Incredible Things You Can Make with a 3D Printer in 2023

The variety of 3D printer uses makes this modern technology an attractive hobby and business idea. What can you make with a 3D printer? Explore the photos of fantastic creations 3D printed by enthusiasts and find more uses for 3D printers at home or work.

What are 3D printers used for? You can read Gambody’s introduction to 3D printing to find answers to this and many other questions, and learn the history of 3D printing and different methods of turning 3-dimensional models into physical objects.

What Can I Make with a 3D Printer?

The new technologies make it easy to replace broken parts and build unique shapes, custom projects, home decor, and collectible figurines. Thanks to free 3D modeling software, it is now possible to recreate any replica, build your dream car, and do anything else.

Fusing approximately 0.1 mm of thickness layers on top of each other, FDM printer users turn their dreams into reality. And fans of resin 3D printers create smooth and highly-detailed pieces by curing resin liquid that becomes a solid model.

If you still question yourself, “What can I make with a 3D printer?” Gambody gives you a taste of fantastic uses for 3D printers at home. Enjoy a selection of over 60 models your 3D printer can do.

Read also: Best 3D Printing Websites with Free 3D Print Models 2022

What Can You 3D Print?

If a bookworm adores each page he or she reads, an artistic soul can spend hours admiring the works of art created by talented people.

Do you have a creative personality and love to craft unique figurines on an inexpensive 3D printer? Then you will be interested in observing the 3D prints shared by Gambody enthusiasts and hobbyists who know what you can 3D print.

Fantastic photos of over 60 fantastic 3D prints shared by enthusiasts and Gambody Community members can inspire you for new 3D printer uses. The list of these awesome figurines includes mechs, dragons, monsters, movie heroes, and other characters.

1. 3D Printed Gun

What can you make with a 3D printer not limited to decor pieces and collectible figurines? The answer will surprise some and make others node. It is a real working 3D printed gun.

You can use this piece to complete your Halloween costume or for a cosplay event. But don’t fire for fun. 3D printed or not, this firearm is still a gun.

Watch a video to see the 3D model shared by Defense Distributed in action. You will at once understand what 3D printers do nowadays.

2. 3D Printed Surgeon Models

What can you do with a 3D printer if you are a surgeon or working in a medical institution or center? One 3D printing machine at home or your office can help you recreate objects to study human anatomy.

The modern world does not need to use cadavers when it is easier and more affordable to study surgery and other medical professions using realistic 3D prints.

Thanks to high-precision 3D printing objects, each medical model looks incredibly accurate. You can even practice the surgery on a 3D print before meeting your first patient.

3. 3D Printed Guitar

What can you print with a 3D printer if you are a musician? Recreate your favorite musical instrument and make it play!

Guitar players, for example, can 3D print an electric guitar. It can be a unique plastic piece of art that you can make perfect by adding electronics, tuners, a guitar neck, neck plate, pickups, and other elements.

The uses of 3D printers at home should not be limited to just a regular or fantastic instrument. If you have your favorite band or musician idol, you can recreate their guitars and mount this replica on your wall! Wouldn’t it be stunning to show it to friends or tag the original owner on Instagram?

4. 3D Printed Camera Lens

There are some great things you can make with a 3D printer if you are a photographer. For example, recreate replacement parts for your camera, such as the lens.

If you love taking photos and understand the process, you can make a lens with acrylics and 3D print joints to attach to your camera. One hobbyist shares his unique experience of building the lens for his device. And your 3D printer can also help you do this project if you are willing to devote your time and skills.

5. 3D Printed iPhone Case

What can I do with a 3D printer if I have an iPhone? Be creative and start printing unique iPhone cases. You can even make them with working gear.

Use different filament colors while printing your iPhone cases and your fantasy to design more exciting accessories for your smartphone.

Such 3D printer use can even become a small business letting you be creative and earn money by selling 3D printable models or physical iPhone cases to others.

6. 3D Printed Rigid Heddle Loom

What to do with a 3D printer for weaving? The answer might sound strange until you see a real 3D printed rigid heddle loom. You can quickly build such a thing if you love to weave and wish to build the heddle yourself.

