A Year of 3D Printing

4 months ago

The author initially doubted the practicality of 3D printers due to past experiences with slow, expensive, and unreliable models.
In 2025, they purchased a Bambu A1 Mini printer, which addressed previous issues with affordability, ease of use, and compact size.
The author focused on printing functional items to avoid creating unnecessary waste.
Examples of printed items include custom hooks, a magnetic bike helmet hook, a wavy hook for lanyards, and an Ortlieb pannier buckle replacement.
Other useful prints include storage boxes, a cable wrap for a dehumidifier, an under-desk drawer, and stands for an Apple Watch and laptops.
The Gridfinity modular storage system became a favorite for organizing drawers efficiently.
Custom inserts for IKEA furniture and a durable bike bottle cage were also highlighted.
Additional prints include an AirPod case, 3D maps as gifts, and organizers for board games.
The author shared their material preferences (PLA for decorative items, PETG for durable parts) and recommended design software like OnShape and Fusion 360.
They endorsed 3D printing for those who enjoy solving problems with custom, quickly produced solutions.

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