There are hundreds if not thousands of new 3D models published online every month. Some good, some great, and some that are in a league of their own. Today, we will be going over some 3D printable designs that I believe deserve their own spotlight. Let’s get started!
- Penguin Utility Case
If you are tired of fad prints and want something more functional, this safety case is the perfect print! Designer muddymaker showcased their adept 3D modeling skills with this print, avoiding steep overhangs and opting for a finished product that requires no support.
Experienced modelers can take advantage of the flat surfaces by embossing their own logo into their case. If you haven’t taken the time to learn 3D modeling yet, don’t worry! There are already some custom designs available, such as this Star Trek Utility Space Case MMU.
The files also come with an optional seal. When printed in TPU, this seal makes for a water-tight case that, when combined with the strong exterior design, will protect your belongings with ease.
If you are interested in printing your own utility case, you can find the files on Thingiverse here. You’ll also find a list of fasteners and nuts required to complete the build in the description. If you are looking for a design that doesn’t require any additional hardware, you may find this print-in-place latch box to be more your style!
2. Wednesday — Hand
Whether you grew up watching the original TV series or you’ve been on the internet in the past 8 months, you’ve probably heard of The Addams Family or, more specifically, the Wednesday series on Netflix. I think it is safe to say that both have had a hand in making this file popular.
Many may have seen this print going around on TikTok or listed on Etsy, and there is a very good reason for that. While Emre1601’s model is very detailed, it is actually quite a simple print. Many machines should have no issues printing the hand without support while producing an amazing print.
You will find three different files for the hand, two Wednesday-specific files as well as a hommage to the Original Addams Family Thing Hand. These file options allow creative minds to customize their hand with a clever paint job for some stunning results!
While Halloween decor may be the first thing that comes to mind when looking at this print, makers have come up with many different uses for the hand, including a pen holder, drink holder, and bowl stand. You can find the files here on Thingiverse.
3. Cat Key Hook
If you are like me, you’ll find that it helps to have a special place for everything important so you don’t misplace anything. That’s why I think this cat key hook is a great print!
Many prints focus on one of two things, functionality or aesthetics. Luckily, the designer of this nifty print, aarruti, managed to do both! While it may not seem like much from the outside, there are some clever mechanics at play here that make this print work, all contained in only four pieces.
My favorite part about this print is how modular the design is. You can change out the colors of the box, tail, and cat to match your favorite feline or pet. Print multiple sets to give you and your roommates each their own spot to place their keys!
You can find all the files to print your own cute cat here on Thingiverse. If you are having trouble sticking the print to your wall, I recommend checking out the Remixes tab on Thingiverse for some great solutions!
4. Crab Pen Holder
Another print that blends cute creatures with everyday functionality. This crab pen holder will make the perfect desk buddy for avid artists, giving them a special place to put their pens, brushes, or tablet stylus.
This crab has seen a few iterations in its time, each making the print more durable and easier to print on all types of machines. this newer design takes advantage of support-less features for a nice and simple print. Maker JustMattyMakes even added eye and mouth inserts so you can fully customize your new pen holder!
While intended for use as a pen holder, you’ll find that this little guy has plenty of uses. He’ll be right at home as a place for you to put your glasses, wallet, fidget toys, and whatever else you need! The print-in-place design means you can easily scale your crab up to suit your needs.
A pen holder can be a great gift, especially one that can be customized with the recipient’s favorite color. You can find the files to print your own crab pen holder right here on Thingiverse.
5. Zelda Switch Dock
With Tears of the Kingdom having made such a big splash in the gaming world, many have been inspired to look for Zelda-themed prints. NameIsLoading may have come up with the perfect solution.
Fans of the series will immediately fall in love with this Switch dock, making it just a little easier to put down the game when in need of a charge. From the Hylian Shield to the Mather Sword, the attention to detail that went into every piece of this dock is stunning.
If you are like me and don’t have a multicolor-capable printer on hand, you will be happy to know that this is a fairly simple print to paint. The file utilizes indents and protruding designs, making it easier to paint the small details. If you are interested in a little DIY project or you have an artistic friend who is in love with the Zelda series, this is the print to make!
You’ll find all eight pieces to the print readily available here on Thingiverse. The maker even included an OLED and Original Switch version so you can print a stand that fits your Switch.
That’s all!
Those are my top 5 3D prints for June. There were plenty of amazing files that I didn’t get to talk about today and I’m sure there will be plenty more next time. If you have any files you think deserve a spot on this list, let me know in the comments below!
