Simple and Fun 3D Models to Print

Image by Thingiverse

Here are a number of simple and fun 3D models to print with your own 3D printer or through a 3D printing service.

If you are looking for a fun, simple project to explore 3D printing, here are seven 3D models from Thingiverse that anyone can download and print. If you want to print these models or ones you build, definitely check out 3DHubs.com, an online service that makes it easy to find 3D printers nearby, both professional printers and 3D printers located at local schools, businesses, and elsewhere in your community. Prices and delivery times can vary greatly.

Train set

This train set 3D model is simple with clean lines and includes an engine car, coal car, and passenger car in addition to the track pieces and bridges. The set is perfect for children, train enthusiasts, or anyone looking to embark on a creative project. Keep it small or build the ultimate railroad.

Tool Stand

What better way to show your appreciation for Dad? With Father’s Day just around the corner, this tool stand makes a great project for anyone who thinks Dad should be a little more organized. To make it even more personal, derive a nameplate for this tool stand as seen in the next project.

Personalized Pencil Holder

This pen/pencil organizer 3D model is a fun addition to anyone’s workspace. A nameplate slides through the bottom to add personality and the font is customizable. This organizer works great for back-to-school time or as an office accessory.

Animal Shapes Puzzle

This Thingiverse model is a two-dimensional puzzle containing 18 animal shapes. The contemporary shapes make this project a great conversation piece reminiscent of the Art Deco style. Plus it’s just plain fun.

Animal Napkin Rings

Similar in style to the 2D animal puzzle, these individual napkin rings are decked out with animal silhouettes including an elephant, bird, hedgehog, and turtle. Impress everyone at your child’s next birthday party and make mealtime extra special with this unique set.

Rolling Cookie Cutter

Cookie cutting just got more efficient – and fun. This 3D model project includes two pieces, both the roller and the knob. In addition, cookie patterns can be customized.

Interlocking Puzzle

Challenge yourself with this interlocking cube puzzle, but beware: the solution is not as easy as it is to print! Search “puzzle” on Thingiverse to explore all of the options.

Learn More Links

Thingiverse

http://www.thingiverse.com/

Preparing Your Model

https://www.kidscodecs.com/3d-projects/

3D Hubs

http://www.3dhubs.com

Train Set

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:702858

Tool Stand

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:64314

Personalized Pencil Holder

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:205523

Animal Shapes Puzzle

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:357444

Animal Napkin Rings

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:31313

Rolling Cookie Cutter

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39192

Interlocking Puzzle

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39468

Author

  • Emeline Swanson

    Emeline is a literature student at SUNY Purchase College who enjoys writing. She loves animals, relaxing amongst nature, and playing with her cats. Some of her favorite pastimes include gaming, horseback riding, and taking amateur photographs.

Also In The June 2015 Issue

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python

This book helps average non-technical people free themselves from mundane computer tasks.

Solar Cockroaches, Water Rockets, and Pinhole Eyeglasses

Here are a few of the many fun summer projects at Instructables.com website.

Bitsbox: Monthly Coding Projects in the Mail

Every month the Bitsbox service delivers a colorful booklet full of fun coding projects for kids to do then share with friends and family.

Simple and Fun 3D Models to Print

Here are a number of simple and fun 3D models to print.

FUZE Computer Teaches Kids to Code

The FUZE computer is a 1980s computer design with the brain of a modern Raspberry Pi. It's ideal for teaching kids to code plus build electronics projects.

An Interview with Paul Chayka

Paul Chayka talks about Robotics And Beyond, an after school tech program that teaches coding, robotics, circuit design, and much more.

Teach Your Kids to Code

Learning Python is a fun way to spend time and learn programming together.

Kano Computers

The Kano computer is a Raspberry Pi computer with a spiffy installation process (and user manual) and a carefully thought out online experience.

Functions and Procedures

An introduction to programming functions and procedures using pen and paper instead of code. Includes lots of examples and exercises.

Ruby

Ruby is a highly flexible programming language used in many large scale online applications at Twitter, Kickstarter, and other companies.

June 2015 Learn More Links

Links from the bottom of all the June 2015 articles, collected in one place for you to print, share, or bookmark.

Any fool can write code that a computer can understand. Good programmers write code that humans can understand.

June 2015 News Wire

News and project stories about kids, coding, computer science, and how we use technology in our daily lives.

Create Art with the Paper App + Mix

The Mix community lets you find and share artwork to create projects with free Paper software.

Interested but not ready to subscribe? Sign-up for our free monthly email newsletter with curated site content and a new issue email announcement that we send every two months.

No, thanks!