Get complete control over your warp and threads by recreating a worthwhile project. Use the rigid heddle loom STL files to print your simple loom and keep being creative while weaving your next masterpiece.

7. 3D Printed Wall Art

What can a 3D printer make for an artist? Using someone’s STL files, you can recreate stunning wall art and ensure that your apartment is embellished with unique decor.

For example, download the cascade STL files and 3D print this art piece in any filament color to match your interior. And once you are satisfied with your work, search for other things you can make with a 3D printer.

8. 3D Printing Mounting Systems

What can you do with a 3D printer if you wish it to be useful for all your home gadgets? With some filament and mounting system STL files, you can make handy accessories to store your smartphones, headphones, tablets, and other devices.

You will need some additional things to make such projects real. Metal bolts and nuts will help you complete the mounting system and enjoy using it at home or the office.

9. 3D Printed Shoe Ties

What can a 3D printer make for my kids? Since most little children don’t like to tie their shoelaces, you can simplify this task for them through handy 3D printer uses.

Download the quick shoe ties STL files and 3D print the smart pieces that ease the process and make children happy. Parents can also take advantage of the 1-second-shoe-tie option and get ready for a family walk in no time.

10. 3D Printed Sandals

What can you make on a 3D printer for your feet? With some PLA filament, your 3D printer, and platform shoes STL files, you can design your summer sandals.

Become a fashion designer for your family and 3D print colorful platforms for your shoes. Then find the shoe soles and straps, and use hot glue to stick the straps to the sole and your 3D printed platform.

Read also: Over 100 Fun 3D Printer Projects

Things You Can Make with a 3D Printer

Video game characters, beasts, and heroes from movies, robots, and fantasy creatures found on Gambody – Premium 3D Printing Marketplace keep attracting much attention from crafters worldwide.

The most popular figurines and statues for 3D printing are aliens, dragons, combatants, dinosaurs, impressive warrior women, and famous villains. It is spectacular to observe how a model is turned into a professional and highly detailed 3D printed masterpiece in the hands of talented people who focus their 3D printer uses on collectible pieces. Adorn what can be made with a 3D printer in 2023.

11. Alien Xenomorph

What can I make with a 3D printer if I am a fan of Alien movies? Xenomorph is one of the most famous alien species from the films, and it is also one of the 3D printing trends in 2023. Its figurine looks gorgeous when crafted by 3DB 3D Print:

Download STLs with Alien Xenomorph 3D printing model.

The bust of the Xenomorph is also impressive, especially when it reaches 45 cm (18 inches) in height, as done by Tom Anton:

Here is another version of the Xenomorph bust built and finalized by Yannik Tillmann:

Download STL files to craft a Xenomorph bust.

12. Iron Giant Figurine

This Iron Giant is a stunning example of a masterpiece made by Andy Hibbs. This hobbyist knows well what a 3D printer can make if you have a dream and high-quality STL files for 3D printing.

Download premium STL files to build a figurine of Iron Giant.

13. Punisher Figure

This fabulous 3D print was made by Harrison Labadi on two printers, Anycubic Photon and Ultimaker 2. Thus, among many uses for 3D printers, the ability to recreate a human face is an absolute win!

Harrison also shared a good video on painting Punisher:

Download Punisher’s STL files.

14. Terran Marine 3D Model

Julien Adam worked hard on making a fantastic figurine of Terran Marine. So, if you still wonder, “What can I do with a 3D printer?” you know the answer.

Download premium Terran Marine STL files.

15. Dinosaur from Jurassic Park

What can you make with a 3D printer at home if you love Jurassic Park? Your machine will help you print the most famous dinosaur. Adorn this fantastic figurine made by Michael Thomas Purmenský:

Here is another version of the dinosaur from Jurassic Park crafted by David Loy:

A life-like T-Rex figurine created by Tommaso Doldi is also outstanding:

Another beautiful diorama from Jurassic Park was made with love to detail by Selfi 3D:

Download STL files to make a trending Jurassic Park diorama yourself.

16. Sub-Zero Figurine

Mortal Combat X figurines are always awesome things you can make with a 3D printer. This Sub Zero is crafted by Christian Darthzell Sanna:

Download STLs with Sub-Zero 3D printing model.

