15 Amazing Ideas Waiting to be 3D-printed in Ceramics

Splendid, unexplored, hypnotizing - these could be the words used to describe the 3D-printed ceramic objects featured in this post. What 3D printing seems to be doing here is lifting our expectations. Be good to yourself and take this trip to the world of perfection.

Tobacco pipe. This is the first 3D-printed ceramic tobacco pipe we've ever come across. It's a sheek and incredibly clever idea by Michael Mueller, who can be seen here forever blowing bubbles (yes, it works with bubbles, too!). Smoking kills, but if you choose that path, you can at least do it in style. However, if you want to look smoking hot and retain healthy skin and teeth, opt for bubbles.

Teacup. Decorated with a set of teeth, this tea cup is not for faint-hearted and may give shivers to timid tea drinkers. But if you don't shy away from wilder things, you may have found a spine-tingling addition to your private collection of weird things. This ceramic teacup by Lily Su is one of the objects that designer describes as something that does "not necessarily make sense in the waking world but may very well exist in the subconscious".

Ceramics. Incredibly intricate, complex designs of these 3D-printed ceramic sculptures would be impossible to realize without 3D printing technology. Artist Michael Eden used Cubify 3D printer to bring these breathtaking creations to life.

Soap holder. Designed by Trisha Belly, this miniature ceramic clawfoot tub makes a perfect soap holder (or a great tub for your dollhouse?). You need to use golden nail polish to get the look in the picture though.

Soap holder #2. If you find it a little too girlish, here's a different option - a simple, but sleek design by Marta Cherednik. A superb addition to your bathroom, if you ask us. And let's face it, a wet, slippery bar of soap is not something you want to waste your time on chasing!

Salt & Pepper shakers. Moving swiftly from bathroom to kitchen, we'd like you to meet Selma & Pierre - the cutest 3D-printed ceramic salt & pepper shakers ever designed. Dreamed up by Stephanie Szemetylo, Selma & Pierre can certainly spice up the look of your dinner table.

Tea infuser. Designed with a specific purpose in mind, this tea infuser is an example of beautiful, intricate designs that wouldn't be achievable by hand. Jessica Gregory's work has made an excellent souvenir and a practical item used in all Nira Hotels and Resorts.

Collar necklace. One of the more unique aspects of 3D printing is the 'if you can think it, you can print it' angle that makes almost any idea printable. This elegant ceramic collar necklace by Taya should prove handy to those balancing on the edge of smart & casual.

Wall-mounted hand. If you're drawn to unusual design, things that are most often described as different or eccentric, this is for you. When others are perfectly happy with their Ikea bookshelves, you're bubbling with excitement over a thought that this elegant ceramic wall-mounted hand could subtly show off your favorite photo books. Well done you! Designed by Barry Schulte, the hand is available in several colours of glazed ceramics.

Speakers. The Natural Speaker is exactly what happens when amazing conceptual design meets modern technologies like 3D printing. Developed by Eindhoven-based conceptual product design studio Joon & Jung, The Natural Speaker demonstrates the great properties of porcelain as a speaker casing, providing a clear resonance and mellow sound. As the authors put it "amplified inside the ceramic and wood transmission construction, the sound gains a slight echo, creating a natural feeling of resonance, resembling the distinct flair of an acoustic instrument right in front of you".

Vases and ornaments. London designer Adam Nathaniel's collection Identity Parade consists of 3D-printed bright-coloured ceramic vases and ornaments and represents the life and personality of a fictional designer. The collection was produced in response to Designers in Residence showcase at London's Design Museum in 2013. "I'd always felt that identity was such a protean, gaseous, changeable thing," the designer said. "It terrified me really. I mean, how inconstant we are, how fluid our identities are and how we change from year to year."

Old pot, New top. Another fantastic idea how combined with creative thinking 3D printing becomes the ultimate tool to create and reimagine. This combination of old ceramic tea and coffee pots and new 3D-printed lids designed by Julia Landsiedl sends a powerful message about personalization and co-creation. Give the old beauties a new life.

Hangover cup. You know those really hard mornings after a night out when you feel all alone in the whole universe? Well, this hangover cup by Virtox will hang in there with you, literally. Designed for a double espresso (60 ml), but can hold a maximum of about 90 ml.

Vase. The lightness and fragility of this 3D-printed vase really seems to go beyond the look of most 3D prints and beyond our perceived limits of 3D printing technology. Designed by a Danish artist Sandra Davolio, this beautiful shell vase is something out of the ordinary...

Ceramic Lamp. This crazy, bizarre concept of a lampshade was designed and 3D-printed by artist Margot Krasojević. What's even more interesting is that it's developed to transform wind energy into an electrical current. How it works: "The lamp’s white ceramic and fractal-inspired aerodynamic shell was designed to pick up speed as it rotates in the air. The movement then triggers a motor that generates electricity using a joule thief circuit. A capacitor stores excess energy and keeps the cluster of LED lights powered when there is no wind available". Don't tell me, I know - CRAZY.

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