Bored Panda
“Simple Solution To A Big Problem”: 90 Times People Used 3D Printers To Make Brilliant Things They Couldn’t Find Anywhere Else
Art & Design,HobbiesAUG 14, 2026

“Simple Solution To A Big Problem”: 90 Times People Used 3D Printers To Make Brilliant Things They Couldn’t Find Anywhere Else

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Houses, custom cars, food; and even functional blood vessels, a human ear and heart tissue have been built from scratch, thanks to a bunch of innovative people who got their hands on 3D printers. These machines have come a long way since they were first invented in the 80s. And nowadays, they’re a staple at some schools, where children are learning the art of design and manufacturing from a young age.
While some of the older generation are struggling with yet another paper jam at the office, trailblazers are breaking boundaries with what they’re able to create. From prosthetics legs for people and pets, to 'ear guards' and bat-suits, people have been showing off their 3D works of art in various dedicated online groups.
Bored Panda has put together an awe-inspiring list of the best ones for you to scroll through while you wait for your boring documents to print.

#21 3D Printed Newtonian Telescope

A telescope set up on a snowy path under a night sky, with an inset of the moon, highlighting brilliant things made with 3D printers.
Just started learning SolidWorks, and this is the first real thing I’ve made. I designed a 127mm f/7 Newtonian telescope that’s fully 3D-printable (some parts work with CNC wood too) and mounts on a standard camera tripod. It can show Saturn’s rings and lunar craters.

as this is my first build, I’d love any tips or advice from people with more experience in SolidWorks or 3D printing.
30points

While many praise researchers for finding an innovative way to save the coral reefs, others believe that using 3D printing raises ethical questions.

"Implementation of technology to tackle ecological challenges may promote the mindset that, no matter what the issue is, there are going to be technological fixes to tackle it," argues Nisrina Iswara an industrial engineer and MSc Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship student at the University of Manchester.

Iswara warns that this might create a dependency on technology and shift the focus from making systemic changes and adopting sustainable practices that will address the issue from its root.

#22 Frog Pen And Brush Holder

A dual image showing a unique frog-shaped pen holder with an exposed skeleton, made with 3D printers.
28points

#23 Modular Birdhouse

A modern, green and black 3D printed bird feeder mounted on a fence and disassembled, showing brilliant things from 3D printers.
Hey fellow birders and makers!

I just uploaded my latest 3D printing model: a multi-species bird house with adjustable entrance holes, removable grid floor, and perforated bottom for increased airflow. Perfect for attracting different types of birds to your yard! Let me know what you think.

And if you're interested in more wildlife-friendly designs, be sure to check out my other projects, including smart bird feeders that work with Blink security cameras!
28points

#24 My New Favorite Print So Far

A hand holding a personalized name tag that reads Hello, I'm Allergic to people, demonstrating creative 3D printers use.
26points

#25 Just Assembled My First Custom-Designed Watch

Close-up of a sleek black 3D printed watch, displaying its face and side profile against a dark background.
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25points

#26 My Kid Wanted A Batman Headset Holder. What Do You Think?

A brilliant 3D printed Batman bust in black and white, made using 3D printers.
25points

#27 Simple (3D Printed) Solution Big Problem

A practical bag hook 3D printed and attached to a wooden table, demonstrating brilliant things from 3D printers.
Has anyone had the problem to go to a restaurant and don't have a book to place tour bag.

Sure there are a lot of pieces like this already but I decides to come up with my own that would be just as easy to print.
25points

#28 I Have Finish My Creepy Dragon Plant ^^

A vibrant, 3D printed Piranha Plant replica from Mario, showcasing brilliant things made with 3D printers.
25points

#29 I Designed A Simple 2-In-1 Car Tool To Push Snow And Scrape Ice, With An Ergonomic Thumb Grip

An orange 3D printed ice scraper in a snowy environment, highlighting brilliant things made with 3D printers.
24points

#30 Under Monitor Pen And Ruler Holder

A clever 3D printed monitor attachment holding pens and a ruler, optimizing desk space.
I kept ending up with a cluttered desk and never finding my pens and a ruler when I needed them. So I made this simple under-monitor holder to keep everything off the desk but within easy reach.
24points

#31 Made My Own Eyewear

A hand holding unique black and red sunglasses, a brilliant thing created with 3D printers for custom style.
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22points

#32 Advice I Received

A stylish, two-toned toothbrush holder created with a 3D printer, adding a unique touch to bathroom decor.
One of the best tips I ever got from a friend: photograph your products at Ikea

If you don't have time to do a render for your project or if you need some quick contextual shots, the ikea display room already has its scenery, lighting* and props available for great pictures.

This was a toothbrush holder I designed and printed for myself to hold toothbrushes apart from each other. I did some basic touch ups on my phone to get what you see here.

Let me know what you think!
22points

#33 Playing With Dual Colour Silk Pla - A Simple Vase But The Colour Shifts Work Really Well

A vibrant, multi-colored vase with intricate patterns, showcasing brilliant things made with 3D printers.
22points

#34 I Overdesigned My Mug Holder

A white and orange cup holder, a brilliant thing demonstrating the practical uses of 3D printers, clamped to a desk.
Hope some of you will appreciate it ! I do these design on my spare time and release them for free for 3d printing, input is appreciated. And because I know this sub, I know it can’t be manufactured except with a 3d printer, I also know that you can buy good mug holder in ikea and it’s pointless to add plastic to this cruel world, I also happened to know that hot mug could melt plastic (even tho it doesn’t in this design)…hope we can have healthy discussion about our design and about 3d printing !
21points

#35 Table Saw Push Block

A custom orange and black 3D printed saw guide on a table saw, a brilliant thing made with 3D printers for DIY projects.
The sole plate is replaceable if it gets damaged by a saw cut. I did not design this, kudos to the person who did though, you rock buddy!
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21points

#36 My New Strat Is Somewhat Puzzling

A guitar body made from interlocking green, grey, and white 3D printed puzzle pieces, demonstrating brilliant things people make with 3D printers.
21points

#37 3D Modeled & Printed A Shoji Hanging Lamp W/ Motion Sensor Light Bulb

A before-and-after shot of a 3D printed Japanese-style lantern, unlit and lit.
21points

#38 Christmas Tree Lamps I Designed, No Ams Needed

Collage showing a festive 3D printed Christmas tree with colorful lights, a brilliant 3D printers creation.
20points

#39 Halloween Coasters

Various Halloween-themed coasters with witches, a bat, pumpkin, ghost, and zombie created with 3D printers.
Made some Halloween themed coasters that can be printed with a filament swap! Let me know what you think! I really want to design some more of these!
20points

#40 Trying To Convince Myself That My 3D Printed Shoes Are Not Just For Looks. That I've Designed These Ripples For Flexibility And Grip. But I’m Not Sure I Am Sold On That Myself

Innovative black shoes with a textured design, 3D printed for unique footwear that can't be found elsewhere.
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19points

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