17. Jaina Proudmoore

What can you do with a 3D printer if you love WoW characters? A fantastic figurine of Jaina Proudmoore from the World of Warcraft printed by Roman Wolf is getting ready for the painting job.

This beautiful lady Jaina from the World of Warcraft was made by Tomáš Docik Dotzauer:

Download premium STL files with Jaina 3D printing figurine from the trending WOW game.

18. Sylvanas Windrunner Statue

A woman warrior always looks beautiful and powerful. Here is a figurine of Sylvanas Windrunner from the World of Warcraft made by Jannie Sandholm:

Download STLs with Sylvanas 3D printing model.

19. Big Boss Metal Gear Figure

This figurine of a well-known video game character from the Metal Gear series looks fantastic. Impressively done by Andreas Fendt:

Download STLs to make a figurine of Big Boss.

20. War Darksiders Figurine

What can I make with a 3D printer if I love the computer game Darksiders: Wrath of War? You might fall in love with a fantastic figurine of War crafted by Trần Hữu Phước:

Download STL files with War 3D printing model.

21. Balrog 3D Print

Learn what to print with a 3D printer if you enjoy watching Lord of the Rings films. The well-known demon Balrog is among the trending 3D models to make in 2023. Here is a great version made by Fabian Dobbeck:

Enthusiast Andreas Fendt also did an excellent job by painting his Balrog figurine:

Download premium STL files with Balrog 3D printing model.

22. Archer MechWarrior 3D Print

This beautiful Archer MechWarrior statue was created by Tony Adkins. It is an excellent example of what to do with a 3D printer.

Here is a second impressive build of the trending Archer MechWarrior. It was also made by Tony Adkins:

Download STLs with a trending MWO Archer 3D printing figurine.

23. Hobbiton Bonsai 3D Print

What can all fans of The Hobbit make with a 3D printer? A fantastic Hobbiton Bonsai masterpiece created by Bag End can give a stunning idea to all readers of the novel:

Download premium STL files to build a stunning Hobbiton Bonsai pot.

24. Gandalf Figurine

A famous wizard from The Hobbit story became a fantastic 3D print made by Andreas Fendt:

Download STLs with Gandalf 3D printing model.

25. Smaug Dragon Figurine

Fantastic 3D printed dragon models always attract attention. Gambody enthusiast Troesch Lucas made this beautiful Smaug from The Hobbit with a desktop 3D printer:

Download STLs with Smaug 3D printing figurine.

26. Batman 3D Print

What can a 3D printer make to make a Batman fan happy? Turn on your machine and breathe life into the iconic character. Hobbyist 3DB 3D Print has already created a great figurine of Batman. Will you be next?

Download Batman’s STL files.

Read also: Fantastic DC Comics Batman Figure Collection: 16 Best 3D Prints to Make

27. Iron Man Figurine

What can a Marvel Comics fan do with a 3D printer? Watch how the FDM print by Thomas Kunert depicts a high-quality Iron Man figurine:

Download STLs with Iron Man 3D printing model.

28. Female Shepard Figure

A well-recognized player character Jane Shepard from the Mass Effect game looks outstanding after being painted by Melissa Illa:

Download premium STL files with Female Shepard model to 3D print.

29. Geralt of Rivia

What can you make with a 3D printer if you love Witcher? Recreate Geralt of Rivia! Look how awesome a statue of Witcher looks in the hands of Dhie Noh:

Fans of the Witcher TV series can also paint a figurine of the Witcher as made by Jiří Chlupáč:

Here is another version of Witcher built by Michael Thomas Purmenský:

There is one more impressive Witcher to enjoy. It was made by Apostolia Diamanti:

Download STLs with Witcher 3D printing model to make trending 3D prints in 2023.

30. It Movie Clown 3D Print

The bust of Pennywise from the movie IT, crafted and painted by Scott Ryan Drechsler, is also among the incredible things you can make with a 3D printer:

Here is a great video shared by Bjørn Fiskvik with his It Clown bust made with light:

Download premium Pennywise pencil holder STL files.

