This Week’s Top 3DShare Models: From Mini Weapons to a Teacher’s Apple

A variety of 3D printable items can be seen in our weekly list of the top five models from the online 3D print model marketplace: 3DSha.re.  This week, variety is still the main theme, as we start with two sets of weapons, one medieval and one modern. Next, we see a unique take on an outlet cover: this volcano outlet cover is a far cry from the boring plastic ones that are so common.  Then there’s a collection of desk organizing pieces that you can print to your own chosen size and shape. Finally, there’s a soda can cap and a mesh apple for the teachers out there. Enjoy!

Weapons

These mini weapons, designed by jcbroman, come in two parts on the 3D Share website. The first part is a medieval weapon pack that includes a bow, arrow, quiver, ax, and hammer.  The second part is modern (as seen in above picture) and includes a pistol, two rifles, a hand grenade, a sword, and bullets.  Humorously, it also includes a first aid kit! Of course the weapons aren’t real; they are mini weapons that can possibly provide some enjoyment for the imagination, though.

Volcano Outlet Cover

If you have small children around, you know the importance of covering unused outlets to avoid them getting electrocuted.  And this idea of covering the outlet here is similar, except that it’s also quite decorative. This volcano outlet cover designed by 3D Share regular, Bassna, takes the boredom out of your outlet cover schemes.  Instead of those annoying small plastic covers, why not print your own volcano? A bright orange burst of lava stands in where the plug would be, enhanced by a green backdrop.  These are much more interesting to look at, although you may want to watch out, because this could also draw the curiosity of vulnerable children.

RichRap PuzzleDesk Collection

We all aspire to keep our desks tidy, and it always feels good after cleaning up and organizing, right? I try to clean my desk once a week, but inevitably by week’s end my desk is piled up with bills, coins, pens, paper, and other randon items. I could really use some more organizers like this RichRap PuzzleDesk Collection. These files allow you to print exactly what you need; more of some parts and less of others, if necessary. For example, I would need more than one pen holder since I always collect writing instruments throughout the week.  You can also scale these pieces to any shape and size – solving all your desktop organization requirements!

Can Cap

This is a very functional item, perhaps one of the more functional and easy to print models I have seen yet on 3D Share. There are many reasons to cover up your can when you are not drinking from it: you can keep it carbonated while ensuring that nothing else, like a fly, gets in there. The design is very basic. A plastic piece fits onto the piece that pops the can open. My only concern here is you can probably only close and open it once (which is probably all you need) because those opener pieces pop off very easily. Other than that issue, this is a very practical design that has an important function as well.

An Apple for the Teacher

The apple has long been associated with teaching, as it was once touted as a common gift to give a teacher, and it now serves as a national symbol of this long-time occupation.  But how did the relationship between apple and teacher start? According to the Smithsonian Magazine,  parents and families were frequently responsible for housing and feeding teachers on the American frontier. An apple became a way to show appreciation for a teacher who could be handling upwards of fifty students at one time.

Later, after the practical need to feed teachers vanished, the apple remained a symbol of “currying favor” with the teacher.  Now, you can even 3D print an apple for your favorite teacher. This model by Jules is printed in slices and assembled quickly. Just slice it with no top or bottom layer at 20% infill and 1 perimeter. Then go ahead and give it to someone who deserves it sitting proudly on their desk or shelf!

Let us know which of this week’s top models you like best.  Discuss in the 3DSha.re forum thread on 3DPB.com.