Best 3d printing site
The 6 Best Places to Search for 3D Printing Models
As 3D printing patents expired, the industry exploded into the home.
An endless number of 3D models are now available on the internet, with everything from D&D characters to replacements parts for your washing machine.
With a host of design-sharing sites that exist, both paid and free, here’s what you need to know about where to look for the best models for 3D printing.
What to Look For: 3D Models, File Format, Slicers, and G-code
There are hundreds of thousands of 3D models online and it can get a little confusing.
Websites that cater to 3D printing models are particularly useful because the files available for download will be in the right format. Some sites will even check the designs of contributors, making sure that they are in fact printable.
As lots of these websites are community-based, you can read the comments or check out the photos of the completed project by other people.
Files need to be in the STL or OBJ format, so check this first before downloading. Once you have the files, use a ‘slicer’ software to convert your file to G-code.
Related link: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing
All you need to do then is copy the G-code file to your SD card and insert the card into your 3D printer. Good to go, right?
One thing to note is whether the 3D model has a creative license.
On the website Thingiverse, for example, the creative license is displayed under the heading License on the left-hand side of the model’s home page (below the tags), such as for the classic Benchy model.
Clicking on Creative Commons – Attribution – No Derivatives will open a link explaining what the condition of reproduction is, including for commercial use.
A lot of hours go into designing a 3D model. So making sure to attribute the designer, if you share your work publicly, is a good way to support them.
Depending on the site, the designer might include a link to where you can donate, or in some cases this option is built into the website. For sites that feature payment options, you can either pay directly for designs, or for a subscription to the website for further discounts.
Each site is different, so check the percentage of profits that go to the designer if you choose to support them.
Now that you have an overview of what you are looking for, delve into the websites below for some of the best 3D printing models out there.
A popular and well-established site, Thingiverse began as a companion site for a DIY 3D printer kit-making company.
What is awesome about this site is its education section. Here you can find 3D printing projects related to a class subject (think T-Rex skeleton or Lego Renaissance figures).
Under the model page, you can then find complete lesson plans, activities, and background information on the subject. If you are a classroom teacher, this could be a great way to introduce 3D printing technology to young people.
Besides manufacturing 3D printers, Prusa Printers also hosts a website for design sharing.
Under a section called Makes, people can submit photos when they have completed the project, which is very useful if you want to check the quality of the design first.
A unique feature of this site is a map that indicates where world events, workshops, or printing labs are located globally.
On YouMagine, designs can be gathered into collections, which is another way that you can search for new projects.
Collections range from 3D printing machine mods to models for medical masks.
Hitting the Download button is all you need to do to get a design. When you do, a popup will display giving you the option to donate to the designer if you choose.
Related link: Useful 3D Printing Ideas and Projects for Your Home
For something a little bit different, on Thangs you can search for models based on similar geometric shapes. To do this, upload a previous STL file you have to the search box, or simply type a shape into the search engine; e. g., cube.
On each model page, neat viewing options can be changed to display the model from different angles, and with render modes and colors, before downloading the files.
Interestingly, this website also allows you to limit your search for models only to the Thangs website, or else open the search to other sites on the internet.
Alongside a free STL file library, MyMiniFactory guarantees that each file is printable by checking it with software and making sure that it has been test-printed by its community.
In MyMiniFactory’s store, you can purchase designs to support artists, or opt for a paid subscription to the website to get discounts on designs, among other things like its in-house printing materials.
Image Credit: Creative Tools/flickrAnother site that allows you to pay for designs is Cults. It has both free and paid designs with added functions for donating to designers.
When browsing through the community designs, you will notice a lot of people using GIFs to display the 3D object in the library, which will help you to get a quick overview of the 3D model.
Cults also claims that the files available on its site are guaranteed to print, so you can at the least expect the correct file format.
Did you know that NASA has a resource page dedicated to 3D printable models of space-related artifacts?
You can find models for famous robots like the Curiosity Rover and Perseverance, or detailed models of supernova remnants.
If you have a child who loves space, or you yourself want to combine two of your favorite hobbies, check out what’s in this NASA resource.
