How to Get a Broken Part 3D Printed: Complete Guide
Your dishwasher basket rail snapped. The fridge shelf bracket broke. That clip holding your car's sun visor finally gave up. The part is impossible to find online, and the manufacturer wants $75 for a replacement (plus a 6-week wait). Sound familiar?
3D printing is the perfect solution for replacement parts. A $5-20 print can save you hundreds on appliance repairs, keep old equipment running, and fix things manufacturers stopped supporting years ago. Here's how to get a broken part 3D printed.
The Quick Answer
To get a broken part 3D printed:
Typical cost: $10-40 for most household parts, including design work
What Parts Can Be 3D Printed?
Almost any plastic part can be 3D printed. Here are the most common replacement parts people get made:
Kitchen & Appliances
- Dishwasher basket wheels & clips
- Refrigerator shelf brackets
- Blender/mixer parts
- Appliance knobs & buttons
- Ice maker components
- Vent hood clips
Home & Furniture
- Drawer slides & glides
- Cabinet hinges & brackets
- Blind/shade components
- Lamp parts & sockets
- Door handles & latches
- Furniture feet & caps
Automotive
- Dashboard clips & trim
- Cup holder inserts
- Sun visor clips
- Vent louvers
- Console parts
- Mirror mounts
Electronics & Tech
- Remote control battery covers
- Phone/tablet stands
- Cable management clips
- Device mounts
- Speaker grilles
- Equipment feet
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Part Made
Document the Broken Part
Even if your part is broken into pieces, keep everything. Take photos from multiple angles:
- Top, bottom, and all sides
- Close-ups of connection points (clips, holes, tabs)
- The part in context (where it mounts)
- Include a ruler or coin for scale in at least one photo
Measure Critical Dimensions
Use a ruler or calipers to measure:
- Overall length, width, height
- Hole diameters and spacing
- Clip/tab dimensions
- Wall thickness (if visible)
- Any angles or curves
Find the Model (Or Have It Made)
You have two options:
Search Thingiverse, Printables, or Thangs for your part. Try searches like "[appliance brand] [part name]" or the model number. Many common parts already exist.
Post your project with photos and measurements. Many makers offer design services and can create a custom 3D model from your photos. This ensures a perfect fit.
Post Your Project
Include in your posting:
- Clear photos (the more the better)
- All measurements you took
- What the part is from (make, model if known)
- What the part does / how it's used
- Any stress or heat requirements
- Color preference (if any)
Review Quotes & Choose a Maker
When comparing quotes, consider:
- Material choice (PETG is stronger than PLA for functional parts)
- Whether design work is included
- Maker reviews and past work
- Turnaround time
- Shipping costs vs local pickup
Which Material for Replacement Parts?
The material matters for functional parts. Here's what to request:
| Use Case | Recommended Material | Why |
|---|---|---|
| General household parts | PETG | Strong, durable, good for most applications |
| Dishwasher/high moisture | PETG or ASA | Water resistant, won't degrade with moisture |
| Near heat sources (stove, dryer) | ABS or ASA | Higher heat resistance (up to ~100°C) |
| Clips and snap-fits | PETG or Nylon | Flexible enough to snap, strong enough to hold |
| Low-stress decorative parts | PLA | Cheapest, good appearance, but more brittle |
| Food contact (food safe) | PETG (sealed) | Food-safe material, but discuss finishing |
Important: Tell Your Maker the Use Case
Always explain what the part is for and where it will be used. A good maker will recommend the right material. "This clips into my dishwasher" is more useful than requesting a specific plastic.
What Does It Cost?
Replacement part costs depend on size, complexity, and whether design work is needed:
| Part Type | With Existing File | Custom Design Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Simple clip/bracket | $5-10 | $15-25 |
| Knob/handle | $8-15 | $20-35 |
| Complex bracket with multiple features | $15-30 | $35-60 |
| Larger part (shelf bracket, etc.) | $20-50 | $50-100 |
| Multi-part assembly | $30-75 | $75-150+ |
Compare that to OEM replacement parts that often cost $50-200 (if you can even find them).
Real Examples
Dishwasher Basket Wheel
OEM price: $45 for set of 4
3D printed: $12 for set of 4
Savings: $33
Refrigerator Shelf Bracket
OEM price: $28 each (discontinued)
3D printed: $18 with custom design
Savings: $10 + actually available
Car Sun Visor Clip
OEM price: $75 (dealer only)
3D printed: $15
Savings: $60
Vintage Appliance Knob
OEM price: Unavailable (discontinued)
3D printed: $20 with custom design
Only option to fix the appliance
Get Your Broken Part Fixed
Don't throw away that appliance or piece of equipment just because one plastic part broke. 3D printing lets you fix things that manufacturers stopped supporting years ago, for a fraction of the replacement cost.