It might not feel like long ago when 3D printers were only accessible to big corporations, tech teams, or people with enormous amounts of money.
However, we’ve come a long way in the 3D printing world, and now millions of consumer-level desktop 3D printer models have been sold across the globe.
While a quality 3D printer can still feel like a luxury item, it’s important to consider some of the biggest benefits of having one in your home. If you’re one of the millions of Americans investing in smart home technology, a 3D printer is a wonderful addition that can help you customize your tech and live more comfortably.
Whether you’re interested in a printer to help with your hobby, or you want to bring new innovations to life, there are many benefits of having a 3D printer in your home.
It Promotes Creativity and Self-care
3D printing is a great way to start a new hobby or build upon an existing one. While it’s been used to revolutionize the healthcare industry in many ways, you can use it to boost your own health and well-being by using it as a tool for creativity and relaxation.
Research has shown that having a hobby can improve your mental health and well-being. Hobbies offer benefits like:
- Engagement
- Reduced stress
- Improved mood
- Something to look forward to
- A sense of purpose
If you’re trying to make better choices and improve your self-care habits, taking up a hobby is a wonderful option. When you’re able to design and create something using a 3D printer, you’ll also bolster your imagination and creativity, which can do even more for your mental health. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to what you can create, so don’t be afraid to use the printer as an outlet to feel good about yourself and be proud of what you’re creating.
You’ll Develop New Skills
We should all strive to be lifelong learners. Picking up skills throughout your life is a great way to stay sharp and curious. Unless you have prior experience working with a 3D printer, you’re probably going to need to take some time to learn how to use it properly once you buy one for your home.
However, you can use that as a great opportunity to gain new skills. Depending on what you want to use the printer for, you might need to learn CAD software to create your own 3D models for printing. You’ll also be more in tune with the ever-changing (and advancing) scope of technology that’s extremely desirable on most resumes.
Even if you’re not looking to expand your career opportunities or learn any new skills, you can use your 3D printer as an educational tool for your kids, and that’s another parent-child activity you may not have considered.
Many students are hands-on learners, and today’s youth is growing up surrounded by technology. 3D printing combines both of those things, so letting your children learn about everything from how to design an item to how 3D printing works can boost their creativity now and help to boost their understanding of things like complex problems to abstract concepts.
It also provides a wonderful opportunity to practice sustainability in your home and educate all of your family members on the importance of reducing your carbon footprint.
When you become well-versed in how to create things, you might not spend as much time (or money) ordering certain items online. In doing so, you’ll cut back on the need for mass-produced products. There won’t be such a demand for shipments and deliveries, reducing fuel consumption across the globe.
Even better, you’ll have your items much faster, and you’ll be able to control the quality so you can build something that lasts, rather than an item that will have to be thrown away after a short time.
It’s a Worthwhile Investment
Though many 3D printers have come down in cost, they can still be a pricey investment for your home, and you might be hesitant to purchase one because of the price tag. However, depending on how you use it, a 3D printer can actually end up saving you money, in the long run. If you decide to utilize it for a business or to create unique items to sell, it will even help you make money.
However, it’s important to consider your finances before you make a purchase. Start by taking a look at your budget. Think about your “wants” while prioritizing your needs, including:
- Housing
- Food
- Utilities
- Childcare costs
Look at some of the current “wants” on your budget and how they’re impacting your monthly spending. By shifting some things around, you might be able to reduce how much you spend on other wants for a few months as you save up for a printer.
Once the new device is in your possession, don’t be afraid to put it to work – especially when it comes to saving (and making!) money. People have created everything from furniture to clothing with 3D printers, and while you might not be able to create huge pieces right away, you can start small by building anything from useful gadgets to toys and art pieces.
3D printing isn’t just the way of the future anymore. It’s accessible to almost anyone, and there’s no limit to what you can do with a printer of your own at home. If you’ve been on the fence about purchasing one, consider some of these benefits and let your creativity shine.