A Universe of 3D Models to Explore
Every design-sharing website is a little different from the next, but you are guaranteed to find a design you like on one of them.
Whether you find a model for free or paid, checking the creative license and uploading an image of your printed model will help to support the growing community of 3D printing enthusiasts.
And who knows, maybe one day you will be designing and uploading your own models? Competitions are becoming popular, so check your favorite website to see what you could win by building your own 3D model.
2022's Top 10 Sites For Free 3D Printing STL Files
by 3devo on Mar 17, 2022 11:34:00 AM
Have you decided to take the jump and buy a 3D printer? Or maybe you’ve been considering, and are looking for more details as to how it can benefit you?
Well, there comes a time where you have all the knowledge and resources for your 3D-printing activities, but no time when it comes to designing or redesigning your STL models. Luckily, you can download free STL files from a variety of great sites. Most are free while others offer their work for a price. Some even have the option to order the model to be printed and then get it sent straight to you!
The best part about these STL file downloads would be the sheer variety available as 3D-printing has gone mainstream. Below is a list featuring some great sites that we use to find free STL models. Enjoy!
Our Top 10 Free STL File Sites
10. SketchfabSet up in 2012 to build up a community-based 3D model online repository, this French-based site has grown to offer both free and paid downloads. It was among the first to offer models created with any of the major 3D creation tools, further supporting VR and AR on compatible hardware. This site is easy to navigate using the search feature and to better navigate through the sheer volume of STL files available, they have been grouped into convenient categories. Be warned that you may end up spending more time at this Sketchfab site than you may have planned to as there are just too many choices offered.
9. GrabCAD
GrabCAD is not your typical place to just download free STL files for 3D printing. It has many CAD models, many of which are also available in STL format. You can download 3D models in other formats and also try to convert them into STL files for 3D printing, but you may experience trouble with more complex ones. The Resource area is great, giving you access to tutorials, case studies, and even helpful e-books. It also features the useful GrabCAD Workbench tool. It’s a very popular site with many interesting models and resources available so do check the website out soon.
8. SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse
Once owned by Google, SketchUP 3D Warehouse is the go-to place for all your 3D model needs. Laying claim to being one of the largest 3D model online depositories, with over 4 million free downloads available, this site is easy to navigate using the search feature. To better navigate through the sheer volume of STL files available, they have been grouped into convenient categories. The site has also just released a handy feature that gives users the option to have the SketchUp models they upload automatically converted to STL. Be warned that you may end up spending more time at SketchUp’s site than you may have planned to as there are just too many choices offered.
7. Thingiverse
Operated by the popular Makerbot, one of the leaders in 3D printers, Thingiverse provides access to a huge variety of 3D models as well as a knowledgeable community. You can find many 3D models that you can download for free in STL format, and new models are added daily. The only drawback, though, is not all the models are available as STL files format, therefore not fully optimized for 3D printing (some editing may be needed). This doesn’t happen often, though, and the site is definitely worth a visit.
6. My Mini Factory
Don’t be put off by this pages clean UI and high prices on the homepage. The site is managed by iMakr, so you don’t have to worry about the lack of quality models that the site has to offer. All the objects are curated, meaning that “every object uploaded on MyMiniFactory has been test-printed on desktop 3D printers. ” Simply type “free” in the search box and you’ll get instant access to some rather impressive designs. Still going strong since its 2013 launch, MyMiniFactory aims to be the YouTube of 3D files.
5. 3DFindIT.com
3DfindIT.com is the next dimension visual search engine that crawls billions of 3D CAD & BIM models from hundreds of manufacturer catalogs for architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering. The platform allows users to search for digital engineering data provided by manufacturers worldwide. 3DfindIT.com reduces search times and increases efficiency in engineering and construction with intuitive search functions:
- Parametric Text Search
- 3D Shape Search
- 2D Sketch Search
- 2D Photo Search
- Color Search
- Feature/Topology Search
- Search by Category
The download and use of this CAD data is free of charge. Many catalogs offer 150+ different neutraland native formats such as Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Inventor, SOLIDWORKS, and more!
