Not too long ago, the concept of 3D printing seemed outrageous; today, innovations in 3D printing are far and many. Designers use 3D printing technology for different reasons, but most agree that it is just a faster and more affordable way to manufacture certain products. Essentially, 3D printing allows designers to print different parts of something and assemble it together afterward.
On the consumer end, 3D printing means more customizable products. In terms of things like furniture and fashion, innovations in 3D printing allow for people to choose the dimensions and materials they want applied to the creation of the product in question.
It's no wonder then, that 3D printers have become increasingly prevalent in different industries, from jewelry and fashion design to architecture and automotive industries. Take a peek at this list of innovations in 3D printing and you'll see what I mean.
52 Innovations in 3D Printing
From Neon 3D Printable Accessories to 3D Printed Fossils:
Katherinev123 — Oct 29, 2011 — Art & Design
52
3D Sketch Jewelry
Shapeways Turns Your Scribbled Art Into Silver Accessories
51
3D Printed Body Armor
Iron Man 2 Suits Were Made with Hi-Tech 3D Printers
50
Creepy 3D Printed Sculptures
Artist Theo Jansen Constructs Cool Printed 'Strandbeests'
49
Intricate Nature-Inspired Sculptures
Nuala O'Donovan Creates Her Ceramics By Hand, Not Compu
48
Algorithmic Lighting
Materialise .MGX 'E-volution' Collection is Made With 3D Printers
47
Geeky D-Pad Accessories
Ring of the Gamer Pays Homage to the Classic Famicom Console
46
3D Symbolic Rings
2gether Ring Visualizes Eternal Love
45
Neon 3D Printable Accesories
The Design + Conquer Electro Jewelry is Music to the Ears
44
3D Printable Textiles
Eco-Friendly Printable Clothing is Like Modern Chain Mail
43
Easy-to-Use 3D Printers
European Market is the First to Get the HP Designjet 3D Printer Series
42
3D Printed Clothing (UPDATE)
The Freedom of Creation Textiles Show Permanently at MoMA
41
Mainstream 3D Printers
Desktop Factory's 3D Printer
40
Skeletal Stilettos
The Melonia Shoe by Naim Josefi and Souzan Youssouf
39
Printable Architecture
The Enrico Dini 3D Printed Building is the First of its Kind
38
Automated Art
Shapeways' Glass 3D Printing Creates Incredible Designs
37
3D Object Printers
Print Your Own Jewelry
36
Kid-Friendly 3D Printers
The Origo 3D Printer is Designed to Let Kids Explore Their Creative Side
35
Laser-Printed Shoes
The Marloes Ten Bhomer 'Rapidprototypedshoe' was Made by 3D Printing
34
Sandy City Coolers
'Microclimates' from PostlerFerguson is Made from Printed Sand
33
Printed 3D Jewelry
The Goncalo Campos Camion Collection Features Faceted Designs
32
Organic Candle Holders
The Vein by Tanja Soeter Illuminates With a Natural Beauty
31
3D Print Ads
Arcor Bubble Gum
30
Tangible Typefaces
The Freedom of Creation 3D Font Brings Text Off the Page
29
Redesigned Office Supplies
The Infinite Clip Brings the Paperclip into the 21st Century
28
Printing Auto Parts
Jay Leno Repairs His Fleet of Classic Cars With a 3D Printer
27
3D Printed Reverse Furnishings
The Inside Out Collection by Minale-Maeda is Downloadable
26
Building From a 3D Printer
Enrico Dini's Gaudi-Inspired Sand and Epoxy Structures
25
Hot Customized Branding
DIY 3D Printed Branding Irons from Shapeways
24
Skeletal Table Legs
Kevin Byrd Designs a Femur Table with a 3D Printed Bone
