I bought a 3D printer a few years ago, primarily with the aim of printing functional items to use around the house. It has served that purpose extremely well and has even helped me save a few bucks over the years. In fact, I've also fixed a lot of broken items around the house by printing parts with my 3D printer. All of this is in addition to the various laptop accessories and PC parts that I keep printing on and off. While all of this is super useful, I've also felt limited in terms of what I can print. Don't get me wrong — there are tens of thousands of models available on lots of online websites and databases. But all of these are how the original creator of the design wanted them to be.
Sometimes, there were occasions when I broke a specific part of a niche gadget or appliance and couldn't find a replacement part online. That's when I realized that it was time for me to learn to design my own prints. If I gathered the right CAD skills, I knew I could design custom parts and objects at will. My friend and fellow writer at XDA, Chandraveer Mathur, designed and printed his own wrist rests, which convinced me further. So, I took up the challenge and learned to design 3D objects. Let's just say it was the best decision I made. Here's why you should stop relying on others' prints as well.
Start slow
Resources are easily available
Before you begin your journey, it's important to decide which app or design software you want to learn. Of course, once you learn how to design, you can carry over the same skills to other software as well. The basics remain the same; only the UI and the way tools work may differ. Think of it as video editing. Once you master the skill, you can edit videos in Premiere Pro, Final Cut, DaVinci Resolve, or any other software. However, it's advisable to stick to one tool when learning. Two of the most popular tools are Autodesk Fusion and SolidWorks. I chose SolidWorks since I found an extremely detailed and helpful course online. That said, I've also heard that Fusion is simpler to learn. You can do your own research and pick the relevant one.
The best way to learn to design is to create small objects that are used in everyday life. I first learned to design a headphone stand, a key ring, a vase, and other simple objects. These items teach you to draw lines, curves, and simple shapes. It's also important to follow along and create your own designs while watching tutorials. Just viewing tutorials may not always help. I also practiced making these designs after watching tutorials.
Design whatever you want
Creating products feels magical
My mom broke a pot in the kitchen the other day, and I couldn't find a replacement handle on the manufacturer's website. Thanks to my newly acquired skill, I quickly took some measurements using my 3D-printed vernier caliper and started designing it. Prior to that, I designed a few objects, such as an Apple Watch and an iPhone, and other similar gadgets, simply to see how they would turn out when printed. The best part is that once you design your own objects, you can even start a business that sells 3D prints. Most designs available online cannot be used for commercial purposes. But if you're going to make your own designs, feel free to create your own online store as a side gig.
If you have a mechanical keyboard, you can even design and print your own keycaps. This is massive for all the keyboard enthusiasts out there. Keycaps are expensive to buy. Now you can design and print your own right at home. Another excellent use case is printing TPU cases for gadgets you use every day. Phone cases are easy to find. But if you have earbuds, smartwatches, or other such accessories that aren't widely available, it's hard to find a good protective case. If you can design your own prints, you can now get a case in just a few hours. You can even print figurines and toys for kids instead of purchasing them. The possibilities are endless.
It's the best skill you can acquire
If you have a 3D printer, learning how to design and create your own models is the best skill you can acquire. You can print parts for your custom door or window, toys for your pets, replacement handles for your utensils, etc., without worrying about whether the design is already available. If you have some extra time over the weekend, I would advise looking up free resources on YouTube or even investing in a good course on a reputable platform, if you're serious about learning the skill.