As a beginner to the 3D printing hobby, there's always the potential to encounter terms you are unfamiliar with. One of the terms that often confuses folks is "functional print." If you're not sure what a functional print is, or what classifies a print as functional, then this post is for you.

Fill Your Goodie Bag With Fun This October

Before we get started, however, I just want to take the opportunity to tell you about the contest we're holding here at AnkerMake. From October 10th through October 31st, we're asking folks to show us their best Halloween prints over in AnkerMake's Official Facebook Group.

When you share your print, you'll be entered to win up to four rolls of free filament. I've shared additional details for the contest above, so make sure you check them out.

Alright, with that out of the way, let's talk about functional prints!

What Is a Functional Print?

Generally speaking, a functional print is a print that can be used to solve a real-world problem that the maker is experiencing. Take the scraper above, for example. Once you print it, it serves a purpose that is utilitarian in nature.

Here's another example: let's say you need a doorstop to keep your bedroom door from closing on its own. If you print one, then use it, that would be classified as a functional print.

Functional prints come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be made from numerous materials. These include materials like carbon fiber infused filament, or high-strength PLA.

Why Should You Care About Functional Prints

The term functional print takes the concept of 3D printing and turns it from a hobby that only lets you make toys, into a hobby that allows for the maker to solve serious problems using 3D printing as a vehicle.

Unfortunately, sometimes 3D printing gets a bad rap. People often assume 3D printers are only for cosplay and fidget toys. But that's not the case. Personally, I use 3D printing to organize my toolbox, to declutter the cabling at my desk, and to build cases and other protective items for my electronics.

People have also designed objects like cell phone cases, RC car bumpers, and even tires that allow them to harness the benefits of 3D printing for more than just a novel hobby. Some makers even use 3D printing as a way to prototype products before they are mass produced.

In other words, functional prints can help turn 3D printers from toys into tools.

Where Can You Find Functional Prints?

The good news is functional prints are available on all major printing sites. If you're looking for specific items, head over to Make It Real, and search for "functional print." You're certain to find something that you can use or modify to fit your specific needs.

Design Your Own Functional Print

Additionally, there are many free tools on the internet that allow users to custom design their own functional prints. And, if you're well-versed in CAD (computer-aided drafting), you can use those skills to craft all sorts of interesting functional prints.

We always like to encourage users to try using these tools if they can't find something specific to their situation. And if you do, please don't be shy and share your solution with the users over on Make It Real. You never know, maybe your design will help someone else solve a problem similar to yours!

Functional prints are just one facet of the 3D printing hobby. Through their use, a 3D printer becomes more than just a toy. When you add functional printing to your repertoire, your 3D printer can help you develop real-world solutions to real-world problems. That's worth getting excited about.

Happy Printing!