4. Free3D
Being one of the smaller repositories, Free3D by TurboSquid has both free and paid models. It offers models created by various 3D software but the downloads aren’t in STL format and need to be converted before usage. Multiple language options make for easier navigation and searches. As one of the newer community-focused sites, while also aiming to grow into a marketplace, Free3D has some great potential.
3. PinshapeWhile this is technically a marketplace, Pinshape is a thriving community which make available quirkier models that range from Star Wars-inspired miniatures to jewelry. The free models are displayed along with clearly-marked paid pieces, so you can easily distinguish them or you can simply spend hours browsing and admiring the creativity which went into all these pieces.
2. NIH 3D Print ExchangeThis United States government agency for biomedical and public health research offers scientifically accurate or medically applicable models for download. The STL file collections include face shields and low-cost prosthetics, plus models of various human organs for education and research purposes. Especially interesting are the DNA molecules and virus models, so you can get a closer look at these microscopic objects.
1. NASAWhile this site may have the least number of 3D models available, it more than makes up in quality as STL files made available for free lets you fabricate landmark objects in the history of space exploration – like the Apollo 11 landing site, the Curiosity Rover or the Hubble Space Telescope. What makes this site really cool is that you also get to download models of spacesuits and rockets which had been deployed by America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Endless Possibilities with STL Files
We really appreciate that there are sites like these where you don’t have to spend large amounts of money to try out your much-loved hobby. Even though not all of these STL files are designed for 3D printers, some editing can make them suitable for your printer.
If you are unsure on the correct method of doing this conversion, we recommend you first do some research on some 3D-printing blogs before you start. It will save you a lot of time as well as money in the end.
REC Wiki » Top Ten Sites for 3D Printing 3D Models
If you already have a 3D printer and 3D printing plastic, the only thing left to do is find digital models. Do-it-yourself 3D modeling is interesting, but mastering this skill will take a lot of time. In the meantime, we suggest looking for something interesting on the sites in our selection.
1. Thingiverse
The largest and most famous platform, Thingiverse is a project of the American company MakerBot, which has made a huge contribution to the development of amateur 3D printers. In recent years, MakerBot has been operating under the wing of Stratasys Corporation and focuses more on the professional segment of the additive market, but this has not affected the work of Thingiverse in any way. The name of the platform is a play on words meaning "The Universe of Things" (Thing + Universe). The site remains the largest repository of exclusively free 3D models with a focus on 3D printing and continues to grow. Thingiverse currently offers over one and a half million 3D models. nine0003
Thingiverse website: www.thingiverse.com/
2. Instructables
Instructables is more than just an online warehouse of 3D models. This platform is primarily aimed at do-it-yourselfers, and therefore Instructables hosts not just 3D models, but complex projects - often using electronics, mostly hobby, but often quite serious. Scientists also use the site, posting useful open-source projects like smartphone-based 3D printed microscopes. The main feature of the site is that the projects are accompanied by detailed, step-by-step instructions - hence the name. Of course, additive technologies play an important role in many of the published projects, and the projects themselves are offered free of charge. nine0003
Instructables website: www.instructables.com
3. Cults
Popular site based in France. The platform works in a mixed way, offering both free and paid models. The paid section to a large extent influenced the rich assortment, since any user can make money on their creations. The site takes a commission, but approximately 80% of the cost of each 3D model sold goes into the authors' pocket. If you're not ready to pay for digital models, check out Cults anyway and browse the freebies - there are plenty of them. And don't let the name confuse you, it doesn't smell of any cultists there. Cults is just St. Luc is the opposite, while Saint Luke is considered the patron saint of artists. nine0003
Website: cults3d.com
4. MyMiniFactory
A London-based platform that also offers a mix of free and paid 3D models. Many of the paid works are posted by professional designers, and the administration often holds competitions among authors. The peculiarity of MyMiniFactory is that this site guarantees quality: the published 3D models are first tested for compatibility with 3D printers, then a trial 3D printing is carried out, and only then the model is placed in the public domain. nine0003
Jonathan Beck
