X smart ways to use your 3D printer (other than 3D printing)

When it comes to modern and innovative inventions, few can rival the possibilities offered by the 3D printer. Decades ago, it was difficult enough to print a double-sided document, but today the average consumer has the ability to create 3D tools and products with the press of a button.

It’s surprising what you can do with a 3D printer. So much so that the possibilities don’t stop at 3D printing, as these machines have the capacity to double as other industrial tools and useful automation for recreational activities. All of which makes that high price much easier to justify.

If you want to get more use out of your 3D printer, or are just curious about what other functions these machines can perform, there are alternative uses for a 3D printer, such as a laser engraver, cutter, drawer and much more.

With a few simple adjustments to your 3D printer accessories, you can engrave designs on various materials, making your printer act like a precise laser engraver. Typically, you need a 3D printing accessory called a dedicated laser module to do this. But, because the 3D printer itself has many of the same features as a CNC positioning system, you have everything you need.

Then, in action, you simply program the movement of your module on the chosen material, and the hotend (now converted into a laser module) does the rest. You’ll turn the power on, off, and at limited power to burn the material, using different intensities to achieve darker and lighter shades.

This is generally a simple alternative use to achieve, as many FDM printers come with dedicated, plug-and-play laser engraving accessories. However, we urge you to be careful when using it, for example by wearing appropriate glasses and being careful about the materials you are engraving.

When it comes to laser engraving, we should also mention the humble 3D printer’s ability to cut certain materials as well. This also requires a laser module; which, again, means this is not a DIY situation, as many of these modules are readily available and the principles of use are largely the same.

You trace the desired path of your hotend-turned-laser, indicating when to power it up to cut materials, making precise incisions as necessary. However, when using this method, you must be aware of safety precautions and potential fire hazards, and evaluate the power of the laser as it must be able to cut the material in question. Typically, paper, cardboard, vinyl, and fabric are suitable options for this.

Alternatively, you can also equip your hotend with a blade, which is more cost-effective and poses less of a fire risk. That said, most printers do not come standard with a blade holder tool, and this will need to be shaped or acquired before use.

Just like you can attach a blade to your hotend with the right accessories, you can also attach a pen. Which, in turn, allows you to trace and draw very specific designs and patterns with ease.

This opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to creative designs. You can write artistic sketches, detailed plans and plans, maps, or even handwritten notes and documents in the font of your choice. Just think about what creations you could activate on Etsy with a 3D printer, pen, and g-code.

Just like the blade, you will need to shape or acquire an accessory that holds the pen in place. It may be worth looking specifically for a spring-loaded support, as these generally maintain pressure on the paper without requiring precise height calibration. But once obtained, all you need is a suitable piece of paper and you can create a masterpiece in minutes.

Now for a little more out of left field. If you’re someone who loves photography, owns a decent camera, and likes to get creative, you can add your 3D printer to the equation. To be clear, this is not a function intended for an untouched 3D printer, but rather a way to reuse parts from an old 3D printer.

The sliding belt on your 3D printer is a superb tool when it comes to taking time-lapse images. You can reuse the 3D printer’s motorized slider, attach a camera to the belt, and then control the speed of the slider’s movement to create the final photo you want.

Or, if you want even more range of motion to achieve the angle and movement you want, you can install a four-axis camera slider, allowing you to drag, pan, tilt and roll the camera to get the perfect perspective. However, this requires a lot of DIY work and puts a lot of demands on your hotend, as it’s usually not meant to carry that much load.

Finally, there is a use case for turning your 3D printer into a precise dispenser for all kinds of liquids and pastes, opening the door to various industrial and recreational uses of your 3D printer. On the industrial side, this feature can be used to apply a consistent amount of glue, solder paste or an alternative adhesive to a particular project. A more recreational use would be to have your 3D printer produce intricate designs on cakes using icing.

To do this, you must either attach a syringe holder in place of the hotend, allowing precise downward pressure from a stepper motor and lead screw. Then, of course, you will need to attach a nozzle suitable for the viscosity and volume of paste you wish to dispense.

Whether it’s industrial-grade glue jobs or a cursive happy birthday message on a cake, your 3D printer could be the answer.