When working with a 3D printer, you often want quick projects that fit into your schedule without sacrificing functionality or interest. Small, fast prints are ideal for testing your machine, creating useful items, or simply enjoying a brief creative session. These prints can be completed in a short amount of time while still offering practical or decorative value.
Choosing the right models allows you to save time and material while exploring the capabilities of your printer. Whether you’re new to 3D printing or looking to maximize productivity, focusing on fast prints helps you achieve satisfying results without long waits.
1) Gyro spinner
A gyro spinner is a small, fast 3D print that combines spinning motion with a gyroscopic effect. You can print these designs quickly, making them ideal for stress relief or as a desk toy.
The designs often include multiple rings or arms that spin independently, creating a smooth rotational movement. You can find many variations online, some with intricate details and others simple enough for rapid printing.
Because of their compact size, gyro spinners use minimal filament and complete in a short time. They require precise tolerances for the bearings or axles to spin freely, so careful assembly may be necessary after printing.
Printing a gyro spinner also gives you a good chance to test your printer’s accuracy and ability to handle moving parts. Once finished, you’ll have a functional fidget toy that demonstrates basic principles of physics and motion.
https://makerworld.com/en/models/714615-gyro-fidget-rings?from=search#profileId-645235
2) Mini hinge
A mini hinge is a small, functional component that you can 3D print quickly. It is useful for creating movable joints in small projects like boxes, models, or prototypes. The design typically includes interlocking pins that allow smooth rotation without extra hardware.
When printing mini hinges, pay attention to layer height and tolerance. These factors affect how well the hinge moves after printing. You may need to adjust the design size slightly to achieve the right fit for your printer.
Using simple parametric designs lets you scale and modify hinges to fit your exact needs. This flexibility helps you create custom solutions for small objects where off-the-shelf hinges are too large or bulky.
Materials matter for the hinge’s durability. PLA works for light-duty uses, but if you need stronger movement and wear resistance, consider PETG or nylon. Avoid printing hinges too tightly to prevent them from fusing during the print.
Overall, mini hinges offer a balance of speed and function. They are among the fastest 3D-printed parts that provide mechanical movement without extra assembly. This makes them ideal for rapid prototyping or small DIY projects.
3) Qubit spinner keychain
The Qubit spinner keychain is a compact, 3D-printable design inspired by the concept of a quantum bit. It measures about 36x36x5.5mm, making it a small and fast print suitable for beginners and experienced users alike.
You can print this keychain quickly, often in under an hour, depending on your printer’s speed. The design includes a simple rotating bit inside the letter “Q,” which adds a subtle spinning feature without complexity.
This keychain is ideal for those interested in science-themed or tech-related accessories. It can be printed with a single extruder, but you can add color by pausing the print to swap filaments for a two-tone effect.
Because of its straightforward geometry, it requires minimal support material and finishes cleanly. The Qubit spinner keychain works well as a quick project when you need a small item with functional movement on your print bed.
4) Pass-outer pentagon box
The pass-outer pentagon box is a small 3D print ideal for fast printing. Its geometry is simple yet functional, making it suitable for storing tiny parts or trinkets.
You can print it quickly due to its minimal material use and efficient shape. The design often features a pentagon-shaped body with a removable lid, allowing easy access.
This box works well as a keychain accessory or a compact container. It is available in STL and 3MF formats, compatible with most slicer software.
Because of its small size, you can print multiple units in one session. This makes it an efficient choice when you need several storage boxes quickly.
You don’t need advanced settings to achieve a clean print. Standard layer heights and moderate infill will give you a sturdy and functional result suitable for everyday use.
https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/jewelry/pass-outer-pentagon
5) Fidget ring
A fidget ring is a small, simple 3D print that you can complete quickly. It often features spinning or moving parts designed to occupy your fingers and help with focus or stress relief.
You can find many designs online, including rings with rotating gears or textured surfaces. These designs are easy to print with minimal supports and usually require less than an hour.
Printing a fidget ring allows you to customize size and style to fit your preferences. Since they are compact, you can print multiple versions in one batch to try different mechanics or looks.
Fidget rings are practical objects that combine function with ease of printing. If you want a quick print to test your printer’s precision, a fidget ring is a solid choice.
6) Simple keychain
A simple keychain is one of the fastest and most practical 3D prints you can do. Most keychain designs take between 10 to 40 minutes to complete, making them perfect for quick projects. You can customize keychains easily by adding names, logos, or small shapes.
You don’t need supports for many keychain models, which helps reduce printing time and material use. Basic designs often include a small hole for attaching rings or clips. This makes them highly functional and easy to carry with you.
You can find or create straightforward designs that fit your style. Whether you want something minimalist or personalized, keychains offer a great balance between speed and usefulness. Printing one can serve as a simple introduction to 3D printing without complex settings.
https://makerworld.com/en/models/1314975-simple-carabiner-keychain?from=search#profileId-1349903
7) Smartphone stand
A smartphone stand is a practical small 3D print that you can complete quickly. It provides a stable base to hold your phone upright, making it easier to watch videos, make video calls, or follow recipes hands-free.