Read also: 15 Best 3D Printed Horrors Ideas: Impressive Scary Movie Figure Collection

31. Gipsy 3D Print

What can you do with a 3D printer if you love robots? You will surely notice this awesome Gipsy Avenger made by Péter Bene:

Download STLs to 3D print the Gipsy Avenger statue.

The painting job on the 3D printed model of Gipsy Danger is finally finished by Julien Adam:

Download STLs to craft the Gipsy Danger statue.

32. Game of Thrones Arya Figure

Pierre Polinard depicted a stunning figurine of Arya Stark in action. And you can also make this model with your 3D printer.

Download premium STL files with a trending 3D printing figure of Arya.

33. Rhaegal and Viserion Figurines

Thilo Vogt looks impressive with his statue of the Rhaegal dragon from Game of Thrones based on Gambody’s Viserion 3D printing model:

Mysterious dragon figurines are among the most popular things you can print with a 3D printer in 2023. This fantastic model is made by Kurt Brown:

And yet another version of a stunning Viserion built by Armando Luis Tuesta:

Download Viserion’s STL files.

34. 20-Inch Godzilla Toy

What can I make with a 3D printer if I collect toys from fantasy movies? Many hobbyists would 3D print a 20-inch (51 cm) Godzilla figurine, as done by Brian Nguyen:

Download STLs with the SoshingekiGoji Godzilla 3D printing figurine.

35. Chewbacca 3D Print

There are many fantastic Star Wars 3D printing models to make that are trending in 2023. Chewbacca figurine is one of them, and it looks great when crafted by Jason Chadwell:

Malo Km also made a figurine of Chewbacca, and it looks incredible:

Download Chewbacca STL files to craft this impressive creature.

Read also: Fabulous Millennium Falcon Build Diary with Custom Interior 3D Printable Parts

36. Avatar Dragon Toruk

Among all the beautiful 3D printed dragons, Toruk from Avatar looks very impressive. Here is the project completed by Timo Ku, who used Prusament PLA galaxy purple filament to achieve a glossy effect:

Download Toruk’s STLs to create this fantastic predator of Pandora with a 3D printer.

37. Freddy Krueger Figurine

Some hobbyists seem to start preparing for Halloween 2023. Here is a detailed horror 3D printed model of Freddy Krueger made by Malo Km:

These two fantastic models of Freddy Krueger and Master Yoda were made by Apostolia Diamanti:

Download premium STL files for building your Freddy Krueger statue and Master Yoda figurine.

38. Mountain Dragon Figurine

What can you make on a 3D printer in 2023? Here is a brilliant shining dragon crafted by Bo Barook using flexible filament:

Download trending mountain dragon’s STL files.

39. Gul’dan Figurine

World of Warcraft fans know what to do with a 3D printer in their spare time. Deejay El-zink, for example, built a remarkable statue of Gul’dan:

Download STL files with Gul’dan 3D printing model.

40. Dr. Strange Figurine

What can I make with a 3D printer if I like superheroes? This detailed and nicely painted Dr. Strange model was also made by Deejay El-zink:

Download premium STLs with Dr. Strange 3D printing figurine.

41. WOW Garrosh Hellscream Model

Here is an awesome Garrosh Hellscream crafted by Dmitry Seryogin:

Download STL files that allow making a trending WOW statue of Garrosh Hellscream.

42. Pinhead Figurine

Pinhead is still one of the 3D printing trends of 2023. As the clock ticks on towards Halloween, more crafters, including Stephen Wilson, choose to make this bust. And you can also craft it with your desktop 3D printer.

Download Pinhead’s STL files.

43. Hellboy Bust Figurine

Here is another excellent figurine for Halloween 2023. Hobbyist Bo Barook made it with a 3D printer:

Download premium STL files with a 3D printing Hellboy bust.

44. Jason Voorhees Statue

An impressive horror diorama with a world-famous killer character created by hobbyist Malo Km gives you another idea of things 3D printers can make:

Download Jason Voorhees’ STL files.

45. Wight Horse Game of Thrones

A statue of the undead horse made by Rick Craig looks mysterious and fantastic. It is another example of impressive things you can do with a 3D printer.

Download STLs with Wight horse 3D printing figurine.