One of the most famous MyMiniFactory-related endeavors is the Scan the World project. The author of this initiative was the British enthusiast Jonathan Beck, who in 2014 committed a major “robbery” of the London Museum. True, Jonathan took out not real exhibits, but about ten thousand photographs, on the basis of which he then recreated the appearance of the exhibits in digital form using photogrammetry. Since then, Beck has had many associates armed with cameras and 3D scanners and regularly adding 3D models of art and historical artifacts from around the world, including from some Russian museums. All models in the Scan the World collection are offered free of charge. nine0003
MyMiniFactory website: www.myminifactory.com
5. Prusa Printers
Strictly speaking, this is not a repository of 3D models as such, but the home site of Prusa Research, an enterprise of the Czech engineer Josef Prusa, whose name is familiar to all enthusiasts additive technologies. True, on this site, Josef and his team offer not only 3D printers and consumables of their own production, but also 3D models, and for free. Since this company deals only with additive technologies, all models in the catalog are optimized for 3D printing. The main share of published models falls on the users of the site, and Prusha's team regularly stimulates the authors with various competitions. An interesting feature of this site is that it allows you to publish not only 3D models, but also ready-made machine code. On the one hand, this is good, because users can immediately send a model for 3D printing without fiddling with a slicer. On the other hand, there is always a chance of incompatibility or outright sabotage, so be careful, and if in doubt, just download the STL files and prepare the code yourself. nine0003
Prusa Printers website: www.prusa3d.com
6. Pinshape
Another collection of 3D models, this time of Canadian origin. The first version of the site did not last long, only a couple of years, but immediately after the closure, the well-known American manufacturer of stereolithographic 3D printers Formlabs bought the resource. The platform continues to work to this day and contains tens of thousands of projects. Like most similar platforms, Pinshape offers both paid and free 3D models, and anyone can submit work. nine0003
Pinshape website: pinshape.com
7. YouMagine
Another project under the corporate umbrella. This site was founded by one of the co-founders of the Dutch company Ultimaker, which in turn is well known for a whole series of successful FDM 3D printers. Although this is not the largest resource (only about twenty thousand projects), it has two pluses. Firstly, only free 3D models are offered here. Secondly, the site is structured in such a way that it is easier for designers to improve their own and other people's work, collaborate and receive feedback. As a result, you can find a lot of serious projects here, such as OpenBionics 3D printed prostheses, but there is also enough entertainment content. nine0003
YouMagine website: www.youmagine.com
8. CGTrader
This Lithuanian site initially had nothing to do with 3D printing, being a platform for the exchange of graphic models for computer games, virtual reality and the like. However, with the growing popularity of additive technologies, a specialized section appeared on CGTrader for publishing 3D models with polygonal meshes optimized for 3D printing. There are not so many models for 3D printing, only about thirteen thousand, in addition, this resource is focused on paid content, although there are also free offers. On the other hand, this site is popular among professional designers, so you can find very interesting and high-quality work here. nine0003
CGTrader website: www.cgtrader.com
9. Sketchfab
Sketchfab, a Franco-American marketplace, is similar to CGTrader in that it publishes models for computer games, virtual reality, and 3D printing, as well as in terms of an abundance of professional work. With 3D printable models, things are a little more complicated: although there are many free models on the site, those optimized for 3D printing are in the paid section. On the other hand, nothing prevents you from downloading free options and using third-party mesh repair programs for 3D printing, such as Meshmixer or Netfabb. nine0003
Sketchfab website: sketchfab.com
10. 3Dtoday
Russian website and main portal for Russian speaking 3D printing enthusiasts. 3Dtoday is designed as an all-in-one platform with user blogs, catalogs and a marketplace, as well as a collection of 3D models categorized into different categories. Most of the 3D models are offered free of charge, however, there is also a paid section, replenished by portal users.
3Dtoday website: 3dtoday.ru
33 best sites with free 3D printable models
3DPrintStory    Reviews    33 Best Free 3D Printable Model Sites
Looking for where to download STL files for your 3D printer? The article provides links to 34 amazing sites where you can download STL files and files / models for printing on a 3D printer for free. nine0003
This is a selection of the best 3D printing sites, content repositories, stores and search engines where you can find free files to download and 3D print. Each of the resources provides a huge selection of 3D models that can be downloaded in STL format for printing at home.
