Recently, I read an article about the hype cycles that technological innovations repeatedly go through. Specifically, it discussed 3D printing—a technology that even Barack Obama once praised as having revolutionary potential in one of his speeches(1) during his presidency. But as is often the case, the initial hype was followed by disillusionment: conventional manufacturing processes still dominate industrial production, while 3D printing is often dismissed as a mere “gimmick.”
But in the niches? That’s where 3D printing reveals its full strength. And it’s precisely in these niches that I find myself with my projects at frickelfilm: stop-motion animations, product shoots, and creative special solutions.
More than three years ago, I embarked on a journey to embrace this technology—and I’ve never regretted it.
From Hype to Practice: How 3D Printing Changed My Workflow

The versatility of 3D printing has profoundly enriched my daily work life. Beyond the classic uses like quick Christmas and birthday gifts (a huge thanks to all the creative minds on thingiverse.com), I primarily use 3D printing for professional purposes. Whether it’s small mounts for camera setups, custom storage solutions for accessories, or delicate tools for stop-motion animations, 3D printing opens up possibilities I could barely imagine before.
A concrete example: For a project with Bosch, where 23 measuring tools had to be perfectly presented in a product shoot, 3D printing proved indispensable. Some tools couldn’t stand on their own, and a conventional solution would have required either a lot of time or improvisation. Instead, I printed small, custom-fitted mounts that were not only discreet and stable but also precisely tailored to the tools’ dimensions.



Why 3D Printing Is Ideal for Creatives

3D printing is an invaluable asset for creative minds who need quick and simple custom solutions. It allows for the fast and cost-effective creation of prototypes, tools, or specialized parts that simply aren’t available for purchase.
Particularly in the field of advertising filmmaking, where the goal is often to create new and unconventional aesthetics to capture the audience’s attention, 3D printing offers exciting opportunities by significantly streamlining creative processes. Prototypes or custom objects can be designed and realized directly on-site—quickly, affordably, and tailored to the specific needs of a project. Whether for extraordinary perspectives, experimental visuals, or innovative props, this makes it possible to test ideas on the spot while maintaining control over every detail.

How to Get Started
There are countless resources to dive into the world of 3D printing—from YouTube tutorials to platforms like printables.com or thingiverse.com, as well as software like Tinkercad, which is beginner-friendly. My advice: At first, patience is key, but getting started is easier than you might think, and it’s not hard to acquire the necessary skills step by step. Starting with simple projects and gradually tackling more complex challenges is the best way to make rapid progress.
3D Printing and Sustainability: A Step in the Right Direction?
Beyond all the creative possibilities 3D printing offers, its environmental aspect also plays an important role. While manufacturing plastic parts with 3D printing is energy-intensive, there are several ecological advantages compared to mass production. Particularly with the use of recycled or biodegradable filament, such as PLA made from cornstarch, the environmental footprint can be significantly reduced.
A fascinating development in the 3D printing community is the recycling of filament scraps. Many makers collect their failed or old prints for reuse. Providers like recyclingfabrik.com (german company) now offer the option to send in these remnants to be recycled into new filament. For those who prefer a DIY approach, companies like QiTech provide specialized machines that shred filament scraps and turn them into new material. Although this still requires technical know-how, it impressively demonstrates how sustainably 3D printing can be utilized.
Furthermore, the technology reduces unnecessary transportation and packaging materials, as spare parts and prototypes can be produced directly on-site—quickly, flexibly, and resource-efficiently.
Conclusion: The Revolution Is in the Details
3D printing may not have revolutionized mass production, but in creative niches like film production, it’s a true game-changer. It provides exactly what we need: flexibility, individuality, and the ability to turn ideas into tangible reality. For me, 3D printing has become indispensable—and I’m excited to see what opportunities this technology will unlock in the future.
Quellen:
(1) https://3druck.com/nachrichten/obama-erwaehnt-3d-drucker-in-seiner-state-of-the-union-ansprache-568751/