10 Surprising 3D Prints That Were Designed With SketchUp

SketchUp is a popular 3D modeling software for all things geometrical. Most designers use this program to create 3D models of architecture, furniture, and vehicles. But did you know that this software is also used for designing 3D prints of jewelry, fashion accessories, design objects, and pieces of art? Let’s take a look at some unusual SketchUp 3D prints!

As was already pointed out, using SketchUp for designing and printing scale models is quite common. In the images below you can see one of the many models of houses and trams that we printed.

Design by Audrey Verduyn

Tram models by Guido Mandorf

However, in this article we want to point out some other ways to use SketchUp for 3D printing. Let’s take a look at 10 outstanding and somewhat surprising 3D prints that were created in SketchUp! This blog post is also a reminder for you that it’s not too late to join our ‘SketchUp 3D Printing Challenge’.

1. Tiger Pendant

Did you know that SketchUp can be used for creating outstanding jewelry? Niels Lannoo created this Tiger Pendant – a geometric wire-frame in the shape of a tiger head. We printed his stunning design in gold-plated brass for the perfect look and feel.

Tiger Pendant by Niels Lannoo

2. Portrait Pendant

Stefan Schaafsma used photos of his children for this pendant. He used the contour of their heads and turned them into a smart and minimalist 3D design.

Portrait Pendant by Stefan Schaafsma

3. A Titanium Rock

This fashion accessory was conjured up by DAMN – a design brand that was created by architects. They used their SketchUp knowledge to create the ‘titanium rock’, and naturally we simply had to print it in titanium!

A Titanium Rock by DAMN (Photo: Laura Schillemans)

4. Cufflinks

DAMN also teamed up with Belgian fashion label Café Costume to create a collection of one-of-a-kind 3D printed fashion accessories. The cufflinks that you can see in the image below were 3D printed in real Sterling silver.

Cufflinks by DAMN & Café Costume

5. Retro Cassette Ring

We’ve seen pendants and cufflinks, but of course SketchUp can also be used for other types of jewelry. Bert de Niel created this retro-style ring in the shape of a cassette tape. Once again this design was printed in our silver material option.

Retro Cassette Ring by Bert de Niel

6. 3D Maze Lamp

Enough of the metals – SketchUp is also great at creating geometrical interior design objects. This ‘3D Maze Lamp’ by Thomas Cornelis is a yet another great example of what kinds of 3D prints can be designed with SketchUp.

3D Maze by Thomas Cornelis

7. Articulated Cube

Now this is a special one and an image just can’t do it justice. Kurt Plagge created this insane 3D printed Alumide cube along with all of its interlinking parts, switches, and controls. Opening the cube is a challenge on its own. Simply take a look at the video below to get a better picture of the concept:

Articulated Cube by Kurt Plagge

8. Table Leg Connector

SketchUp can also be used to create beautiful yet highly useful items. Simon Philips printed his very own smart design of Polyamide leg connectors. These little helpers make sure that his tables stand strong.

Table Leg Connectors by Simon Philips

9. ‘Got M?’ Art Project

And of course, SketchUp can also turn crazy art project ideas into 3D printed reality. Drzach & Suchy printed a complex design based on mathematical calculations in transparent resin. The 3D print changes its appearance based on where the source of light is located. Sounds confusing? Take a look at the video below to see its stunning effects:

‘Got M?’ by Drzach & Suchy

10. Ornamental Turnings

Last but not least we want to show you the biggest print that was created with SketchUp: the replica of an ornamental turning from the 17^th century with a height of 119 cm/3.9 foot. Ornamental turning in ivory was a craft mastered by a restricted circle of specialized craftsmen in Europe. Once these stunning objects were only affordable for royal families, but Italian-based ‘Ushak Atelier Di Meraviglie’ recreated them in 3D printed Polyamide.

Trembleur by Ushak Atelier Di Meraviglie

Interested in learning more about SketchUp and 3D printing? We’ve got all the info you need on our website:

Manufacturing Partnership

Referral Partnership

White Label Integration

Crowdfunding

10 Surprising 3D Prints That Were Designed With SketchUp