-tale fantasy and of course a great gift item or home decor item for anyone who likes fantasy or fairy tale themes. For added contrasts you can play with dual color printing of the topper and stem.
Why It’s Cool: It essentially projecting function and fantasy, a container that feels like it should sit proudly in an enchanted forest.
5. The Fortune Teller Caravan Bundle
Model Link: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/various/the-fortune-teller-caravan-bundle-fulv
Travel somewhere mysterious with the Fortune Teller Caravan Bundle, a 3D-printable model of a gypsy-style caravan. The bundle has a lot of wonderful pieces, like the wagon itself, several decorative elements, and even tiny furniture inside the caravan. This is a wonderful project for diorama makers or avid collectors. Because of the detail in these models, they can be printed as high-resolution as appropriate and it's worth the time and expense to carefully post-process into a great-looking, miniature model suitable for display. Depending on the types of printing you do, you can use resin printing for the level of detail, or FDM with a small nozzle, as a more cost-effective option, to produce the model.
Why It’s Cool: This project allows you to create a miniature world, suitable for storytelling, display, or any tabletop role-playing game setting.
6. Mechanical Deck and Dice Box
Model Link: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/mechanical-deck-and-dice-box
The Mechanical Deck and Dice Box is essentially a gamers' dream; the best combination of storage and mechanics in one package. This 3D-printed box is designed to encapsulate a standard sized deck of cards and dice with a mechanical lid that opens with an enticing click. The internal compartments are very cleverly done to keep it all organized and you can't resist the mechanical movement aspect. It recommends using PETG or ABS filaments for durability, particularly for the mechanical aspects that you will be using over a period of time.
Why It’s Cool: Ultimately, it is a practical storage item with a mechanical twist to make it both practical and enjoyable to use.
7. Beverage Can Opener
Model Link: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/home/beverage-can-opener-beer-can-opener-soda-can-opener
The Beverage Can Opener is a very simple yet clever 3D-printable tool for opening seamless beverage cans (beer or soda). The ergonomic shape fits easily in your hand, and the strong design is made to be used repeatedly. This project is great for beginners since it is small and requires minimal material. PLA works great, and PETG would add even more strength.
Why It’s Cool: It is a functional, everyday tool that demonstrates that 3D Printing is a modern medium for producing goods, solves real-world challenges with style.
8. Steampunk Gears Clock
Model Link: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadget/steampunk-gears-clock
The Steampunk Gears Clock is a beautiful combination of art and useful function. This 3D printed clock has visible gears and a retro-futuristic way, which makes it a perfect piece for steampunk fans. This clock mechanism is technically a timepiece which I did not include extra parts for (quartz movement etc.) since the real beauty is the 3D printed clock frame, which is certainly eye-catching. There are several factors that play into printing this project, such as precision, like ensuring that all the gears align, and ultimately you could use a mix of PLA and metallic filament to help achieve a steampunk look.
Why It’s Cool:It’s a lovely functional timepiece and also a work of art, demonstrating the potential of 3D printing with complexity.
9. Le Cube: 13 Switch Games in 1 Question Block
Model Link: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadget/le-cube-13-jeux-switch-dans-1-bloc-question-de-5cm
Nintendo fans will love Le Cube, a 5cm question block inspired by Super Mario, which provides storage for as many as 13 Switch game cartridges. This small, clever creation provides both a nostalgic homage, as well as a practical way to store your Switch game cartridges. The iconic design of the block is instantly recognizable, and it is small enough to print out quickly, you can use PLA or PETG for this one for a quick print, paint it or post-process it to feel more retro and it would make a fun gift for any gamer.
Why It’s Cool: It takes the nostalgia of gaming, and provides practical storage, while showing that 3D printing can provide some fun and functional fan art.
10. Astra Somnia
Model Link: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/home/astra-somnia
Astra Somnia is a celestial-inspired decor creation that captures the tranquility of the dream world. This 3D-printed design showcases detailed stars and dreamcatchers, making it a beautiful piece of decoration or a unique lamp base (with integrated light). The elaborate design requires a printer with good resolution, while resin printing provides the best detail. Ideally, PLA or PETG would work for larger prints with a translucent filament providing a glowing effect.
Why It’s Cool: It turns your space into a dreamy retreat while capturing the essence of 3D printing and the ability to create detailed art.
