3D printing can be more than just a hobby. Depending on how you use your 3D printer, this can be a real financial investment. For example, some people use their 3D printers to make affordable computer accessories that they would otherwise have to purchase at a higher price. Likewise, it is possible to 3D print different types of spare parts that might cost more to purchase directly.
Of course, when printing replacement parts, you must use your best judgment. For example, unless you have the relevant experience and know-how, you probably won’t feel comfortable 3D printing parts for complex machines. It’s always important to consider practicality (and safety!) when deciding what types of 3D printer projects are or aren’t worth your time.
That said, there are many cases where starting the 3D printer can help you produce new broken or missing parts. In the long run, using your 3D printing equipment in this capacity could theoretically save you quite a bit of money, while also helping you understand how much a 3D printer can help you solve some everyday problems.
Household appliance buttons
Buttons can be among the least durable components of many household appliances. Everything from the oscillating fan to the oven has knobs that can break over time. Although you can usually contact the manufacturer to order a replacement part when this happens, ordering one may cost more than making one yourself. You will also have to wait for the replacement to arrive. Depending on the broken button, this could prevent you from using the device until the replacement arrives.
Often this is not something you need to worry about when you have some experience with 3D printing. On platforms like Printables, which offers free 3D printing files for a wide range of projects, you can find files for countless household appliance buttons. Although you’ll likely need to review your options to find the perfect project for your needs, it’s an alternative to consider if you have a broken button that’s stopping you from making dinner.
Various shower items
A home’s shower and bathroom is full of small parts and objects that are easy to take for granted until they break or disappear. Take for example the shower head holder, which generally prevents a shower head from hanging over the shower or tub when not in use. Or think about the important role something small like a shower curtain ring plays in holding the shower curtain in place. Again, these are easy to overlook, but they are undeniably essential.
You can find many files for 3D printing these types of items on Printables and similar platforms. The abundance of files related to such projects makes it quite easy to find exactly what you are looking for. At the very least, using a 3D printer to generate these types of items when they break can save you a trip to the store. Depending on your creativity, you can also take this opportunity to experiment with personalized designs that allow you to add your own personality to the overall bathroom space.
Missing parts in toolsets
A sturdy tool set may contain a few more items than you can reasonably count. Considering the contexts in which these items are used, it makes sense that some of them break or disappear from time to time. Often, instead of shelling out money to replace them, you can generate your own replacements with a 3D printer.
Specifically, you can use 3D printing to create objects like wrenches, screwdrivers, and other tools that you might use for projects around the house. It is important to understand that the quality and durability of these tools may not match that of a tool set. Either way, in a pinch, a 3D printed tool can help you complete a project rather than waiting until you’ve purchased a suitable replacement tool. If you use these types of items sparingly and rarely do heavy work with them, they may be enough to complete some light home improvement jobs.
RC Vehicle Parts
The examples above cover some of the everyday spare parts that you could theoretically print with a 3D printer. However, it’s also worth considering how a 3D printer could help you create spare parts to support your other hobbies. For example, maybe you like to pilot RC vehicles. If so, you know that these “toys” can take a beating after constant use.
Fortunately, you don’t necessarily need to order replacement parts every time a wheel or other similar item is damaged. Thanks to Printables, you can download files for everything from RC wheels to new frames for entire RC vehicles. As always, you should review each project carefully to ensure the specifications are compatible with your goals. That said, this is just one example of how the hobby of 3D printing can enrich other hobbies you might participate in (while potentially saving you a bit of money).
However, it’s worth noting that you won’t always be able to find the ideal file for a specific part you need. Depending on your comfort with 3D printing, you may be able to reverse engineer the part and create a CAD file to generate a replacement. If you’re not confident in your ability to create something that works properly, you might be better off purchasing a replacement.
However, as you spend more time working on these types of projects, you will understand how creating replacement parts with a 3D printer can save you money in the long run. On top of that, getting started with 3D printing may be more affordable than you think.
