Top 10 3D Printer Projects for Beginners

What Are Some Easy 3D Printer Projects for Beginners?

Starting with simple projects is the best way to get accustomed to your 3D printer and understand its capabilities. Here are ten beginner-friendly projects to kickstart your 3D printing journey. Some of these prints may be a little bit more complicated than others due to having more parts, but it should be an excellent list of beginner 3D prints.

How to Choose a Beginner 3D Printing Project?

When selecting a beginner project, consider the complexity, print time, and material requirements. Look for projects that are straightforward and provide practical or decorative value. Some prints that involve multiple parts will snap fit together but might sometimes require a little bit of sanding.

Why Should Beginners Start with Simple 3D Printer Projects?

Simple projects help beginners learn the basics of 3D printing, from setting up the printer to understanding print settings and troubleshooting common issues. These projects build confidence and skills for tackling more complex designs in the future..

Top 10 3D Printer Projects for Beginners?

1. Benchy Boat

• Description: The famous 3D Benchy boat, originally known as the "Jolly 3D printing torture test," was designed to test the capabilities of 3D printers. The miniature boat was created by Creative Tools and released in 2015. It was designed to help users identify their 3D printer's weaknesses by evaluating its ability to produce intricate designs, handle complex geometries, and meet precise measurements.
• Why It’s Great: The Benchy is a great first print for beginner 3D printing enthusiasts to test out their 3D printer. The print allows for creating intricate designs, and if something fails, it can be reprinted.
• 3D Model URL: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:763622

2. Cute Mini Octopus

• Description: A 3D mini octopus is great for beginners to test how well they can make articulated parts on their 3D printer. Some parts are separate and have to be snapped together, which is perfect for testing press-fit parts.
• Why It’s Great: The print is small but it allows users to learn about printing articulated and press fit parts.
• 3D Model URL: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3495390

3. EEro Plant Holder

• Description: A great print for a beginner is a flower pot with a drip tray. This project also tests the ability of 3D prints to be waterproof.
• Why It’s Great: This type of print can be printed with no supports and can be scaled to almost any size.
• 3D Model URL: https://than.gs/m/1058038

4. Mechanical Iris Container v1

• Description: This mechanical iris container can hold small objects. It is great for beginners learning how to assemble slightly complicated mechanical parts. Once assembled, all the pieces should move together smoothly.
• Why It’s Great: allows beginners to print a useful mechanical print and snap it together to create a larger multicolor print.
• 3D Model URL: https://than.gs/m/1076800

5. Twisting Pillars Vase

• Description: This is a vase with a twisting pillars pattern that is merged together. There are two versions: a filled version for spiral vase mode printing and a version with an internal cavity to make it watertight.
• Why It’s Great: This is a great vase print for beginners trying to use vase mode. This mode allows prints to be made in one continuous loop, usually without support material.
• 3D Model URL: https://than.gs/m/992259

6. 3D Maze Puzzle Box

• Description: A 3D printed puzzle box that does not need any support, ready to be printed in one direction. This type of print is suitable for FDM 3D printing as well as resin 3D printing.
• Why It’s Great: This print is a good print for testing tolerances and is a good toy to give away to kids.
• 3D Model URL: https://than.gs/m/9173

7. Gear Rail Fidget Thing

• Description: A unique gear-based fidget toy where the gears are interlocked, moving up and down a 3D printed rail. It gives the illusion that the gears are going to fall out, but they do not.
• Why It’s Great: This fidget toy is printed all in one piece and gives a great optical illusion.
• 3D Model URL: https://www.printables.com/model/892214-gear-rail-fidget-thing

8. The 3D Printed Marble Machine #3 - Designed by Tulio Laanen

• Description: A 3D printed marble machine is a unique 3D print for beginners that does not need any support material. It uses a 0.15 mm resolution. What is unique is that once finished, it is a great joy to watch the marbles roll through the maze to the very end. The mechanical screw in the center is turned to bring the marble back up to the top to restart it.
• Why It’s Great: Print is fun and engaging for all ages. It takes very little setup and has very few parts to print. it is a very unique desk toy.
• 3D Model URL: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1385312

9. Articulated Demon Dragon

• Description: This is an articulated 3D printed dragon. The body articulates, and the legs move up and down, as well as the arms and head. It does not need supports, which is perfect for beginners, and it does not require much infill.
• Why It’s Great: Articulated design makes it fun for New users to print great way to test out multi-color filaments
• 3D Model URL: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6635990

10. Baby Groot

• Description:It's a 3D model of Baby Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. This model is easy to print without a brim and without supports. It can be printed on almost any 3D printer and only uses about 20% infill.
• Why It’s Great:widely popular detailed print that is all in one print and not in separate pieces.
• 3D Model URL: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2014307

How Do These Projects Help Beginners?

Each of these projects provides hands-on 3D printing experience with various aspects, such as print settings, material handling, and post-processing techniques. They are designed to be simple yet rewarding, ensuring beginners gain confidence and foundational skills.

Conclusion

Starting with simple projects is essential for beginners to master the basics of 3D printing. The top ten projects listed above offer a blend of practicality and creativity, helping new users learn and enjoy their 3D printing journey.

FAQs

What Can I Build on a 3D Printer?

• You can build a wide variety of objects on a 3D printer.
  • Functional prototypes, such as mechanical parts and custom tools for practical applications.
  • Decorative items like sculptures, vases, and artistic figurines to enhance home decor.
  • Everyday practical items, including phone stands, key holders, and kitchen gadgets.
  • Educational models for science projects, game pieces for board games, and personalized gifts for special occasions.

What Is the Easiest Thing to 3D Print?

• The easiest things to 3D print are simple, low-detail objects.
  • Basic geometric shapes like cubes, spheres, and pyramids, which help you learn the basics.
  • Simple tools such as bottle openers, coasters, and small organizers for practical use.
  • Household items like hooks, cable holders, and basic office supplies.
  • Items with minimal supports and straightforward geometries, ensuring successful prints for beginners and reducing frustration.

What to Make First with a 3D Printer?

• For your first 3D print, start with something simple and practical.
  • Keychains or small figurines that are easy to print and provide a quick sense of accomplishment.
  • Calibration cubes or test prints to understand your printer's capabilities and fine-tune settings.
  • Basic household items like a phone stand, which are useful and easy to print.
  • Small, customizable gifts such as personalized name tags or small keepsakes, making the learning process enjoyable and rewarding.

How to Make Money with a 3D Printer?

• You can make money with a 3D printer through various methods.
  • Selling custom 3D-printed items on online marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon.
  • Offering 3D printing services for custom designs, prototypes, or small-scale manufacturing to businesses or individuals.
  • Creating and selling 3D models and digital files on platforms like Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, or Cults3D.
  • Producing and selling specialized items for niche markets, such as cosplay props, miniature figures for tabletop games, or hobbyist parts for DIY projects.