3D printing has evolved from a small niche hobby for individuals to a mainstream technology, allowing everything from fidget toys to practical tools to be produced. The ability to innovate and customize any digital design into real life has made 3D printing an absolute playground for makers, tinkerers, and designers. See our five exciting 3D printing projects for adults, come by and see some fun technical Ingenuity and functionality. Its projects are sourced from popular platforms like Printables and thangs. Each project allows different kinds of features and designs, and practical applications to try and test your growing 3D skills.
1. MFT 3 TwirlBox: Ergonomic & Space-Smart MultiPurpose Tool Box
Model URL : MFT 3 TwirlBox
Overview
The MFT 3 TwirlBox is a project that is available on printables; it is specially designed to be printed in a print-in-place-type project. The entire project is created to be a compact place to organize items. It is a solution to store all sorts of little hobby supplies, as well as small electronics or anything they can fit in its containers. It has a twirl mechanism that allows drawers to rotate outward, providing easy access to items while maintaining its compact footprint.
Technical Details
● Source: Printables
● Designer: Tinkerer
● Material: PLA or PETG
● Layer Height: 0.2 mm for optimal balance of detail and speed
● Supports: None required (print-in-place design)
● Infill: 15–20% for structural integrity
● File Format: STL, 3MF
Why It’s Fun
The MFT 3 TwirlBox is a highly refined type of mechanical design since everything is printed in place, it requires very little cleanup, and most of the parts are able to be created in one print instead of multiple pieces. It has numerous rotating drawers offering a tactile experience for adults. This makes it enjoyable as well as practical. This type of drawer is perfect for organizing small tools for woodworking, 3D print accessories or even some small desk supplies. Being 3D printed means you can customize it any color you like.
Printing Tips
● Material Choice: For most 3D prints, PLA would work well. The PETG is highly recommended for this type of project for its durability. This type of item could hold heavier items inside it.
● Bed Adhesion: Adhesion is a must, as well as a level build plate to prevent warping, as this can be a very long print.
● Scaling: T This kind of print can be scaled up or scaled down as needed, but people printing this project should be cautious of printing smaller sizes, as rotating mechanisms might become too close together, making the print fuse together.
● Post-Processing: A light sanding might be needed after printing to ensure that the print can rotate freely.
Use Case
This rotating toolbox is ideal for hobbyists and makers who want a compact, stylish organizer for their workspace. Rotating design makes it a joy to use and print in place files showcase the precision of the design. Just using this type of print frenzy fun element anywhere it is placed.
2. Print-in-Place Gear Shift Fidget Toy
Model URL : Gear shift fidget toy
Overview
The prison place gear shift fidget toy, also from Printables, has a real feel of shifting gears of a manual car. This type of fidget toy is perfect for adults who enjoy mechanical movements and want a small stress reliever while working at work or at home.
Technical Details
● Source: Printables
● Designer:
● Material: PLA or ABS
● Layer Height: 0.15–0.2 mm
● Supports: None required
● Infill: 10–15% for lightweight feel
● File Format: STL
Why It’s Fun
This kind of fidget toy captures the movement in essence of driving a manual car. The print is created to print smoothly along the XY axis. It has a compact size that makes it portable, and it is designed to work right off the printer. It's primarily aimed at car enthusiasts or anyone who likes mechanical fidget toys.
Printing Tips
● Tolerances: Being a printing place design, it relies on precise tolerances in order to swivel and move correctly.
● Filament: PLA works for this type of print, but PETG will probably work better.
● Lubrication: Only a small amount of lubrication might be needed, such as PTFE Grease.
● Customization: If you have a dual color printing system, you can change different parts to different colors if desired.
Use Case
This type of death toy is perfect for students or professionals who want a way to manage stress or maintain focus while doing lawn tasks. It is inspired by an automotive type of design.
3. Spooky Controller Stand
Model URL : Spooky Controller Stand
Overview
On thangs, The Spooky Controller Stand is a game controller holder. It is a Halloween spider design shaped like a ghostly figure. It can serve as a decorative and functional piece for gamers.
Technical Details
● Source: Thangs
● Designer: Community contribution
● Material: PLA or PETG
● Layer Height: 0.2–0.3 mm
● Supports: Recommended
● Infill: 10–20%
● File Format: STL
Why It’s Fun
The stand is sturdy for holding a game controller while having a playful aesthetic. It's designed to make it a stand-out addition for your gameplay setup. It is designed to hold controllers of various sizes. It is perfect for adults who enjoy gaming as well, and seasonal decor is a perfect blend of fun and function.
Printing Tips
● Supports: Enable tree supports for overhangs and minimize cleanup.
● Material: PETG is preferred for its durability, as the stand will be handled frequently.
● Color Choice: Being a Halloween type of print, a sparkly black or a glow-in-the-dark PLA can enhance this type of print.
● Post-Processing: The print can be weathered and painted to make it more Halloween-like.
Use Case
It is designed for gamers to keep their game controllers organized with a touch of personality, and it's a great conversation starter.
4. Cargo Containers: Mini Modular Storage
Model URL : Cargo Containers - 1x1 (Mini Modular Storage)
Overview
The Cargo Containers (1x1 Mini Modular Storage), found on Thangs. It is a modular storage system inspired by shipping containers. It is designed to be mounted on the wall and is perfect for organizing small items such as screws, beads, or electronic components. It is also designed to be expanded and modified.
Technical Details
● Source: Thangs
● Designer: Community contribution
● Material: PLA, PETG, or TPU
● Print Time: 4–8 hours per container
● Layer Height: 0.2 mm
● Supports: Optional for lid hinges
● Infill: 15–25%
● File Format: STL
Why It’s Fun
The design is created to be practical and visually appealing with an industrial, rugged look. It can be changed according to what the user wants by changing or modifying containers. And there are endless possibilities for fun and engagement with his print.
Printing Tips
● Modularity: Do a test print of containers to make sure it is compatible with scaling and interlocking.
● Material:. PLA is most suitable as well as PETG.
● Infill: Higher infill 20–25%
● Customization: The containers can be personalized with name tags or other designs in 3D modeling software.
Use Case
For hobbyists and creators, and anyone needing a small, compact storage solution. This type of print is perfect for organizing a small workshop or a desk, lighting a touch of industrial type design.
5. Tactile Fidget Rings
Model URL: Tactile Fidget Rings
Overview
The Tactile Fidget Rings, available on Thangs, are a textured spinning set of rings designed for stress relief and made to feel nice while holding.
Technical Details
● Source: Thangs
● Designer: Community contribution
● Material: PLA or ABS
● Layer Height: 0.1–0.2 mm
● Supports: None
● Infill: 10–15%
● File Format: STL
Why It’s Fun
The rings offer a unique spinning motion and textures all around the outer edge of the Ring is and being portable, as well makes the print-in-place design fun they have. The design allows it to be immediately printed and being able to be used.
Printing Tips
● Precision: Use lower heights of 0.1 mm for smooth textures, allowing for prints to move freely.
● Material: PLA is sufficient for most users.
● Scaling: Scaling is printing; he must be careful, as scaling too small can weld the print together, making it unable to move.
● Multicolor: Using a multicolor 3D printer makes it possible to make this print have different materials.
Use Case
For professionals and students, these rings are perfect for anyone being a discreet, simple way of relieving stress.
Why 3D Printing is Perfect for Adults
3D printing fun things for adults offers any blend of technical challenges and creativity, as well as a practical showcase of different types of printing, from organizers to fidget spinners. The high customization for any of these types of projects makes a deal for both beginner and advanced users.