Some of these sites offer the option to sell your own 3D models for printing. So if you're good at modeling and don't mind trying to make some money, some platforms are a great option for exhibiting your own work and selling it. nine0003
If we missed your favorite site for free download of 3D models, indicate it in the comments and we will definitely add it to the article.
The best sites for free download of models for 3D printing
The table below provides a general list of sites presented in the article. Each site is detailed below in the same order.
Website | Type | Price | Number of models | Free | ☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Thingiverse
ThingiveRSE is unconditionally, the largest repository in the Internet. Thingiverse is backed by MakerBot Industries, the creators of the popular Replicator series of 3D printers. The site is well maintained and has a huge community of designers and engineers offering their own STL files for free download in various categories and difficulty levels. If you're looking for cool 3D printable models, this is a great place to start looking. nine0003
GrabCAD
GrabCAD's slogan is "Helping Engineers Build Amazing Things Faster". The site provides tools to help users develop their own 3D models. For the average 3D printing enthusiast, however, the best part of the site is its huge library of 3D printing files - mostly in STL format, but also in other common formats - and a huge community of engineers that already has over a million registered users. nine0003
Sketchfab
Sketchfab is a great source for finding 3D models with a focus on character and sculpture models. The 3D printing files that you can download from them are a subcategory of a larger collection that can be filtered by file type - STO or OBJ (the difference is that OBJ files contain color information for advanced 3D printing). If you are looking for something unusual - this site is for you.
CGTrader
CGTrader is a shop for buying and selling 3D models. Formats are not limited to STL only. The site contains a large selection of free 3D printable models that can be made on any 3D printer. nine0003
MyMiniFactory
MyMiniFactory is a community and repository of free 3D printing files. He is closely associated with iMakr, an online store that sells 3D printers and accessories. The site offers 3D models created by professional designers and guarantees that their quality has been verified. You can also leave a request for a specific 3D model that their designers will develop for you. A nice bonus: there are seven on the site! language versions.
Yeggi
Yeggi is a search engine website that crawls websites with 3D printing files. The site provides an interesting mechanism for estimating the popularity of search queries, thanks to which you can find out the latest trends that the community is interested in. The site interface is not very remarkable, but it is definitely an effective tool for finding free STL files for 3D printing.
Pinshape
Pinshape is a well designed website that bills itself as a "3D Community Store Filled with 3D Printing Files". This means that you can find STL files for free download, but in addition, the platform provides the ability to buy / sell "premium" models for 3D printing. By the way, the site also has a great blog. nine0003
XYZprinting 3D Gallery
Taiwanese manufacturer XYZprinting maintains an excellent gallery of free STL files. There is no detailed description of the rights to the content on the site, but in order to gain access to downloading files, you need to register. Most of the presented models - about 5000 in total - judging by the review information, were not printed. But at the same time, they provide repositories for stereolithography (SLA) and dual-extrusion 3D printing. By the way, it is this company that produces the popular children's 3D printer da Vinci miniMaker. nine0003
Dremel Idea Builder
US manufacturer Dremel keeps a portal for their Idea Builder line of 3D printers. Since Idea Builders can only print with PLA, models must be optimized for PLA.
YouMagine
YouMagine is a website maintained by Ultimaker, which develops open source 3D printers. You can upload and share your own 3D printing files on the site. The site appeared in 2013, well designed. Free STL files are great for printing on any 3D printer. nine0003
Yobi3D
Yobi3D is a great search engine for free STL files that offers additional features: 3D visualization, the ability to share a file, and even the ability to print in one click through 3D Hubs. Theoretically, you can even choose a file and make a model without your own 3D printer.
STLFinder
The name of the resource (STL search engine - lit.) speaks for itself, right? STLFinder is another simple search engine that crawls the web and returns thousands of results with free STL files. After registration, you can mark and save links to your favorite models in your personal account. nine0003
3DExport
3DExport is aimed at professional 3D model designers. On the site you can buy or sell high-quality 3D models. If you filter your search correctly, you can also dig up free STL files of jewelry or ornaments for 3D printing.
