# Rotary Phone Cases Joa Baldwin Created a 3D-Printed Phone Case That Mimics a Rotary Dial By Megan Facciuolo | Published 2014-06-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-phone References: [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2014/06/15/3d-printed-rotary-dial-iphone-case/) & [shapeways](http://www.shapeways.com/designer/joabaldwin) Mixing nostalgia with modernity, Joa Baldwin created a [3D-Printed phone case](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phone-case-30) with a rotary dial built into it. Though it doesn't actually allow the rotary to input numbers into your phone, it's a neat concept that may bring back some great childhood memories -- or some comical ones of you getting your fingers stuck in the small circular dials. Surprisingly, retro phones have been making a a comeback, but this phone case is the perfect way to make a homage to the phones, while still keeping up with the technological times. The dial actually spins back and forth thanks to the [coil spring it conceals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spring-phone-case). It is quite an intricate concept for a 3D printer, especially considering it is only a phone case. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.3/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **3d-printed Phone Accessories:** The creation of 3D-printed phone cases with unique designs opens up opportunities for personalized and customizable accessories. - **Nostalgia-inspired Tech Gadgets:** The resurgence of retro-inspired tech products presents a market for innovative designs that combine nostalgia with modern functionality. - **Mechanical Interactions in Phone Accessories:** Incorporating mechanical features, such as the spinning rotary dial in phone cases, can offer interactive and tactile experiences for smartphone users. ### Where This Applies - **3D Printing:** The rise of 3D printing technology allows for the production and customization of unique phone accessories, opening up opportunities in the 3D printing industry. - **Tech Accessories:** The demand for unique and nostalgia-inspired tech accessories creates a market for innovative products that cater to consumers seeking individuality and style. - **Smartphone Industry:** Integrating mechanical features into smartphone accessories presents an opportunity for the smartphone industry to enhance user experiences through interactive and tactile elements. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Retro Phone-Inspired Label Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vintage-phone-labeling.md) - [3D-Printed Modular Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-sliding-system.md) - [Interactive Gaming Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-phone-case.md) - [Nostalgic Flip Phone Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nokia-n90.md) - [Retro Computer-Inspired Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-c1.md) - [Nostalgic Timeless Click Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipod-classic-fidget.md) - [Functional Toy Telephones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chatter-telephone.md) - [Playful Custom Tech Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charm-phone-case.md) - [Handheld Smartwatch Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elrow-industries-miniphone.md)