3D printer uses

[hobbit666]

So what sort of things does your 3d printer get used for?

I was going to build one coz I can and to offer prototype service in Mid Wales (UK) as most are London based.

But are peeps using it for commercial uses or just for fun coz they can

[Jimustanguitar]

I fancy myself a designer/inventor (as a hobby, not a profession) so I built my printer to fabricate and prototype my designs. Along the way I've learned that my CAD skills are a lot more rusty than I thought, and that's been keeping me from printing things that I design for the time being. (for some reason, there's no program to from convert napkin-CAD to an STL file) There was also a pretty good draw for me to have a printer because of the awesome sculptures and artwork that's out there.

I haven't made a lot of things yet, but I'm very glad that I made the investment.

[JohnStack]

I've used mine to solve trivial problems around the house...as well as professionally.

Problems solved at home: Mic stand head, phone charger holder (fits around the small iPhone charger base), fence latch spring, etc.

Professionally, can't say...LOL

[wshelley]

I got mine basically since I love to learn new technology. I've printed a few things:

* printed a few pieces to use when setting up my CNC mill to determine fixturing
* printed a bunch of custom neckerchief slides for our Boy Scout troop
* printed a couple of catapults for my Venturing Crew's recruiting event
* printed several upgrade parts for the printer like fans mounts, led light ring, spool axle, spool spacer, pointer for the EZstruder stepper, filament clip, dial indicator mount
* printed a bunch of stuff for fun/learning like vases, an anvil, a ball in a cage, an owl, a sonic screwdriver, a latching box in one piece, a few picture stands, and a bunch of calibration bits
* printed a couple of apples for hire
* and printed one commercial item through MakeXYZ.com

Ward

[lordbinky]

Random stuff around the house, lots of stuff for the printer itself, samples to show friends at work,

Todo list:
New Door lamp. I.. My neighbors will hate me...*shrug*
More household stuff. such as covers and plugs and parts, sliders and clamps, and blah blah blah.
..
and my dirty little secret when my reliability and accuracy are where I want them... Cosplay equipment for next year's conventions...

[foshon]

The other night I was installing a R.O. unit in the basement kitchen last week. The supplied spacer that is supposed to sandwich the sink for the faucet install actually fit through the faucet hole. So, I printed one up. I make a lot of toys for the kids as well.

[Eaglezsoar]

The other night I was installing a R.O. unit in the basement kitchen last week. The supplied spacer that is supposed to sandwich the sink for the faucet install actually fit through the faucet hole. So, I printed one up. I make a lot of toys for the kids as well.

What do you use for designing the parts?