The Beauty of the 3D Printing Community
When we start our 3D printing journey, the first thing we probably create is the iconic 3D printed “benchy”. From here, we browse 3D printing communities like Thingiverse and Printables, finding models designed by others to solve a problem, make something more efficient, or make something look cool.
Eventually, we learn CAD to make our own models to fix our own problems or to adhere to our own interests. Hundreds of designs go by, multiple spools of filament are used, hundreds of models—both successful and unsuccessful—are printed, and we grow more experienced and more thankful for such a tool as the 3D Printer.
That said, 3D printing isn’t just great because of what individual people create. 3D Printing is a way of making — a way of creation and imagination that we share with others. For decades, the 3D printing community has grown extensively into a network of makers sharing ideas, designs, and skills. Those who once started with the mere test “benchy” go on to make magnificent designs to share with the rest of the community. Without the inspiration of the community, none of us would be where we are now in our 3D printing journey.
The 5 Best 3D Prints of the Month: July 2025
Modern Japandi Desk Organizer
We’re starting with this Modern Japandi desk organizer created by S.Corp. This model is the perfect blend of practicality and style. The desk organizer has six different pockets to hold pens, pencils, scissors, and other stationery items.
The design of this model is inspired by the Japandi design style, which is a modern style of interior design and architecture. This model represents this style perfectly, with a sleek diamond design on the outside.
The model sits angled on a surface because of a “cut” in its design, allowing it to display a sunken-like appearance while sitting.
This model was uploaded onto MakerWorld, and over 2,700 people have already downloaded it!
Filament Spool Holder
by CMP27240
Next, we’re moving on to this convenient filament spool holder for a 3D Printer. The model is created by CMP27240 and is posted on Thingiverse.
Custom filament spool stands are very common yet very necessary in 3D printing, whether the original breaks or is just overall inefficient. This particular model mixes practicality with style, as the maker creates an applicable accessory for their 3D printer, while managing to make it look pretty cool at the same time.
Squeeze Powered Flywheel Fan
This may be the perfect way to stay cool anywhere this summer. This Squeeze Powered Flywheel Fan, created by MrHegger, uses just the force of your thumb to create a cool breeze.
The fan uses a rack and pinion gear system to turn linear motion (the power from your finger) into rotational motion (the spinning of the fan). The rack also slides back on release, while still allowing the fan to spin smoothly. This means there are no interruptions to the breeze while pushing.
It’s also worth noting that all components of the fan system can be printed without supports, making it more efficient and quicker to create.
This amazing system was posted on Printables and gained over 1,000 likes and over 6,000 downloads. The design also won an award in the Printables design contest, Create a Breeze!
Centauri Carbon Tool Tray
This tool tray was an original design by Monolith. It was created for the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3D printer, and organizes all the tools you could need for 3D printing into one tray. This includes separate spaces for clippers, screwdrivers, scraping tools, build plate glue, screws, USB drives, and more!
While this model was made specifically for the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3D printer, it can be used for many different 3D printers as well. The two screw holes in the model allow it to be screwed into walls, making it as easily accessible as intended.
This model is part of this list because of its pure practicality. The model is very simple with barely any support needed, allowing fast and cooperative printing. Regardless of its simplicity, this tray is the perfect “tool of tools”, leveling up the organization of your workplace.
This model was posted on Printables and already has over 1,500 downloads from 3D printing enthusiasts!
Elephant 3D Puzzle
The last pick for the top 5 community 3D prints of July is this extraordinary 3D elephant puzzle created by Wilko_SLO. When printed correctly, each piece fits perfectly with the next, allowing the creation of an entire elephant without the need for any glue.
The puzzle itself offers a fun and challenging experience to anyone who prints and assembles it. It’s also great for decoration purposes and to print as a gift. While the rest of the models on this list excel in practicality, this model excels most in its pure creativity.
This model was uploaded to Printables and has so far gained almost 6,000 downloads! The model also recently won first place in the Printables design contest, Games for Open Sauce 2025.