23
3D Printed Animation
Dutch TV Program Het Klokhuis Gets Stellar Intro from Johnny Kelly and Jethro
22
Personalized 3D Printing
Metaltec Printer Can Make Nearly Anything You Can Imagine
21
3D-Printed Swimwear
The N12 Bikini Brings Fast Fashion to the Beach
20
Geometric Jewelry
Alienology's Avant-Garde Accessories Are Made With a 3D Printer
19
3D Printed Cycles
The EADS Airbike is Said to Be Stronger than Steel
18
Spreadsheet Software Lamps
The TulipK Lamp by Ben Geeblen Was Designed Using Microsoft Excel
17
Computerized Swimsuits
This Lemonbow Downloadable Swimwear Uses 3D Technology for Production
16
Fleshy 3D Printers
The Organova Bioprinting Endeavors to Reproduce Human Tissue
15
Sinuous Seaweed Fixtures
The Algue.MGX Lamp Shines a Light on the Depths of the Ocean
14
3D-Printed iPad Cases
Fresh Fiber Creates a Tool for 3D Case Customization
13
3D Printed Guitars
The Zoybar Tor is Perfect for Digital DIYers Who Love to Rock
12
Double Helical Lighting
The Ribbons of Life Lamp is Genetically Beautiful
11
Geometric Floral Lighting
Cyril Afsa's 'Hadar Lamp' is Kaleidoscopic Fun
10
Print Custom Artifical Bones
3D Printer Recreates Skeletons
9
DIY 3D Object Printing
Shapeways Prints Your Creation in Metal and Other Materials
8
3D Printable Pipe Instruments
MIT Media Lab Prints a Functional Flute Using a 3D Printer
7
3D Printed Marionettes
Michaella Van Vuuren's Horse and Springbuck Designs are Amazing
6
3D-Printed Fossils
The Sam Noble Museum is Remaking History
5
Skin Printers
Inkjets to Make Skin & Nerve Tissue
4
Digital DNA Art
The Macouno Entoforms are Cool Computerized Crafts
3
Epic Explosive Lights
The Nuke Lamp is a 3D Rendering of a Nuclear Explosion
2
Printed 3D Ceramics
The Unfold 3D Bowl Introduces a Whole New Era of Pottery
1
Digitally-Developed Trophies
Upload Cinema Webvideo Awards Are 3D-Printed and USB-Enabled
Related Ideas
Impression-Leaving Rings
Jungyun Yoon's Inner Message Rings are for Romantics
City-Bound Swimwear Spreads
The SHE Beachwear 2011 Collection Takes to the Streets
3D Sketch Jewelry
Shapeways Turns Your Scribbled Art Into Silver Accessories
Skeletal Screwdriver Bicycles
The EX by Nils Ferber is Definitely an Extremely Eccentric Ride
Pretty Polka Dot Lingerie
Victoria's Secret Bombshell Summer 2011 Shoots Features Cutesy Styles
Dainty Wire Art
The Wire Works by Masao Seki Collection is Mind-Blowing
Zen Garden Accessories
The Sarah Hood Landscapes Collection Puts Peace in Your Hand
Suspended Newspaper Sculptures
Recycled Shadow was Created in Response to Paper Waste
Hyperreal Digital Characters
Irina Druchinina's Legends of Tengry Series is Astoundingly Realistic
Minimal Multi-Leveled Furniture
Olivier Desrochers' JU Tables Look Like a 2D Sketch
Explosive Ethical Jewelry
'peaceBOMB' Bracelets Embrace War-Inflicted Cities
Pop-Up Infographics
Ole Martin Volle Creates a Tiny Tactile Folder for a School Library
Eerie Digital Art
Prepare to Have Your Mind Blown by 15-Year-Old Pedro Henrique
Abstract Geometric Accessories
NoMilk Today Handcrafts Unique Hipster Jewelry
Naughty Monstrous Furniture (UPDATE)
The Straight Line Designs Interiors are Quirky and Fun
Sliced Trunk Tables
The Twisted Collection by Erwin Zwiers Follows Up His Light Line
Azure Angel Photography
The Elle Quebec June 2011 'l'Ange Bleu' Editorial is Tinged with Blue
Creepy Taper Sculptures
A.F. Vandevorst's Woman Made of Candles Glows Eerily
Power Button Bling
The iNecklace by Adafruit Makes Computer Tech an Accessory
Typographical Tunics
'"T" Shirts' by Masashi Kawamura are Typeface Trendy
Matchstick Typography
Pei-San Ng Creates Light-Hearted, Cartoonish Sculptures
Sheltering Architectural Illuminators
The Constance Guisset 'Vertigo Light' Defines Space
Formula 1 Furniture
Champions by Konstantin Grcic Has a Need for Speed
Inner Intricacy Accessories
Da Capo Gaia Rings Make Gorgeous Pieces Precious Secrets
Chunky Chrome Accessories
The Naye Quiros Pura Collection Uses Bold, Powerful Designs
Bicycle-Branded Fonts
The Juri Zaech Bike Typography is Fun and Fabulous
Debauchery Dinosaur Depictions
Josean Rivera's Illustrations Aren't For Barney Fans
Creepy Cranium Jewelry
The QueenAnnesRevenge Collection By HOLLOOW is Spooky
Silver Braille Bands
BRAI Jewelry Creates Pieces that Rely on Touch
Naturally Boyish Beads
M. Cohen's Jewelry is Earthy and Worn by the Stars
Adhesive-Free Furnishings
Poles Apart by Adrian Bergman Assembles without Glue
Inflatable Jurassic Sculptures
Mark Verge Breathes Life into His Balloons
Bulb-Sharing Desk Lamps
The Mischer'Traxler Relumine Project Merges Empty Illuminators
Venomous Beachwear Vixens
A Jewel of Costume Captures a Seductive Slithering Dana Drori
Badass Lacy Jewelry
The Gaia Repossi Metamorphosis Collection Designed With Zadig & Voltaire
Human-Hiding Floratography
Cecelia Webber Creates Digital Art Incorporating Painted Models
Skullptural Jewelry
The Harbinger of Death Collection Features Eerie Fashion Accessories
67 Dazzling Dinos
From Prehistoric Planters to Deceased Dinosaur Decor
Potted Plant Necklaces
Wearable Planters by Colleen Jordan Make for Truly Organic Accessories
Animalistic Scooter Sculptures
Vespas by Patricia Piccinini is Full of Cute Character
Scrumptious Couch Designs
Bretz's Cupcake Seating Collection is Inspired by Warm Dough
Electro-Pop Plastic Jewelry
Svenja John's Futuristic Creations are Geometrically Hip
Whimsical Mechanical Animals
Kristie Carlisle Duncan's Trojan Deer is Piloted by Mini Chickens
Stock Market Jellies
The Paul Kweton 'Embrace' Jewelry Line is Crafty and Creative
Killer Instrumentals
Intimidate the Masses with the Gun Guitar
Laser-Printed Shoes
The Marloes Ten Bhomer 'Rapidprototypedshoe' was Made by 3D Printing
Multifunctional Futon Furniture
Karup Hippo Gets Rid of a Frame for More Flexibility
Geeky Computing Headpieces
The Atari Game Headband is for Nerdy Fashionistas
Sultry Surfer Girl Clips
The Pret-a-Surf 'La Prochaine Fois' Clip Debuts the Brand's New Line
Crouching Coffee Tables
The Platform Table Explores the Foundations of Furniture Design
Flat-Packed Workplace Props
The Moo Desktop Accessories are Conveniently Compact
Rugged Concept Bicycles
The Range Rover Road Bike is a Seriously High-End Ride
Decoding Industrial Rings
The Secret Decoder Ring Helps to Reveal Secret Messages
Bullet Shell Jewelry
Impact Accessories Makes Bangles with a Bang
Tangible Typefaces
The Freedom of Creation 3D Font Brings Text Off the Page
Man-Made Oasis Sculptures
Ball-Nogues Studio's Yucca Crater is Meant to be Climbed
Redesigned Office Supplies
The Infinite Clip Brings the Paperclip into the 21st Century
Apocalyptic Digital Art
The Karim Fakhoury Feel the Power Series Captures a Boy's Eerie Ascension
Corrupted Cranium Art
