Think 3D printing takes all day? Think again! At the library, you can create fun, useful, and creative items in less than an hour using our 3D printer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced maker, quick-print projects are a great way to learn, experiment, and walk away with something you made yourself.
Here are some fast, beginner-friendly ideas to help you get started.
Keychains & Bag Tags
Keychains are small, customizable, and perfect for a first project. You can print:
- Name tags
- Initials
- Simple shapes or symbols
- Tiny character silhouettes
These usually print in 20–40 minutes and make great personalized gifts.
Cable Clips & Cord Organizers
Tired of tangled chargers? A simple cable clip prints quickly and can snap right onto your desk or nightstand. These designs are compact and functional, often finishing in 15–30 minutes.
Bookmarks & Page Markers
Flat objects are some of the fastest things to print. Try:
- Sleek geometric bookmarks
- Animal-shaped page tabs
- Custom quotes or initials
Most print in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for readers and students.
Dice, Game Pieces & Mini Tokens
Lost a board game piece? Want a custom token for D&D night? Small gaming objects—like standard dice, meeples, or mini pawns—often print in 30–50 minutes.
They’re also great test prints if you’re learning how to adjust detail settings on the printer.
Phone Stands & Mini Display Holders
Compact phone stands are surprisingly quick to make, especially collapsible or minimalist designs. You can also print:
- Business card holders
- Mini display stands for photographs or artwork
Expect 30–45 minute print times for most designs.
Bag Clips & Kitchen Helpers
3D printing isn’t just fun—it’s practical! A small bag clip, cable hook, or teaspoon scoop can often be printed in 20–40 minutes, helping you solve everyday problems with your own creativity.
Mini Planters & Tiny Pots
Succulent fans will love this one. Mini planters or micro pots print quickly due to their small size. Many take 40–55 minutes, depending on the design.
Where to Find Ready-to-Print Designs
If you want to browse project ideas, we recommend checking out:
Look for tags like “quick print,” “under an hour,” or “low profile.” Staff can also help you choose files that work well on our machine.
Tips for a Successful Quick Print
- Choose small or flat designs to reduce print time.
- Avoid detailed textures—fine detail increases printing duration.
- Ask staff for slicing help if you’re new to 3D printing.
- Bring a USB flash drive if you want to save and load your design at future visits.
Try It on Your Next Visit
Quick 3D printing projects are a great way to dip your toes into the world of making without a big time commitment. Stop by 309 Creative, pick a design, and get printing!
Curious what else you can make? We’re happy to help you explore more ideas! Contact us at [email protected] or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
309 Creative Open Lab Hours
Tuesday: 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm