Solidoodle - Earn an Additional Entry For Answering This Question

Mechanical pieces for robotics and DIY parts to build better printers.

I love building and designing things, so I usually use my printer to print our custom models I've made or parts for a larger project. Random figurines and doodads kept to a minimum. I do print quite a lot of prototypes for other people though

For me it's using it for prototyping and planning.

Visual Aids for the wife who teaches. And random bobbles, things to challenge the printer.

I am a very involved eNABLE volunteer, and I make prosthetic hands for children.

prototypes and parts for my start up and for clients

3D printing models that move. If you need to animate them its best to learn how they would move through a real world model.

Turning my 3d sculpture in things I can hold

Prototyping, I have also used my printer to fix various lost or broken items in the house, handles, kids toy adapters, grommets etc.

Giving my customers a look at what their new piece of custom jewelry will look like.

As an engineer, we already use 3D printing to visualize parts before a mold is made for production. I see production use for short run/ low volume parts in the near future.

prototyping, replacing broken plastic bits around the home, cable guides.

I think my most practical app for 3d printing when I get a 3d printer would printing toys for my kids and teaching them about 3d printing

Fix broken things. New case for my Key Fob was the most recent

The most practical application is probably building parts for my robots.

i really just find it extremely cool, but i guess it could be used for replacing parts of household appliances.

I have several ideas that I would like to flesh out so prototyping is my most practical application. Once you have a 3D printer its easy to do 8-10 iterations of an idea to really refine it.

Being a beginner I am exploring the production of component parts to create larger useful items for myself and others.

This would help me realize a myriad of projects and ideas I have - turn me into a Maker :)

Prototypes for custom motorcycle components as well as industrial part fixtures.

I love being able to customize all my stuff down to their structure! Which is why I'd like to have a personal 3D printer, there's a (self-imposed) limit on what I can do with a printer that isn't mine.

I would use the printer as a tool for prototyping small intricate parts for my motorcycles or building brackets for smaller objects.

I mostly use my 3D printer to create research prototypes as I am a product designer.
I also explore a lot with different materials to learn about their possibilities.
I have also created several customized items for end use, including jewelry.

In my life? The printing of terrain, models and vehicles for 1:285th scale miniatures gaming and the creation of props for RPGs.

Sparking my kids imagination in tech. Allowing them to see it not just for the tech but how it can be used. (100 glitter ponies will probably come out of it but what follows the realization of the potential it presents is where the true value is)

Prototyping

I am still in the "honeymoon" stage and I just want to play and have fun with random projects (if at all possible related to food and/or bioprinting) and this process itself is very useful and practical at this point.

The most practical application that I have is: To impress my friends when they say: I wish this (product) could do (something.) I say, "sure it can" and design a plastic part that saves the day!

The production of 'widget' replacement parts for our manufacturing machinery.

making architecture models

Custom hooks for stuff around the house. Saves me a trip to the store to find something that doesn't quite work.

http://joes3dworkbench.blogspot.com/...ard-hooks.html

Hobby production, I like to collect film props and have had a few 3D models designed for me that are as screen accurate as the original that I would like to print one day (the Dredd lawgiver on my Thingiverse for example)

I use mine for small projects or costume parts.

Making tangible prototypes of designs that wouldnt be feasible to create without 3D printing

I plan on using one for silicone and RTV molding for modification purposes of current products, although I will definitely be looking into making replacement parts for items, and toys for my daughter.

Costume props. Both a printed model directly used as well as them being used to create molds.

That and DINOSAUR SKULL SHOWER HEAD!!!

I have not yet done anything terribly practical, but I do have a few car parts I need to model and print up. There have been a few instances lately where something broke and I realized I could model and replace it. I have designed a socket to hold an RJ-45 keystone holder (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:548145) that could potentially be integrated into practical things.

Design a part for custom pendent(jewelry).

Prototyping ideas.

I did some parts to upgrade/repair my DIY 3d printer, toys for my son.