The Fourth of July is fun. Who doesn't love snacks, warm weather, fireworks, beer, and being patriotic outside with friends and family? But all of these things could be made just a little bit better, obviously, with 3D printers.
The world of 3D printing has expanded beyond small plastic parts and combs. Now, you can make a ton of impressive and intricate stuff, from guns to guts. And the prices of 3D printers
In case we see that day as soon as next year, here's a list of all the fun stuff you can make with a 3D printer that may just enhance your already awesome July 4 fun.
Bottle opener
If you're in desperate need of a beer (it's July 4, so you are), and your buddy who has already had one too many dropped the opener off the dock, you can just grab this 3D printed top-popper. It's printed in steel, which would make any Fourth of July drinker feel even manlier and more patriotic, right? This one in particular is also a mathematical joke, riffing off the
Solo Cup
To go with that beer, why don't you print out this
Cookies
Snacks! Snacks are a necessary part of any July 4 celebration, and sweet cookies after a great BBQ sounds pretty good. But while your kitchen is being taken over by party prep, you can use a 3D printer to get your cookies ready for the oven. We
Cookie Cutter
If the idea of eating cookies from a machine freaks you out, then we recommend two things. First, don't ever buy anything at the grocery store again. Second, make your own batter and cut out some USA-shaped cookies on your own time. This cookie cutter of the United States was created using a Makerbot 3D printer and software that turns 2D items into 3D items called the
Mini American Flag
Yes, while the big flags flow in the wind, you can distribute these cute, miniature waving flags to friends and family along the parade route. While they really don't serve much of a purpose other than being a tiny source of patriotism, you could use them for table decorations or an opportunity to show off that you have something that was 3D printed. They're available through Shapeways for $18. Though, I wonder if