3D Printed Shotgun Shell Designs: From Drinkware to Organizers
From my first experience with a 3D printer, the sheer versatility of the technology became apparent. What began as an interest in rapid prototyping for practical home repairs quickly evolved into an appreciation for the creative possibilities it unlocks beyond purely functional items. Today, 3D printing allows individuals to craft everything from intricate cosplay props to specialized tools, often drawing inspiration from unexpected sources.
Source: Own illustration
Quick Summary
The world of 3D printing has embraced the distinctive shotgun shell motif, transforming this familiar form into a variety of creative and practical objects. Here’s a quick overview of what you can find:
- Novelty Drinkware: Designs like beer holders and can koozies prevent condensation and add a unique aesthetic.
- Beverage Tools: Specialized devices for "shotgunning" drinks offer a consistent, spill-free experience.
- Organizational Solutions: Shotgun shell designs are repurposed for practical storage, including coin holders, ammo cans, and various shell holders.
- Specialized Tools: Even reloading blocks for ammunition can be 3D printed with this motif.
- Cost-Effective DIY: Many designs offer significant savings compared to retail products, with material costs often under $2.
The Unconventional Art of the 3D Printed Shotgun Shell
The world of 3D printing often takes inspiration from the commonplace, transforming everyday objects into intricate designs or functional tools. One notable example features a distinct design aesthetic: the shotgun shell. These ubiquitous casings, normally associated with hunting or sport shooting, have transcended their original purpose to become a popular motif in 3D printable designs, ranging from novelty drinkware to practical organizational solutions. This trend highlights the innovative ways designers repurpose familiar forms.
Shotgun Shell Drinkware and Accessories
A prevalent application of the 3D printed shotgun shell motif appears in drink accessories. For instance, MATT4CK designed a "Shotgun Shell Beer holder" available on Printables.com. This holder, with an inner diameter of 66.3 mm and a height of 139 mm, accommodates a standard beer can. The design originated from a desire to prevent cold, wet hands caused by condensation on the can, remixing an earlier "Shogun Shell Vase" by JLake3D, found on Printables.com. The designer suggests printing the top part upside down for better results and recommends printing the first 10 mm of the "Beer ShotShell Top" to check fit, with instructions to scale both parts in a slicer if the fit is too tight.
Source: etsy.com
This 3D printed shotgun shell beer holder, designed by MATT4CK, helps keep hands warm and dry by insulating a standard beer can. The model dimensions are 66.3 mm inner diameter and 139 mm height.
Another set of designs, the "Shotgun Shell Drink Holders / Can Koozies," were created by CL3DPrinting and are available on Cults3D. These koozies come in six variations: "BuckMountains," "BuckRack," "DogDuck," "DuckScenery," "Plain," and "TurkeyLandscape," offering aesthetic choices for different preferences. The STL files include bottom parts for both 12-gauge and 40-gauge sizes, with the tops designed for printing upside down without supports.
Koozie Dimensions at a Glance
| Part | Approximate Dimensions (L x W x H) |
|---|---|
| Bottom Parts | 92.964 mm x 92.964 mm x 41.0 mm |
| Top Parts | 85.086 mm x 86.0 mm x 97.0 mm |
Since their publication on October 16, 2023, these designs have garnered 2,800 views and 21 downloads.
Source: etsy.com
These 3D printed Shotgun Shell Drink Holders come in six design variations, offering choices like "BuckMountains" or "DogDuck" motifs. They include parts for both 12-gauge and 40-gauge sizes.
Beyond holding drinks, the shotgun shell design has even been adapted for a more direct interaction with beverages. Mitchell DeNooyer created a "Drinking Shotgun Shell" for MyMiniFactory. This device aims to create a consistent, spill-free "shotgun" hole in a can, incorporating an air gap to minimize splashes. Both the "Drinking Shotgun Shell" and a separate "Puncture Pin" must be printed, requiring no supports. Printed in PLA, the estimated cost of materials is around $1.63, offering a substantial saving compared to a retail value of $29.99 for a similar product. This design, published six years ago, has accumulated 8,887 views and 546 downloads.
Practical Holders and Organizational Tools
The shotgun shell form also lends itself to practical storage and organizational solutions. On Printables.com, various models exist, such as a dedicated "Shotgun Shell Holder" via Printables.com and generalized STL models of shotgun shells themselves here: model 1; model 2; model 3.
Other platforms also host numerous designs. For example, Cults3D offers 8 free models for "Shotgun Shell Holders", as part of its extensive library of over 3.3 million free and premium 3D print models supporting formats like STL, OBJ, STEP, 3MF, and SCAD, found on Cults3D. These include a "Toy Shotgun Shell Holder for MOLLE" viewable on Cults3D and a "Robust Airsoft Shotgun Shell Holder for 40mm 1.5 Belt", also on Cults3D. Creative interpretations extend to coin holders and ammo cans designed in the shape of a shotgun shell, as seen on Cults3D.
Source: etsy.com
Creative interpretations of the shotgun shell form include this coin holder, designed to resemble an ammo can. Such designs transform common objects into unique organizational tools.
Even specialized tools like a 12-gauge reloading block can be 3D printed, available on Cults3D. These examples demonstrate the functional diversity derived from a single, recognizable form.
Conclusion
The 3D printed shotgun shell embodies the ongoing evolution of additive manufacturing. It illustrates how a distinctive form can inspire a wide array of functional and decorative objects, from insulating beverage holders to specialized reloading tools. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, designers will undoubtedly find new ways to transform familiar motifs into innovative solutions, further blurring the lines between inspiration, practicality, and artistic expression.