3D Printing Office Adventures

3D printing is more than just a cool tech gadget. It’s a tool that inspires creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. When we first decided to get a 3D printer, it wasn’t because we had an exhaustive list of use cases. Much like when we purchased our plotter, we had a single solid idea in mind, but we knew that simply owning the technology would push us to explore its full potential. That mindset proved to be right.

Our first foray into 3D printing began with the Snapmaker A350T, a versatile machine that introduced us to the world of additive manufacturing. Over time, we refined our skills, learned from our mistakes, and eventually upgraded to the Bambu Lab A1, allowing us to print faster, more precisely, and more reliably than ever before. Here’s how our journey unfolded.

The Early Days: Printing for the Sake of Printing

Like many beginners, our very first print was Benchy, the standard calibration boat used to test print quality. It was a small but significant milestone—the first physical proof that we had entered the world of 3D printing.

Not long after, we turned to community-driven suggestions for inspiration, which resulted in our office becoming a showroom for decorative vases. Lots and lots of vases. The novelty of creating physical objects from digital designs was exciting, but soon, we wanted to do more than just make pretty things.

We began experimenting with small space-saving solutions, such as cable organizers and desk holders. These early prints made small improvements to our workspace, but they were just the beginning.

The Reality Check: Learning Through Failed Prints

Of course, not every print was a success. As we pushed the limits of what we could create, we quickly realized that complexity doesn’t always equal usefulness. Some projects failed outright, printing mishaps, weak structures, or warping issues ruined many promising ideas. Other times, we’d successfully print an intricate object, only to realize afterward that it had no practical use.

These failures, while frustrating at first, became some of our most valuable learning experiences. We started prioritizing functionality over complexity, focusing on prints that could actually solve problems rather than just look impressive.

From Fun to Functional: How We Use 3D Printing Today

After mastering the basics, we found more meaningful ways to integrate 3D printing into our daily lives and work.

• Gifts for Everyone – Once we gained confidence, we began printing personalized gifts, especially for our kids. Custom keychains, nameplates, and small toys became easy yet thoughtful creations.

• Workplace Enhancements – We started printing objects that genuinely made office life easier, such as:

• Custom mounts for equipment.

• Storage solutions to reduce clutter.

• Organizational labels and holders for a more structured workspace.

• Workshop Assets – One of the most exciting ways we’ve used 3D printing is in our face-to-face workshops. We now create physical assets that enhance engagement and learning, making our sessions even more interactive.

Leveling Up: Enter the Bambu Lab A1

After years of trial and error, we decided to upgrade. The Bambu Lab A1 has taken our 3D printing to the next level by offering:

• Faster printing – Less waiting, more creating.

• Higher precision – Sharper details and better reliability.

• Increased efficiency – Fewer failed prints and better material management.With this new machine, we’re exploring even more advanced applications, integrating 3D printing into our workflows in ways we hadn’t imagined before.

What Should We Print Next? Tell Us!

3D printing has taken us from a fun hobby to a valuable tool for both work and play. But we’re always looking for new ideas!

We’d love to hear from you: What 3D-printed gift would you like to receive at our next workshop?

Fill out the form below and let us know your suggestions. We might just print your idea next!

Innovation is a journey, and sometimes, all it takes is a little filament and a lot of curiosity.