You can find many designs that fit different phone sizes and orientations. Some stands are simple angled supports, while others include features like cable management or adjustable angles.
Printing a smartphone stand usually takes less than an hour, depending on the complexity and your printer settings. PLA is a common material to use because it is easy to print and offers enough strength for everyday use.
Many designs are available online for free or for a small price. Choose a model that fits your printer’s build volume and matches your phone’s dimensions for the best experience.
This small print helps keep your workspace organized and lets you use your phone more comfortably without holding it. It’s a functional accessory that adds convenience without taking long to make.
8) Bookmark with custom design
You can create a small, fast 3D print by designing a custom bookmark. This print is practical and allows you to express your personal style or brand.
Using simple shapes and thin profiles reduces print time and filament use. You can add text, symbols, or minimalist patterns to make it unique.
Many 3D design tools let you create bookmarks easily, or you can download templates to modify. Custom bookmarks also make great personalized gifts or shop items.
Because bookmarks are flat and small, they typically print in under an hour on most desktop printers. You can experiment with flexible filaments for a different texture or color.
A custom 3D-printed bookmark is a useful project that fits both beginners and experienced users. It combines creativity with practicality while keeping print times low.
https://makerworld.com/en/models/584178-deadpool-bookmark?from=search#profileId-505388
9) Whistle
A whistle is a small and practical 3D print that you can complete quickly. Many designs are optimized for fast printing, often requiring minimal supports or bridging.
You can choose from a variety of models that balance size and loudness. Printing with a high infill, such as 100%, helps ensure the whistle produces a clear, strong sound.
Most whistle models take only a few minutes to print on a standard 3D printer with 0.2mm layer height. You can customize the size slightly to fit your needs without changing functionality much.
Because whistles are simple and small, they can be printed multiple times for testing or gift purposes. Some popular designs are well-documented for ease of printing and effective sound quality.
You do not need complex materials; standard PLA or PETG work fine. Once printed, a quick clean-up of edges is usually enough to start using your whistle.
10) Small handle
A small handle is a simple but practical 3D print that you can create quickly. You can use it to replace broken handles on drawers, cabinets, or small boxes. The size keeps printing time short, often under an hour.
When designing or selecting a small handle model, focus on the grip comfort and mounting method. You can customize the shape to fit your needs, such as adding screw holes or a clip for easy attachment.
Using a fine nozzle, like 0.2 mm, helps produce cleaner edges and smoother surfaces, especially important for handles you’ll use frequently. Print with sturdy material to ensure durability, like PETG or ABS.
A small handle is a convenient project if you want a useful print with minimal setup. It also offers room for customization depending on the application you have in mind.
https://makerworld.com/en/models/88819-kitchen-cabinet-hook?from=search#profileId-95051
Benefits Of Small Fast 3D Prints
Small, fast 3D prints can significantly improve your workflow by reducing project turnaround time and minimizing material use. These advantages help you complete more iterations and lower costs while maintaining quality.
Time-Saving Advantages
When you print small objects quickly, you shorten your design cycle, allowing you to test and refine concepts faster. Rapid prototyping becomes more practical when print times are measured in minutes rather than hours.
This speed lets you respond promptly to feedback or changes. You can complete multiple iterations in a single day, which is especially valuable in development or client presentations.
High print speed can be achieved without sacrificing accuracy by optimizing printer settings and choosing the right slicing profiles. In many cases, small prints require less cooldown and setup, further cutting the total time needed.
Material Efficiency
Printing small parts quickly uses less filament or resin, reducing waste and saving resources. This is particularly important for costly or specialized materials where you aim to conserve every gram.
You avoid excess material buildup like support structures that are common in larger prints. Small items also reduce the chance of failed print waste, since errors affect fewer materials.
Material efficiency lowers your overall production cost and reduces environmental impact. You can experiment more freely with different designs without worrying about excessive material consumption.
Tips For Optimizing Print Speed
Improving your print speed requires fine-tuning specific printer settings and selecting appropriate materials. Both factors directly impact how quickly your model completes without compromising quality.
Printer Settings To Adjust
Start by increasing the print speed in your slicer, but avoid pushing it beyond your printer’s mechanical limits to prevent defects. Adjust infill density—lowering it reduces print time substantially, especially on small models.
Use faster infill patterns like lines or grid rather than complex ones. Thinner walls also speed up printing, but keep them thick enough to maintain strength. Increasing the infill line width can fill areas faster on machines with slow movement.
Consider tweaking layer height; larger layers print faster but may reduce detail. Additionally, updating your hot end can allow higher extrusion rates, letting you push speeds without under-extrusion.
Choosing The Right Filament
Some filaments print faster due to their melting properties. PLA is typically faster to print than ABS or PETG because it heats and cools quickly, minimizing wait times per layer.
Use filaments designed specifically for high-speed printing if available. They may have optimized blends or additives to reduce stringing and improve flow.
Keep your nozzle temperature optimized—too low slows extrusion, too high causes oozing and stringing, which waste time on cleanup. Also, consider using materials with less warping, so you avoid failed prints that consume more time to redo.
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