Charles Williams Creates Fractured Faces for GQ Magazine
Plastic Toy Comedies
The Featured Aled Lewis Animal Comics are Nothing Short of Hilarious
Mystical Metal Masks
This Kest Schwartzman Collection is Full of Fantasy Face Facades
Edible Jewelry
Zushii '100 Percent Hard Candy' Accessories Are Sweet Wearable Treats
Alcoholic Lighting
Thomas Stanley's Eco-Friendly Beer Can Lamps Will Make You Look Twice
Dapperly Dressed Lighting
Angelika Morlein Makes Lamps Inspired by Grand Hotel Frequenters
Intergalactic Artworks
Jess Whitehead Creates Stunning Spaced-Out Digital Art
Lunar Landscape Lighting
Eraclea by Neil Poulton is a Satellite Illuminator for Your Lawn
Currency Jewelry Couture
These Coin Rings Flaunt Your Money on Your Fingers
Electromagnetic Halo Lights
GEO Magnetic Ditches Digital Switches in Favor of Science
71 Anthem-Rocking Axes
Inspired by the End of Guitar Hero
Rippling Metallic Tables
The Mercury Coffee Table Will Stir Up Your Living Space
Musical Apple Alternatives
Zen Grasp and Water MP3 Players are Sleek & Smooth Players
Fingerprinted Wedding Bands
The WilliamsGoldsmiths Rings are Imprinted With Love
Stacked Table Sets
Elda Bellone's 'tABLE' is Designed to Stylishly Save Space
Jean-Inspired Bikes
The Levi's Fixie Bike Gets the Denim Brand on Wheels
Titanic Toothy Illuminators
'The Journey' by Robert Foster Sinks its Teeth into Corporate Art
Wooden Volcanic Furniture
The Janina Loeve Tettonica Stool and Table are Nature-Inspired
Ancient Parchment Palaces
90-Year-Old Paper House Still Standing After All These Years
Gigantic Puzzle Prototypes
Oskar van Deventer Builds Record-Breaking 17 x 17 x 17 Rubik's Cube
Musical Tabletops
Become Your Own DJ With the Sound Space Interaction
Floral Skeletal Sculptures
Cedric Laquieze Creates Art that Contrasts Morbidity with Beauty
Dainty Instrument Ornaments
Guitar String Jewelry by Christopher Stiles is Tune-Tastic
Pedal-Powered Purifiers
The Cycloclean by Nippon Basic Company is a Revolutionary Water-Cleaner
Augmented Reality Books
Dorling Kindersley Launches Kid's Publications with High-Tech Features
Skeletal Home Decor
Alchemy Gothic Candle Holders are Dark and Eerie
Sunbathing Photo Shoots
Sun Proof Summer in Vogue Nippon July 2011 Stars Freja Beha Erichsen
Scubalicious Sea Shoots
The Gaye McDonald Marco Trunz Editorial is Wet and Wild
Typographical Closet Companions
The Helvetica Coat Hanger Makes the Typeface Tangible
Collaged Mysticism
The Luis Toledo Digital 2011 Series Captures a Universe of Death
Bronzed Beautorials
Eniko Mihalik Shows Off Tan Skin for Vogue Paris June/July 2011
Classy Caged Illuminators
Elite Wire Lamps Explore the Limits of their Bent Bar Materiality
Virtual Musical Instruments
The Misa Digital Kitara Guitar Swaps Strings for a Touchscreen
Drawn-Out Dining Tables
Statik Table by Oscar Silva Invites Involved Interaction
Tasteful 8-Bit Furniture
The Retro Invader Couch is Inspired by the Classic Video Game
Noisy Bicycle Mods
The Turbospoke Makes a Bike Sound like a Road Hog
Bicycle-Skateboard Hybrids
Sbyke Blends BMX and Skateboarding for an Epic Longboard Alternative
Graceful Floral Lighting
3form's Blossom Pendant Lamp Seems to Be Blowing in the Wind
Stationary Bike-Converter Kits
The LeMond Fitness Revolution is Ideal for Snowed-In Cyclists
Suspended Sneaker Lamps
'Hanguenado Lights' by Armada Add Urban Flavor to Your Home
