Hardware

Photos: Wacky 3D printed phone accessories you need to buy

By // May 20, 2014, 4:00 AM PST // lyndseygilpin

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  • 3D printed phone cases

    Phone accessories remain one of the most popular things people are making and selling with inexpensive 3D printers. From fancy cases to sound amplifiers, there are plenty of inventive and eccentric designs, colors, and materials to choose from, and they are often much cheaper than buying them at the store. And you don't have to have a 3D printer to buy them. Shapeways allows you to customize and order whatever you want, then have it shipped directly to you.

    Most of the phone accessories on Shapeways are for iPhones, but the diversity of designs and gadgets being uploaded is growing every day. This phone case was designed on Adobe Photoshop and printed by Shapeways.

    Image: ptrani/Shapeways

  • iShark Gramophone

    Pop your phone into the slot on its back and the shark will magnify your iPhone's sound. It comes in red, too, although this blue is pretty realistic. It's a little expensive, but hey, it's definitely a conversation piece for your next party. Find it here for $69.95.

    Image: schreerdesign/Shapeways

  • Gears iPhone case

    For the mechanical among us, here's an iPhone 5/5S case, and the gears actually work whether it's on or off the phone. Order it here for $19.

    Image: saurusdesign/Shapeways

  • Bugle iPhone amp

    It's goofy looking, and really simple. This 3D printed amp slides onto the speaker and can be used anywhere to amplify music on your iPhone. Find it here for $23.

    Image: Vapour/Shapeways

  • Xbox 360 controller mount

    This thing mounts on your Xbox controller so you can play Android-compatible games anywhere, anytime. Get it for $16 here.

    Image: UtorCase/Shapeways

  • Bottle opener case

    This case is about $29, but you could argue that it's worth it, as it's a wallet, case, and bottle opener in one. Get it here.

    Image: Mstyle183/Shapeways

  • Rotary iPhone case

    For the nostalgic among us, here's an old school rotary phone dial that actually spins. It works, there's a video to prove it, and it's $19 here.

    Image: joabaldwin/Shapeways

  • Gramophone amplifier

    Now this is retro. The amp only works with iPhone 4/4S, but it was too good to leave out of the list. It comes as two separate pieces, available here.

    Image: schreerdesign/Shapeways

  • iPhone dock

    Just clip it, and you've got a travel iPhone dock that also has room to wrap the cord up. That way, you won't put your phone on the floor and step on it. It's about $17, available here.

    Image: RemivanOers/Shapeways

  • Galaxy Nexus stand

    This guy just wanted to test out some designs, and he's selling a simple phone stand for about $6 here.

    Image: krof.drakula/Shapeways

  • Foosball case

    They say this is a fully functional iPhone case. Not sure how necessary it is -- or how you can fit it in your pocket -- but for $45, it could be fun.

    Image: athomitron/Shapeways

  • Galaxy S3 case

    The artist said this case was inspired by the post-war New Constructivism art movement. It's $22 for the case, available here.

    Image: 3DMaterialize/Shapeways

  • Nexus case

    This is the third iteration of this hard shell Nexus phone case, and runs at about $27. The creator's name drawn in orange marker is not necessarily included.

     

    Image: dreadful/Shapeways

  • Phone kickstand

    For $17, you can get this kickstand that fits any phone, or even an iPod.

    Image: Makeable/Shapeways

  • iPhone/Android GPS mount

    Most of us use our phones in place of a GPS now, and this stand, which is $28, allows you to mount your smartphone on your windshield.

    Image: skipmeetze/Shapeways

  • iPhone flashlight lampshade

    This made us laugh, so we had to include it. For about $6, you can get mini lampshade to put over the phone flashlight and light up any room.

    Image: DMSteam/Shapeways

  • iPhone 5/5S solar charging case

    This case is $150, but it charges while it's on the phone and easily connects via USB. A solar module is also available on the Custom Power Solar website.

    Image: tomrust/Shapeways

  • Earbud holder

    Have trouble keeping your earbuds in place when you're working out? Apparently there's a 3D printed solution for that, and it's only $7.50.

    Image: Mstyle183/Shapeways

  • Cord wrap

    Pretty simple, but one of those things you probably wish you had and don't want to pay $30 for at a store. This little cord wrap is $15.50.

    Image: jam1ec/Shapeways

  • BoatCoach Cradle

    This mount is meant for a sweep or sculling rowing boat, making it easier for you to row and keep the phone safe from water. It's available for $37.

    Image: eiref/Shapeways

  • Samsung tripod mount

    Hold your phone steady with this tripod mount for Samsung Galaxy S3, available on Shapeways for $20.

    Image: Williamashman/Shapeways

  • Macro lens for iPhone 5

    This $12 macro lens adapter fits directly over your iPhone 5 camera. You have to buy the glass piece for it separately, although the artist said it's available for $4.

    Image: ITHINKITSFROMMARS/Shapeways

  • Acoustabowl

    Designed to fit any phone, this stand enhances the sound when you play music on your phone. It's available in many colors for $50.

    Image: Youknowwho4eva/Shapeways

  • Nexus credit card case

    This case, available for about $25, is designed to hold two credit cards on the back of it. It comes in a few different textures and colors.

    Image: dbanno/Shapeways

  • Nokia Lumia shell

    Nokia was one of the first to release a file to 3D print a case for the phone. The nylon shell can be purchased as is, or you can download the file yourself and customize it before having it printed. It's about $16.

    Image: duann/Shapeways

3D printed phone cases

Phone accessories remain one of the most popular things people are making and selling with inexpensive 3D printers. From fancy cases to sound amplifiers, there are plenty of inventive and eccentric designs, colors, and materials to choose from, and they are often much cheaper than buying them at the store. And you don't have to have a 3D printer to buy them. Shapeways allows you to customize and order whatever you want, then have it shipped directly to you.

Most of the phone accessories on Shapeways are for iPhones, but the diversity of designs and gadgets being uploaded is growing every day. This phone case was designed on Adobe Photoshop and printed by Shapeways.

Image: ptrani/Shapeways

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By Lyndsey Gilpin

Lyndsey Gilpin is a former Staff Writer for TechRepublic, covering sustainability and entrepreneurship. She's co-author of the book Follow the Geeks.