Here’s a selection of 3D printed gifts for everyone on your list; from the printer owner to the cutting-edge fashionista to anyone wanting to get started with 3D printing. From the latest printer reviews and projects to mold making materials to tools; we have you covered.
The generative design pioneers at Nervous System have created Kinematics, a system for 4D printing that to creates complex, foldable forms, turning three-dimensional shapes into flexible structures for 3D printing. The Kinematics collection is available form the Nervous System shop and Shapeways. There is also a Kinematics @Home” desktop app for desktop printable design creation.
The Make: 3D Printing book is a a collection of all the best refreshed MAKE 3DP content to date and a few new pieces that have not yet been published in print. The book is a snapshot of the 3D printing universe and discusses a wide range of topics; including: how to getting started with a desktop 3D printer, when to us 3D printing services, finishing techniques for 3D prints, and casting chocolate using 3D printed molds.
Feed your 3D printer! The Maker Shed has an abundance of PLA and ABS filament in a rainbow of colors. Both 1.75mm and 3mm plastic is in-stock and available for your printing pleasure. You can never have too much filament!
Digital calipers are vital tools used for measuring objects for printed-parts repair, creating your own models or measuring the diameter of filament you are feeding into your 3D printer. In order for your printer to produce accurate results, it must know precisely how much material is pushed through the extruder. Check out Getting Started with Slic3r for details on how to measure filament and determine your slicer settings.
Which 3D printer is right for you? The 2014 Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing features brand new reviews of 23 3D printers currently on the market, as well as 3D scanners and filament extruders, in a 47 page “3D printer buying guide”. This special issue of MAKE also highlights cool, useful, and specialized 3D printed applications and amazing folks that are using 3D printing in interesting ways.
It’s easy to fall in love with the Printrbot Simple, crowned “Best Value” in our testing this year. The Simple gets you started in the world of 3D printing, without spending a bundle. This printer has a small footprint and can printing up to a 4″ cube using PLA filament (1.75mm.) Available in both kit form and assembled form for those that just want to get printing. Check out our PrintrBot Simple review for additional details.
The ModiRaptor is the scourge of the ModiBot universe and is comprised of 47 3D printed parts. It has a highly articulated tail and body, vice-like jaws and 12 moving claws. ModiBot Mo (and Moli) are highly poseable action figures the you can customize with a variety of unique accessory packs to make your own.Check out ModiBot.com. for the full collection. Also available in injected molded and “print your own” versions. Build your hero!
Avoiding kitchen acetone baths, but still want to smooth out the surface of your 3D prints? Try the Novus Plastic Finishing Kit as seen in the Finishing and Post-Processing Your 3D Printed Objects Skillbuilder.
FreshFiber smartphone cases come in a variety of colors and textures and versions are available for several popular phone brands: HTC One, Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2 and of course the iPhone (5c, 5s, and 4s). The “Maille” case (shown in red) and “Godiva Clutch” purse (shown in purple) are inspired by medieval chain mail, reimagined to create a contemporary style statement.
Just heat, duplicate and reuse! Composimold is an eco-friendly, non-toxic and reusable mold making kit that makes it easy to duplicate your 3D prints with casting. Create your own designer soaps, candles, figurines and more! For tips and tricks on how to use Composimold, check out these video tutorials and get some casting advice from Super Awesome Sylvia!
3D printing isn’t magic, but LEO the Maker Prince is. Written for anyone who wants to learn more about 3D printing, the story follows Carla and her 3D printer buddy LEO as they take a fanciful and beautifully illustrated journey through Brooklyn. Through LEO’s magic—3D printing—Carla finally becomes the artist she’d long ago wished to be. Plus, all of the objects in the book are printable!
Please note that if ordering gifts from Shapeways, FreshFiber that these prints are produced on demand. Production times vary by material and can take up to two weeks to arrive. Shapeways publishes their holiday materials shipping dates. Plan accordingly!
Nervous System has both pre-fabricated and print-on-demand items. Check out their shipping dates and get a 15% off coupon code.
This guide is focused on consumer products, but keep an eye out for our “Print Your Own Damn Presents!” holiday guide, coming soon!
See all our 2013 holiday gift guides here.
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