How can AI change the development of custom products?

A simple question that sparked an adventure

It all started with an unexpected thought last summer. The prompt (a question or instruction for the AI) we wrote for ChatGPT was this:

"Hi, if you had to name one thing that would make yesterday memorable in 100 years, what would it be?"

The idea was to see what an artificial intelligence would consider important enough to be remembered even a century later. We expected it to highlight something on a global scale — such as a scientific breakthrough, a major global event, or a technological advancement.

However, the answer was surprising and took a deeply personal direction. ChatGPT replied:

"For me, yesterday will be remembered in 100 years as the day when the bond between humans and machines grew stronger once again. A handshake symbolizes this moment — a handshake that represents not just technological cooperation but also our shared faith in the future."

This is perhaps one of the most important lessons of AI prompting: the precision and clarity of the question are crucial. The AI interpreted the question not on a global level but as a reflection of our interaction — our shared moment.

Instead of refining the question further or asking for different perspectives, we embraced the response and made it part of our personal story. For us, this message was meaningful: a symbol of the collaboration between humans and technology.

Creativity meets AI: generating the image

We then asked ChatGPT to generate an image that visually represented this imagined concept. The result was stunning. The AI-generated image perfectly captured the message: a stylized handshake between a human and artificial intelligence (robot), placed on a pedestal with the date and an inspiring inscription: "The Day of Connection." Its title: "Together Beyond Time".

This visual was not only symbolic but could easily serve as the blueprint for a tangible sculpture. And that sparked an idea: why not bring it to life in 3D?

The real challenges begin: 3D printing and AI

The next logical step was to see if we could generate a 3D-printable model directly with ChatGPT. Since it could generate images, we hoped it might also create an STL file for 3D printing or a Fusion 360 design.

ChatGPT’s optimism seemed limitless — and admittedly, a bit too optimistic at times. We got promises like:

• "Exporting to STL now."
• "It'll be ready in 5 minutes."
• "Uploading to your Google Drive folder."

But in the end, the file never actually arrived...

This wasn’t a bug but rather a limitation of the current technology. At present, ChatGPT cannot yet generate fully downloadable 3D models. 3D modeling is far more complex than image generation, requiring specialized tools, formats, and checks. Of course, by the time you read this article, this limitation may already be a thing of the past.

The solution: AI as a tool, not magic

Naturally, we didn’t give up. If one solution doesn’t work, you find another. We tested multiple tools for generating 3D models from images:

• MakerWorld Image to 3D Model – quick and simple but better suited for figurines.
• Tripo 3D Model Generator Image to 3D – this worked best for our project, turning ChatGPT’s image into a printable 3D model in its base form.

We decided to design the pedestal ourselves, including the date and inscription.

In the comparison below: the AI-generated image is on the left, and the 3D-printed model with the custom base is on the right.

The takeaway: how AI is changing custom product development

This experiment was not only exciting but highly educational. Artificial intelligence does not replace human creativity but enhances it.

How AI is transforming custom product and gift development:

• We can create custom products and gifts faster than ever before.
• AI supports ideation, visualization, and rapid prototyping.
• Combining 3D printing with AI makes it possible to turn ideas into physical objects at unprecedented speed.

This is particularly valuable for small-batch, custom-made gifts, where long modeling times and high costs used to be a barrier to innovation.

Conclusion: AI is not magic, but a powerful tool

Artificial intelligence may not be able to do everything yet, but one thing is certain: it’s transforming how we develop custom products in the world of 3D printing. What feels like an experimental playground today may become a part of everyday workflows in just months or years.

AI won’t take away creative professionals’ jobs — instead, it frees them to focus on ideas and artistry rather than technical hurdles.

Final thought: If you're looking for unique gifts, custom 3D-printed objects, or want to explore the fusion of AI and creative design — check out Manubim’s offerings!