3D printing is becoming more accessible to everyone. What used to require a lot of time, money, and engineering expertise is now something that creative tech novices can utilize to create everything from toys and gadgets to useful tools and objects.
Nowadays, even homes can be 3D printed. But, if you’re not quite ready for a fully constructed 3D-printed house, consider how you can use your 3D printer to solve problems in your own home. There are some home repairs that can’t wait, such as busted pipes and damaged roofing, and you can use a 3D printer to tackle these by printing replacement parts. While these printers can be fun and entertaining, they’re also more useful than you might be giving them credit for.
If you’re a homeowner with a 3D printer, let’s take a closer look at a few ways you can be more resourceful with your printer’s regular use, and how it can help to solve common household problems.
Sustainable Spare Parts
There has been a rise in sustainable practices throughout the last decade, and that’s a wonderful thing for the planet and the future. You can do your part to be more sustainable at home by recycling more often, taking shorter showers, and reducing your carbon emissions. But, one of the easiest ways to live a more eco-friendly home life is to cut back on waste. Instead of buying new items often, consider what might be able to be replaced with your 3D printer.
Maybe you have older items in your home that aren’t working, but you can’t find parts for them anymore. You might be able to print replacement parts at a fraction of the cost, and without having to worry about carbon emissions from manufacturers or transportation. Comedian Jay Leno has utilized 3D printing to build spare car parts for his old-school collection, and you can do the same for everything from replacement engine parts to replacing silverware, hangers, and so much more. 3D printing is a great way to cut back on household waste, and it can also save you money.
Going to the Garage
Speaking of spare car parts, that’s just the beginning when it comes to how you can utilize 3D printing in your garage. For some people, the garage is a place of storage. Unfortunately, it can become cluttered far too easily, and bulky storage shelves aren’t in everyone’s budget. Thankfully, you can 3D print lightweight shelves, cubbies, or any other type of organizational object your imagination can come up with to meet your storage needs in the garage.
By printing and installing shelves, you can easily hang them to improve your space and actually utilize your garage wall space to its full advantage. It gives you more room to store other things or to actually use your garage as a functional space for your vehicles, recreational items, or as a workshop. Of course, there are plenty of other ways to upgrade your garage with 3D printing, too. Consider printing new baseboards to make the area look more finished. Or, create a wall-mounted workbench, pegboards for your tools, or even hanging racks or hooks for signs, lights, and more.
The walls are just the beginning. Don’t hesitate to think both big and small when it comes to how your printer can help out in the garage. You can easily create things like:
- Spare parts trays
- Socket storage items
- Mounting racks
You can also create functional furniture in the garage, like tables, stools, and desks, depending on what you want to use the space for. 3D printers are great for home restoration projects, but they can also be used for renovations, and that includes creating new pieces that reflect your personality while remaining as functional as possible.
Making Your Space Your Own
Speaking of a home that reflects your personality, don’t hesitate to get creative with your printer. While it’s a great way to repair items around your home, you can also use it to improve your interior design – especially if you’re on a budget. It’s a fantastic option for creating one-of-a-kind home accessories and decor items. If you really want to capitalize on the resourcefulness of a 3D printer and you have an eye for design, consider selling some of the items you create and starting a side hustle.
3D printing can quickly and easily replace some of the most common household items, from bottle openers and planters to coasters and measuring cups. But, as practical as 3D printers are, they are also catalysts for innovation and inspiration. If you misplace or break something, you can replace it fast. You can also do so with your own creative ideas in mind. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to what you can create, replace, and renovate. You might end up coming up with a completely new item that serves a functional purpose within your home because of the inspiration and confidence you feel with your printer.
3D printers are becoming more user-friendly all of the time. Whether you consider yourself a novice or a pro while using one, consider how it can be a valuable resource for your home, your wallet, and the sustainability of the planet, and put it to work more often.
