Looking for a project to get started on this weekend that makes good use of your 3D printer? Here are three projects that require a fair bit of work and will leave you with a sense of accomplishment when you’re finished.MultiBuild Give yourself the gift of organization Previously known as MultiBoard, MultiBuild is a modular vertical organizer designed around a 25mm grid system.It’s like Gridfinity for your walls, except it also attempts to replace and improve upon Gridfinity (in addition to “competing” systems like Honeycomb Storage Wall (HSW) and Threadboard.
Every part in the MultiBuild system is free to download, though there is a membership model that gives you access to bonuses.This includes pre-made packs of parts, part generators for planning out your space, stacked prints, and early-access parts (which are eventually released for free).To get started with MultiBuild, you’ll need a 3D printer with a build plate of 200x200x200 mm.
From here, you might want to download a demo pack, explore the parts library, familiarize yourself with the documentation, and join the community (which the author states will always remain free).You can subscribe from $5/month for the basic tier, and there are even commercial licenses available for anyone looking to sell completed MultiBuild layouts.Contributing helps the project remain under active development, ensuring new parts become available on a regular basis, but like many such projects, this is entirely optional.
The Printable Watch Print it, build it, then show it off Ever wanted to 3D print your own watch? The Printable Watch project lets you do just that, with five models to choose from.This includes four analog watches that use a traditional movement, plus one very special digital watch called the DIGIduino, which uses an Arduino-based chip.The project includes a bill of materials that you can use to gather the parts you need, kits for those who just want to print and assemble, plus individual parts for maintenance or changing your mind and swapping things out at a later date.
Right now, you can download most plans for $5 each, with the exception of the DIGIduino, which is free.Though analog watches have their charm, the DIGIduino is arguably the most interesting of the bunch for its open-source nature, circular PCB, and retro-styled LED display.You can even modify elements of the firmware to add your own animations and additional features if you’re up for it.
All up, a DIGIduino that you print and build yourself with kit parts from TPW will set you back around $80.That’s not bad considering this is a project first and foremost, and you get a neat-looking watch that you can wear at the end.You can also print the case from any style and material you like, just remember that these watches are unfortunately not water-resistant.
OpenScan 3D scanner Scan all the (smallish) things Saving the most advanced build for last, OpenScan is a project that has the aim of putting low-cost, high-quality 3D scanners in more hands.The project uses photogrammetry and a Raspberry Pi connected to a Pi Camera (or similar) in order to rotate and scan objects directly to 3D models.There are currently two options available: the OpenScan Mini with a scan volume of 9x9x9 cm, and the OpenScan Classic with a scan volume of 18x18x18 cm.
The former has an accuracy of up to 0.02 mm, while the latter manages 0.01 mm and is compatible with more camera systems (including digital SLRs and smartphones).While the whole project is open source with plans available on the OpenScan GitHub, the easiest way to build one of these 3D scanners is to use a kit purchased from OpenScan directly.These start at $342 and don’t include any of the 3D printed parts (which you’ll need to make yourself) or the necessary Raspberry Pi 4b 2GB.
Adding those will push the price up a bit, and you can also buy parts individually from the project shop if you like.Raspberry Pi 5 Brand Raspberry Pi Storage 8GB It's only recommended for tech-savvy users, but the Raspberry Pi 5 is a tinkerer's dream.Cheap, highly customizable, and with great onboard specs, it's a solid base for your next mini PC.
$80 at Spark Fun $93 at Amazon $80 at CanaKit Expand Collapse Raspberry Pi HQ Camera Module Brand Raspberry Pi The Raspberry Pi HQ Camera Module features a 12.3 megapixel Sony IMX477 sensor and better low-light sensitivity than the previous generation Pi cameras offered. $64 at Sparkfun $56 at Micro Center $54 at CanaKit Expand Collapse The benefit of buying a kit is that the PCBs are pre-soldered, so all you need is to 3D print the parts and then assemble the kit using an Allen key and screwdriver.Take a look at the scan gallery to see what OpenScan scanners can do.Get the newsletter for 3D-print project plans and tips Subscribe to the newsletter to get curated 3D-print project picks, step-by-step build tips, printable parts lists, and vetted community resources - practical coverage that helps you plan, print and finish hands-on projects.
Get Updates By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.You can unsubscribe anytime.As for what you’d use it for? That’s for you to figure out! Looking for more 3D printing projects? Why not try some print-in-place models.
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