8 LEGO 3D printing projects to build this weekend (May 22 - 24)

LEGO and 3D printing may seem like a perfect combination, but there's more to it than first meets the eye. While you can 3D print LEGO blocks, tight tolerances can produce disappointing results if you aren't prepared to experiment a bit first.

This week's 3D printing projects are all about making the most out of the LEGO you already have.

Track expansions for LEGO train sets

The cheapest fare in town

I've never had a LEGO train set, but I've always wanted one. I always liked the idea of building a sprawling railway, and that is a lot easier to do now that there is LEGO track that can be 3D printed. There is no shortage of models to vastly expand the scope of your LEGO transit projects.

You've got basic straight track in extra-long and lightweight varieties, curved track , cross-track rails, double crossover switches , three-way and double track switches , three-way crossings , and much more. You just need to be a bit creative in your searching, since many model creators use "building brick" or "danish blocks" instead of LEGO (presumably to avoid potential legal troubles).

Risers for LEGO track

Up, up, and away

Your LEGO train tracks can feel a bit one-dimensional on flat ground. Add verticality and take things to the next level with LEGO track risers . This is one way to add some serious complexity to your brick railway, so make sure you plan out your approach before hitting print.

Once you're up there, why not add a LEGO railway bridge too? Print it in metal-infused PLA for a realistic look.

Bases for LEGO trains

Build your own engines and carriages

The last LEGO train model on the list (I promise), printable train bases make it possible to design your own trains from scratch without having to purchase a full set. Add carriages to trains you already own, and let your creativity run wild.

Parametric sorting trays for bricks

Stop rummaging and start sorting

Most of us have to make do with the space we have to store our LEGO. For me, this takes the form of a big box of spare parts that I can easily hide from sight, but this can make building a laborious task. Sorting trays help alleviate the problem by providing bins in which to store bricks in a system of your choosing.

Parametric sorting trays aren't just useful for LEGO; you can use them for a variety of things. The fact that they're parametric means that they can be customized to suit, and this particular design is made to be stackable.

Shakeable sorting tray

It's like a sieve for LEGO

Storing bricks in a build tray is one thing, but actually sorting LEGO bricks can be a real drag. If you're looking for a head start, why not start sorting by size with the shake-to-sort brick tray ? The model is available in three sizes, with five levels in each.

Put LEGO in the top, give the whole thing a shake from side-to-side, and watch as the smaller pieces fall through to the bottom while the larger bricks remain at the top.

Customizable LEGO name plates

An ideal 3D-printed gift

Brick Your Name is a customizable project that makes it easy to create and print LEGO baseplates in the shape of your name (or any other word you fancy). These are ideal for mounting on the wall and using as a basis for LEGO creations. They're perfect for kids' bedrooms and birthday presents.

The same author has also made Brick Your Pic , a baseplate model onto which you can print an image.

Brick separator tool

Because you can never find them when you want them

The humble brick separator can save your fingernails and make deconstructing items considerably easier. When I started playing with LEGO as a child, these were pretty rare items. These days, a lot of sets come with them, but it never hurts to have a spare or two.

So why not 3D print yourself a spare brick separator tool that only uses 5g of PLA filament?

Skådis LEGO shelf

LEGO on your pegboard

The Skådis might just be the 3D printing community's favorite IKEA product . If you're fond of the pegboard and have some LEGO models you want to show off, what about a Skådis brick shelf ?

You can also 3D print larger shelves , minifigure holders , vertical brick mounts , and mounts for specific LEGO items like Speed Champions and LEGO F1 cars .

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3D printing LEGO can be tricky. My last attempt didn't exactly go to plan , but that doesn't mean you should give up!