Cults3D
Cults is located in France. This is a great community and store where you can share or sell 3D models for free. The site has a very high bar for the quality of 3D models. Users can keep track of favorite designers and updates among their models. The resource is presented in three language versions - English, French and Spanish. nine0003
Zortrax Library
The Zortrax library was previously integrated into the Z-Suite program and available only to owners of Zortrax 3D printers. But over time, digging separated the library from the software and now it is available online. Now anyone can go to the site, download STL files for free and print them on any 3D printer. It is worth noting that most models are optimized for printing with ABS plastic.
New Matter
This repository of printable 3D models is owned and maintained by New Matter, who also make MOD-t 3D printers (an amazing small and cheap 3D printer). The collection contains free and premium models, divided into categories such as “home”, “office”, “toys” and “education”. To download STL files for free, you need to register.
Rinkak
Rinkak is a Japanese online store (although there is an English version) that offers 3D printer models and professional 3D printing services. The guys have amazing experience working with brands like Minecraft and Toyota. Most models are premium (paid), but after registration you can find some free STL files for download. nine0003
3DShook
3DShook's business model is to subscribe to its service to download files for 3D printing. There are different subscription options ranging from $10-$50, monthly, educational, yearly and commercial. 3D models are very high quality. Before subscribing, you can view a small gallery of free STL files.
RascomRas
RascomRas is a Spanish website where users can upload and share their 3D printable models. The site is quite simple, but has significant support for the open source RepRap project. That is, it's a great place to download free STL models of self-replicating 3D printer parts. nine0003
Threeding
Threeding is an online shop for paid and free 3D printing models. The platform enables individuals and businesses to buy, sell or simply share 3D printable models. The site has a large collection of free STL models. In addition, there is a 3D printing service. You can order printing of your model and sending it to the specified address with one click of the mouse.
Repables
Repables is a simple repository of free STL files for 3D printing. The site does not provide functionality for communication and, therefore, the formation of a community. This is just a platform that allows you to share your files for 3D printing. There are many small simple models on the site. There are good node models for open source printers. nine0003
Libre3D
If you're a fan of the open source 3D printing movement, then you should check out Libre3D. Why? Because none other than Adrian Bowyer, the developer of the RepRap project, is sitting at the directors' table. Libre3D is a resource with English tutorials and free STL files for download.
3Dagogo
“Simply create and sell.” This is the motto of 3Dagogo - a platform for buying and selling models for 3D printers. At the same time, the site has many free 3D models that are pre-tested for print quality. Indeed, we are witnessing a revolution in 3D printing and marketing and 3Dagogo is one of the good examples to support this claim. nine0003
Shapetizer
Shapetizer is an online shop with 3D models for the Chinese market. The site has a very wide range of categories ranging from jewelry to video games. Full functionality is available after registration. So to search for free STL files it is better to register. In addition, the site has the functionality of streaming files for printing. That is, a 3D model can be prepared and sent to your printer even without downloading it to your local computer. nine0003
The Forge
The peculiarity of this repository is that it contains the work of one designer. Zheng3 is a famous personality in the 3D printing market. Most of his mozhels are funny or useful (or both, by the way). For example, check out his Robber Rex or Penny Balista.
Redpah
Redpah is a 3D model store where you can find paid and free files from both designers and engineers. The site has over 500 premium and free 3D printing files. A nice feature is model filters based on designer names. nine0003
Trinpy
Trinpy is another subscription-based resource. After registration, users can download an unlimited number of "standard" models for free. To download "premium" models, you need to subscribe. In doing so, the company guarantees that all their files are verified and can be printed.
Polar Cloud
Polar Cloud is an online social platform with free STL files and open source 3D printer models. The main difference is that these models are optimized for the Polar3D printer, which prints using polar coordinates instead of Cartesian. The site is focused on education and close interaction of the community. It regularly hosts competitions to stimulate engagement and the opportunity to showcase the results achieved. nine0003
3D Warehouse
If you are looking for architectural solutions, real objects models, scale models, 3D Warehouse is for you. The site stores models made in SketchUp. You can filter the free models database by selecting ‘Only Show Printable Models’ in the advanced search options on the site.
STLHive
STLHive is a beautifully designed site with an emphasis on 3D models for RC cars, drones, robots.