Incense Stick Holders from 3D Printing

From Prototype Development to 3D-Printed Incense Stick Holders

At Luxflair, we primarily use a 3D printer for practical development and prototypes. Particularly when it comes to new ideas around fixtures, brackets and accessories, 3D printing is a great help for us. For example, when we want to test new ceiling fixtures or other components, we can create, adjust and test initial designs directly ourselves. This makes our development significantly more flexible.

However, as is often the case with 3D printers, it doesn't stop at purely functional components. Once you start exploring the possibilities, you eventually try other things just for fun. That's exactly how we stumbled upon the topic of 3D-printed incense stick holders.

3D-Printed Incense Stick Holders Impress

Incense stick holders are surprisingly well-suited to 3D printing. They are usually not particularly large, require relatively little material and still offer plenty of room for creative shapes, small details and unusual designs. This transforms a simple, practical accessory into a small design object.

We find it particularly exciting that the incense stick itself can become part of the design. With the Samurai model we use, the figure holds the incense stick like a weapon. This makes it look almost as if the samurai is actively fighting off pests. Especially in combination with citronella incense sticks for balconies, terraces, gardens or camping, this is a nice and humorous idea.

The model shown in the image comes from Printables and can be found at the following link: Samurai Incense Holder.

Small Prints, Big Impact

When printing such models, you quickly realise how versatile 3D printing can be. While we primarily use it for prototypes, fixtures and functional components in everyday use, incense stick holders demonstrate the creative side of this technology.

We're not bothered by the visible print lines. On the contrary: they show that the object was created layer by layer and doesn't come from conventional mass production. This makes the holder more individual and gives it its own character.

Of course, an incense stick holder should not only look good, but also function practically and safely. Important factors are a stable base, a suitable holder for the incense stick and sufficient distance between the glowing tip and plastic. The ash should also be caught cleanly without falling directly onto heat-sensitive material.

3D Printing is Not Automatically Fireproof

As enthusiastic as we are about 3D-printed incense stick holders, we also want to clearly point out the limitations. Many common 3D printing materials such as PLA or PETG are not fireproof. They work well for decorative models and many practical applications, but should not come into direct contact with glowing embers, flames or hot ash.

PLA can become soft and warp at relatively low temperatures. PETG is somewhat more temperature-resistant, but is also not a fireproof material. Therefore, an incense stick holder made from 3D printing should always be used in such a way that the glowing tip of the incense stick has sufficient distance from the plastic.

Particularly important: glowing incense sticks should never burn unattended. Even if a holder stands stably, it remains a glowing object. A fireproof base is therefore always recommended, especially on wooden tables, plastic surfaces, textiles or outdoors in windy conditions.

PLA, PETG and Heat: What You Should Know

For decorative incense stick holders, PLA is often used because it is easy to print, dimensionally stable and provides a nice surface finish for many models. For pure decoration or holders where no hot contact occurs, PLA is often sufficient.

With incense stick holders, however, you must consider that the tip of the incense stick glows and ash can be hot. PLA should therefore not be used where glowing embers or hot ash can fall directly onto the material.

PETG withstands somewhat more heat than PLA and is more resistant to moisture. However, the same applies here: PETG is not fireproof. Direct contact with glowing embers, flames or hot ash should be avoided.

Are 3D-Printed Holders Suitable for Incense Cones?

For incense cones, 3D-printed holders made from PLA or PETG are only suitable to a limited extent. Unlike incense sticks, the incense cone sits directly on its base and glows very close to the standing surface. This creates heat directly at the contact point.

We would therefore not recommend placing incense cones directly on PLA or PETG. The plastic can warp due to the heat, become damaged or, in the worst case, pose a safety risk.

A fireproof base made of ceramic, metal, glass or stone is safer. A 3D-printed model can serve as a decorative frame for incense cones at best, while the cone itself sits on a non-combustible insert. In short: 3D printing on the outside, fireproof surface on the inside.

Our Tips for 3D Printing Incense Stick Holders

Anyone who wants to print their own incense stick holder should pay attention not only to the design before starting, but also to safety, material and later use.

Choose material consciously: PLA is easy to print and well-suited for decorative holders, but should not have direct contact with glowing embers or hot ash. PETG is somewhat more resistant, but is also not fireproof.
Plan sufficient distance from the glowing tip: The incense stick should be inserted so that only the cold wood or bamboo stem sits in the holder. The glowing tip needs sufficient distance from the printed plastic.
Use a fireproof base: A base made of ceramic, metal, glass or stone is particularly safe. It protects surfaces and catches hot ash more effectively.
Check ash fall: Not every beautiful model reliably catches ash. Before printing, you should check where the ash falls and whether an additional tray makes sense.
Pay attention to stability: The holder should stand securely and not tip over easily. This is especially important outdoors, for example on a balcony, terrace or when camping.
Consider wind: Outdoors, wind can blow embers or ash away. Therefore, the holder should always stand on a safe, non-combustible surface.
Test hole size: Incense sticks can vary in thickness. If necessary, the holder can be adjusted in the slicer or carefully reworked after printing.
Plan support structures: Figures, overhangs and fine details may require support. A look at the print preview helps avoid failed prints.
Never use unattended: Glowing incense sticks and incense cones should never burn unattended.

Where to Find Incense Stick Holder Models

Anyone who owns a 3D printer will find many templates for incense stick holders online. Most models are offered as STL files or in other 3D printing formats and can then be prepared in your own slicer.

Popular platforms for 3D printing models include Printables, Thingiverse, MakerWorld, Cults3D, MyMiniFactory and Thangs. There you'll find classic holders, modern designs, figures, fantasy motifs, Japanese-inspired models and many unusual ideas.

The Samurai model we tested can be found here: Samurai Incense Holder on Printables.