46. Chibi Boba Fett

What can I make with a 3D printer if I love the Star Wars franchise? This cute Boba Fett figurine from the Star Wars universe crafted by Paul Lopansri can inspire you to 3D print your collection:

Download Boba Fett’s STL files.

47. Heisei Godzilla vs. Gigan Monsters

These are fantastic monsters (Heisei Godzilla and Gigan) crafted by Chuck Parks. You can also use your 3D printers at home to build these creatures:

Download STLs with Heisei Godzilla and Gigan 3D printing models.

48. Freddie Mercury 3D Print

Fans of Queen should enjoy getting a trending figurine of Freddie Mercury like this one created by Pierre Polinard:

Download STL files with an awesome 3D printing figurine of Freddie Mercury.

49. Avatar 3D Print

Another fantastic statue from the Avatar movie was made by Pierre Polinard. This time it is a figurine of Jake Sully. Those who loved watching Avatar or Avatar: The Way of Water can make Jake with a 3D printer now.

Download STLs with Jake Sully 3D printing model.

50. Shazam Figure

What can you 3D print if you don’t like or don’t have time for painting your projects? Even without paint, the figurine of Shazam looks impressive in golden and pink filament used by John Enman:

Download STLs with Shazam 3D printing model.

51. Predator Figurine

The list of things you can make with a 3D printer includes a Predator statue. It was made by Matthew Nicholas:

Download Predator’s STL files.

52. Terminator 3D Print

A figurine of Terminator made by Yannik Tillmann perpetuates forever-young Arnold Schwarzenegger. If you like movies, here is an idea of what can a 3D printer make.

Download Terminator’s STL files.

53. Aquaman Statue

What can you print with a 3D printer over a weekend? This fantastic Aquaman was 3D printed by Donald Price might inspire your next creations:

Download STL files with Aquaman 3D printing figurine.

54. Black Panther Figurine

Here is a masterpiece of Black Panther shared by Body Jo that is among things you can make with a 3D printer in 2023:

Download Black Panther’s STL files.

55. MWO UrbanMech

This awesome UrbanMech crafted by Scott Murphy seems to be a perfect BattleMech for defense and urban combat:

Download UrbanMech’s STL files to make this MWO trend with a 3D printer.

56. Spiderman Statue

When doubled, any statue looks twice fantastic. Here are two great Spiderman figurines created by Malo Km. Both are great things you can do with a 3D printer.

Download Spiderman’s STL files.

57. MWO Shadow Hawk

Another impressive MWO mech 3D printed by Matthias Schotten is fantastic:

Download MWO Shadow Hawk’s STL files.

58. Hydralisk Figurine

A monstrous creature, Hydralisk crafted by Andrew Tan, looks very life-like and can be on your list of things a 3D printer can make:

Download Hydralisk’s STL files.

59. Isaac Clarke Figure

This impressive statue of Isaac Clarke from the Dead Space was crafted by Mickael Malet to remind what can a 3D printer make:

Download premium STLs to build a figurine of Isaac Clarke on your own.

60. Kodiak MWO

Enjoy one more impressive mech figurine from MWO created by Scott Murphy:

Download Kodiak’s STL files.

61. Master Chief Figure

This figurine of a well-known super-soldier from Halo was made by Justin Peacock, and it can be among things you can make with a 3D printer:

Download Master Chief’s STL files.

62. Venom vs Riot Fight Scene

While this scene from Marvel Comics is not yet complete, Javito Martinez moves on with his special project:

Download STLs to build a figurine of Venom and complete your diorama by adding a 3D printing statue of Riot.

Read also: 16 Famous Marvel Villains: 3D Printing Files for Collectible Figurines

Gambody hobbyists often give more preference to different dragons, characters from the Game of Thrones movie, World of Warcraft (WOW) game, and MechWarrior Online (MWO) shooter when they decide what they can make with a 3D printer.

We hope our list of great uses for 3D printers at home can help you choose an excellent model to craft. You know what to do the next time you think, “What can I make with a 3D printer in 2023?” Just keep crafting figurines and statues from the vast collection on Gambody – Premium 3D Printing Marketplace, share your photos, and keep an eye on new fantastic 3D printing ideas.