3D PRINTED WALLET DESIGN
A slim, minimalist wallet I designed and built as an affordable alternative to premium metal wallets. It keeps the same clean look and everyday practicality, but is easier to customise, cheaper to make, repair or modify.
Why make it?
I liked the idea of wallets like Ridge, but I couldn’t justify the price. Most of the alternatives were still expensive and relied on custom screws, clips, and branded parts. I wanted to see if I could design something just as simple and functional using simple materials and basic hardware.
How it's Made
The wallet is made from stacked 3D printed plates held together with elastic bands and screws. The plates and number of bands allow you to adjust the thickness according to the number of cards needed to carry. The shape is heavy-based, existing designs, which I think fit comfortably in your hand and slide easily in and out of your pocket.
​
Key Focus
The wallet needed to be as slim, comfortable, and practical as possible for everyday use. It had to work for people who carry a few cards or many. It also needed to be affordable to produce and easy to customise with different colours or personal engravings.
Problems Experienced
Getting the right thickness to print with enough infill percentage took a few iterations. This meant testing different plate thicknesses and screw placements, which I also adapted from common designs. I also rounded the edges and shaped the grip so it doesn’t dig into your pocket. But essentially, each version got a little better.
Where it works?
This wallet is designed for everyday carry, particularly for people who want something simple, slim, and easy to maintain. The modular design makes it suitable for carrying anything from a few cards to a thicker daily setup, without needing different wallet sizes. Because it is inexpensive to produce and easy to customise, the design also works well for small runs such as personalised wallets, branded editions, or low-cost fundraiser products. The focus is on practicality and adaptability rather than premium finishes or proprietary components.
Materials & Colours
The wallet is 3D printed using PLA plastic with steel screws and generic elastic bands. The current colour combinations use a black base with neon orange or neon yellow accent plates. The coloured elastic bands add a bit of personality and make it feel more DIY.
What Was Learned
This project was a practical exercise in working within real design constraints. Small changes to plate thickness, infill percentage, screw placement, and edge geometry had a noticeable impact on comfort, durability, and how the wallet sat in a pocket. Each iteration improved on the last by addressing one issue at a time. It also reinforced how effective simple materials and basic hardware can be when the design is kept modular and easy to adjust. Rather than optimising for appearance alone, the project highlighted the value of designing objects that can be repaired, modified, and improved through continued use