Colorfully Quilted Tablet Covers
The Bottega Veneta iPad Cases are Luxurious in Design
Chinese Lantern Lighting
Kieser Spath's Aria Lamps are Warm and Atmospheric
Spreadsheet Software Lamps
The TulipK Lamp by Ben Geeblen Was Designed Using Microsoft Excel
Jurrasic Superheroes
David Resto Recreates Dinosaurs as Marvel Characters
Minimalist Leaf-Inpired Furniture
The Bjorn Dahlstrom Chairs Has a Precise Structure
Animal Skin iPad Cases
The Jennifer Tattanelli Croc iPad Case is Multi-Positional
Pipeline Lighting Systems
The Ontwerpduo Light Forest Creates a Stylish Warehouse Ceiling
Plumed Paper Sculptures
The Great Omar Peacock is Stunningly Intricate and Elegant
Starry Night Lights
Omri Barzeev's 'Starlight' LED Table Lamp
Funnel-Shaped Illuminators
The Dragos Iliescu Teardrop Lamp Embodies the Vivid Form of Venus
Animated Movie-Maker Lamps
The Pipixar Lamp Will Get You Pumped for 'Cars 2'
Compact Bike Desks
The PIT IN Table Allows Your Bicycle to Act as a Chair
Twisted Metal Seats
Pablo Reinoso's Aluminum Bench is Contemporarily Curious
Innovative Abstract Accessories
The Labyrinth Maze Pendant is a Puzzling Piece of Jewelry
Pothole Pendant Lights
The Schlagloch Lampe is Cast from Pavement Craters
Efficient Standing Scooters
The Mconcept by Andre Monteiro Lets You Travel Without Being Tired
13 Firefly Inspirations
From Human Fireflies to Firefly Lamps
Hybrid Cooking Lamps
The Glowbelly Steamboat is an Attractive Dining Table Piece
Radiating Tactical Lights
Checkmate! Lamps Bring Stategic Elements to Home Decor
Charming Literature Lamps
The Playful Tiny Tim Booklight Will Light up Your Reading Experience
Fanciful Candle Holders
Kiki van Eijk Turns the Ordinary into the Extraordinary
Blunt Profanity Bling
The Mark McNairy 'Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo' Off Pinky Ring is Swag
Quirky Tableware Accessories
The Bosa Issima Collection is Fresh and Colorful
Pixelated Animal Art
The Sliced Pixel Project by Victor van Gaasbeek is Clear from a Distance
Decrepit Digital Animations
Rachel Dunk Art is Heavily Detailed and Realistic
Glowing Jar-Like Fixtures
The Point and Dot Lighting by David Taylor is Cute and Quirky
Cap-Popping Firearm Lights
Loaded Objects Gives Home Decor a Dangerously Stylish Makeover
Personalized Foursquare Badges
The Chad Stroller 'Chadge' Badge is One of a Kind
Geektastic Gamer Guitars
The GetLoFi NES Electric Guitar is a Crafty Console Creation
Eco Dinosaur Toys
These Assorted Dinosaurs from I'm Toys are Green, Fun, and Educational
Techie Fire Sticks
Candlestrip Candle Holders Play on a Past Versus Present Fire Starter
Wool Felt Decor
Submaterial's Soft Play Set Looks Like Quirky Vases or Cute Candle Holders
eMAKER Huxley affordable 3D printer kits
Rainbow Rapture Lighting
Thorsten Hoy Puts a Psychadelic Spin on These Bits of Brilliance
Eco Sawdust Shades
These Kulla Design Table Lamps are Made from Sawdust and Plastic Bags
Pixel Award: Trend Hunter Wins People's Choice Award
Rockin' Desk Lights
Dan Leap's Guitar Lamps are Made Out of Actual Six Strings
Sloping Candelbras
Jakob Solgren's Hills Candle Holder is Cute and Cartoonish
Nautical Lighting Fixtures
PostlerFerguson's 'Buoy Lamps' are Perfect for Salty Sea Dogs
Oil Tanker Tub Toys
'Wooden Giants' Commemorates the World's Largest Cargo Ships
Melted Candle Holders
Pascal Smelik Gets Inspired by Deformity & Rusticity