5 Cool Smartphone Accessories You Can 3D Print

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5 Cool Smartphone Accessories You Can 3D Print

The world of 3D printing has revolutionized the way we create and customize objects, offering endless possibilities for innovation and personalization. One area where this technology shines is in the realm of smartphone accessories. With a 3D printer and a bit of creativity, you can design and produce a wide array of practical and fun add-ons for your mobile device. This article explores five cool smartphone accessories you can 3D print, showcasing the versatility and potential of this technology.

1. Keychain Smartphone Stands

A simple stand is one of the most convenient accessories you can have for your smartphone. It keeps your phone propped up at home or while you’re on the go, making it ideal for hands-free tapping and scrolling, using while eating lunch, or watching movies on a plane. The only real hitch is that some stands can be a little unwieldy to keep in your pocket or bag. If storage space is at a premium, try a phone stand you can hang from your keys.

Printables user Shira designed a set of cute 3D printed keychains shaped like various creatures, including a snail, a hippo, a cat, and a dragon. In addition to being fun and colorful, these keychains have slots in the neck area, perfectly sized for propping up your smartphone. Shira does recommend using a flexible filament to print these, as a rigid material may snap under pressure. Also, you will need to provide your own key ring, but you can buy those easily enough on Amazon.

The keychain stand concept is brilliant because it combines two essential items – a phone stand and a keychain – into one compact, portable accessory. This design not only saves space but also ensures that you always have a stand handy when you need it. The animal shapes add a touch of personality and fun to an otherwise mundane object, making it a conversation starter and a unique accessory.

2. Megaphone Smartphone Holder

If you want to share music on your smartphone with friends, the usual play is to sync up with a Bluetooth speaker from one of the major brands. Of course, not everyone owns a good external speaker, and relying exclusively on the phone’s internal audio system may not provide enough volume. If more gadgets can’t solve your problem, try this clever solution: Place your device in a 3D printed megaphone.

Thingiverse user IFUJI concocted a remarkably simple accessory for boosting the sound from a smartphone without an additional device – an analog megaphone holder. Place your phone inside, propping it up on the back, and the conical shape will project the phone’s audio in a focused blast rather than radiating in all directions. IFUJI notes that this holder is great for both increasing volume while playing music, as well as improving audio on phone calls. They made it for their iPhone, but the holder could be adjusted and resized for other phones as necessary.

This megaphone holder is a prime example of how 3D printing can be used to create simple yet effective solutions to everyday problems. By leveraging the principles of acoustics and the precision of 3D printing, this accessory can significantly enhance your smartphone’s audio output without the need for batteries or electronic components. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional speakers, perfect for impromptu gatherings or outdoor activities.

3. Clamshell Smartphone Case and Card Holder

The one vital accessory that absolutely all smartphone owners should possess is a protective case, something that can safely endure the rigors of daily use and, if necessary, absorb the occasional sudden drop. Certain 3D printer filaments like TPE and TPU are a good material for cases, as they’re resilient and flexible. If you’re going to 3D print a phone case, though, you might as well add some extra functionality to it.

Thingiverse user Snickerpleez designed a clamshell-style protective case for their iPhone 6 composed of two 3D printed panels secured onto the phone via four screws and hex nuts. It’s a minimalistic design, protecting the edges around the phone and its cameras without being too bulky. As an added perk, the rear panel has a clip for storing a pair of plastic cards. If your wallet is already full to bursting with cards, this case will give you a little extra storage space while keeping your phone safe in the process.

This innovative case design showcases how 3D printing can be used to create multifunctional accessories that go beyond simple protection. By integrating a card holder into the case, it eliminates the need for a separate wallet or card holder, streamlining your everyday carry. The clamshell design allows for easy access to your phone while still providing robust protection, and the use of screws and hex nuts ensures a secure fit that won’t come apart accidentally.

4. Compact Smartphone Tripod

If you’re a photographer or content creator, you often need to set up a good shot with your phone’s camera at a moment’s notice. Unless you have exceptionally steady hands, the matter isn’t quite as simple as “point and shoot.” Much like with a dedicated camera, the best solution for an unsteady smartphone camera is a tripod to keep it stationary. With a 3D printer, not only can you make such a tripod, you can make one that’s easy to store and carry around.

Printables user ThreeD-Michael designed a pocket-sized folding tripod that can be assembled and deployed in a matter of seconds, clamping tight on your phone for that perfect shot. The project consists of the tripod and a nifty rectangular carrying case to keep it safe when not in use. The tripod’s legs unfold and lock in place, while the clamping mechanism grips your phone with the help of rubber bands. The clamp can grab any phone measuring between 64 and 88 millimeters in width, so there’s some extra wiggle room for different models.

This compact tripod is a game-changer for mobile photographers and videographers. Its small size and portability mean you can always have it on hand, ready to capture stable shots in any situation. The folding mechanism and carrying case make it incredibly convenient to transport, while the adjustable clamp ensures compatibility with a wide range of smartphone models. This accessory demonstrates how 3D printing can be used to create specialized tools that cater to niche needs, opening up new possibilities for mobile content creation.

5. Universal USB Cable Saver

Second only to a smartphone itself, the most vital accessory to carry around is your charging cable and adapter. A consistent issue with USB charging cables is wire fraying that occurs around the connector, which can be worsened if it’s jostling around in your bag or pocket. If you’re worried about this happening, shore it up with a 3D-printed protector.

Printables user Engineering Projects came up with a universal USB cable saver, a clever gadget that clamps onto the connector of a charging cable. The device redirects flexing that occurs near the connector, spreading the stress out across its spiral-patterned body and away from that critical point. The saver can be clamped onto just about any kind of USB charging cable to help improve longevity, making it an ideal 3D printing project for saving you money. If it doesn’t fit your cable, the design can be sized up or down. As an added bonus, there’s a slot on the back where you can insert a magnet for hanging or storing the cable saver when you’re not using it.

This cable saver is a perfect example of how 3D printing can be used to create practical solutions for common problems. By addressing the issue of cable fraying, this simple accessory can significantly extend the life of your charging cables, potentially saving you money in the long run. The universal design ensures compatibility with various cable types, while the option to add a magnet for storage adds an extra layer of convenience. This project showcases how 3D printing can be used to create small but impactful accessories that improve our daily tech experiences.

In conclusion, these five 3D printed smartphone accessories demonstrate the incredible potential of this technology in enhancing our mobile device experience. From practical solutions like the cable saver and protective case to creative innovations like the megaphone holder and keychain stand, 3D printing allows us to customize and improve our tech accessories in ways that were previously impossible or prohibitively expensive. As 3D printing technology continues to advance and become more accessible, we can expect to see even more innovative and personalized smartphone accessories hitting the market.

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