In recent years, 3D printing technology has developed dynamically, which is reflected in the mechanical properties of printed elements. Thanks to this, additive techniques are increasingly being used to produce machine parts. The paper presents an analysis of issues related to the methodology of designing machine parts adapted to 3D printing technology. To determine the influence of printing parameters on the strength and operational properties of printed machine parts, a series of strength tests were carried out to examine the influence of the filling of printed samples on the maximum value of the force transmitted by the tested structure element. The test results were compared with the strength of parts made of material with similar properties, made using conventional manufacturing techniques. On the basis of the results obtained, material weakening coefficients were determined, enabling the use of classical computational methods in the field of basic machine construction to design machine parts made using 3D printing. In addition, the operational properties of printed components in terms of frictional resistance on their mating surfaces were also experimentally verified. Performed analyzes and the results of the experimental tests were used to develop preliminary design guidelines that allow more effective design of machine parts made using 3D printing. The research presented in this work is a pilot study, the main goal of which is to demonstrate general dependencies and determine further research directions that enable the use of 3D printing for the production of machine elements, such as elements of linear drive systems with toothed belts.