How to Make a 3D Printed Keychain: Step-by-Step Guide
If you love the look of a 3D keychain, you can create it at your home without a 3D printer, cutting machine, laser cutter, or other special equipment.
This is a beginner-friendly method, and we'll use ready-made clear acrylic blanks to build our 3D keychain using multiple layers. By placing different parts of our artwork on different blanks, we can create an awesome 3D look for our keychain.
You don't need commercial printing or professional tools because this method recreates the layered effect with simple craft supplies.
Materials You'll Need
● Clear acrylic keychain blanks in the same shape and size
● Printer
● Clear sticker paper or clear printable vinyl
● Scissors
● Clear double-sided mounting tape
● Keychain hardware
● Jewelry pliers
● Clear UV resin and UV lamp (optional)
Get acrylic blanks that come with a keyring hole, so you don't have to drill or cut the acrylic yourself.
Safety Tip: UV resin can be used to give a final glossy look to the finished keychain, but it is not mandatory. While working with resin, work in a well-ventilated area and follow the safety instructions provided with your product. Also, it's important that you wear nitrile gloves, a respirator mask, and work on a silicone mat. If you do not have the safety gear, skip using UV resin.
How to Make a 3D Printed Keychain at Home
The first step is to choose an image, and for this project, try to keep the artwork simple.
1. Choose Your Artwork
Choose an image that is simple and can be divided into two or three layers.
For example:
● Back layer: background or large effects
● Middle layer: main object or characters
● Front layer: small details like hair, accessories, text, etc.
You don't have to separate every tiny detail. Just focus on the parts that will look good when they sit at different depths.
For your first 3D-printed keychain, choose a design with clear shapes that will be easy to cut and align.
2. Prepare the Artwork
Create a separate version of your artwork for each layer.
Every version must have the same canvas size and alignment; otherwise, the pieces will not line up when they're placed on top of each other.
Keep in mind, the areas that should remain transparent must be free of unnecessary background color.
3. Print the Layers
Print each artwork layer at the same size on clear sticker paper or clear printable vinyl.
Sticker papers are budget-friendly and ideal for large batches but extremely vulnerable. Vinyl is a little on the costlier side, but it's waterproof, tear-resistant, and lasts longer.
Use the right print settings recommended for your material and printer, and let the ink dry completely before handling the sheet.
4. Cut the Artwork
Once the ink is completely dry, apply clear self-adhesive laminate over the printed surface if you went with sticker paper. This is optional, but it protects your artwork. Just make sure to smooth it down carefully to avoid air bubbles.
Next, cut each layer carefully with scissors. Cutting a few designs without a cutting machine can be hard; that is why it's recommended to go with a simple design if you're working with scissors or a craft knife.
Leave a small clear margin around the artwork so the printed surface remains sealed.
5. Attach the Back Layer
Remove the protective film from one acrylic blank and clean the surface with a soft cloth.
Attach the artwork for your back layer to the blank, keeping it centered and aligned with the edges and keyring hole.
Press the artwork down gently, working from one side to the other to minimize bubbles.
6. Create the Middle Layer
Take the second acrylic blank and attach your middle layer artwork to it; follow the same steps as above.
Next, turn the blank over and apply double-sided mounting tape on it. If the tape is too thin, you have to place several small pieces of it.
Carefully place the second blank over the first, and make sure the edges and keyring holes line up.
The tape should hold two blanks together and create a small gap between them. This gap is what gives the keychain some depth.
7. Add the Front Layer
Follow the same steps and create the front layer.
Then attach the front artwork to the third blank, add enough tape, and carefully position it over the middle layer.
Align all three blanks before pressing the tape firmly into place.
Here's how the layout must look:
Back layer -> tape (gap) -> Middle layer -> tape (gap) -> Front layer
Since different layers of the artwork are sitting at different distances from the viewer, the finished design has a noticeable 3D effect, unlike a flat acrylic keychain.
8. Add a Glossy Finish (Optional)
As mentioned, adding a glossy finish is optional but gives extra shine to the finished keychain. Wear all the protective gear and work in a well-ventilated area for this step.
Apply the resin carefully over the finished keychain and keep it away from the keyring hole. Use a needle or a toothpick to clear any air bubbles.
Cure the resin according to the manufacturer's instructions, using a UV lamp or under direct sunlight.
9. Attach the Keyring
Finally, with the help of jewelry pliers, insert a jump ring through the aligned holes in the acrylic blanks.
Attach your favorite keyring hardware and close the jump ring securely.
Your DIY 3D-printed keychain is now ready to use!
Get Professional 3D Printed Acrylic Keychains From Vograce
Making a 3D-printed keychain with blanks is a little tricky compared to normal acrylic keychains, and if you want the layered 3D look without assembling multiple blanks by yourself, you can explore our custom 3d printed keychains.
We offer custom 3D-printed acrylic keychains in multiple sizes, with different techniques and accessories.
Whether you want a single piece for yourself or multiple pieces for gifting or a small business, simply upload different layers of your artwork, customize your keychain, and place the order. You will receive your keychains with a consistent look and professional quality across the entire batch.
