Where to get 3d printer

3D Printing | 3D Print Services

Find a 3D Printing Location

Print Functional Prototypes

You can use 3D printing for prototypes or one-of-a-kind items. Let The UPS Store® bring your ideas to life. We can even use your 3D CAD file.

Construct Manufacturing Jigs and Fixtures

We understand when you do your own manufacturing, jigs and fixtures are critical for insuring high-quality and efficiency during assembly and testing. Our 3D printer can create complex parts so you are not dependent on a CNC machine.

Create Custom Accessories

Want to design your own smartphone case or money clip? Most items that are smaller than a breadbox and can be made out of single color of plastic are perfect for 3D printing.

Build Architectural Models

You can work in just about any 3D architectural design program and then export to common 3D CAD file types. The finished product is ready to show off or you can sand and paint your building to give it just the right look.

3D Printing Services Expanded Across Nation

The UPS Store continues to expand 3D printing services nationwide to meet the growing demands of its small business customers. 3D printing now available at approximately 20 The UPS Store locations. Use the interactive map below to find a participating location near you, or check out the full list of all The UPS Store locations offering 3D printing services.

3D CAD and 3D Scanning Services

The UPS Store 3D print locations can now also offer you 3D CAD and 3D scanning services through HoneyPoint3D. Getting a custom 3D print has never been easier - you dream it, HoneyPoint3D designs it, The UPS Store prints it. Enjoy the HoneyPoint3D benefits of an easy quoting process, affordable and quality engineering, online viewing of your 3D files, and efficient turn-around times. Get your 3D CAD or scan quote today!

Netfabb® at The UPS Store®

Participating The UPS Store 3D print locations are utilizing Netfabb software for 3D print file preparation and customization. Services available at these locations include:

File fixing
Text labeling
Logo labeling
Cutting

Contact or visit these Netfabb locations to learn more about their advanced 3D offerings.

3D Printing Frequently Asked Questions

Here a few questions we frequently hear about 3D Printing.

Please feel free to contact your local The UPS Store for any other questions you may have

What is 3D printing?: 3D Printing is a manufacturing process that uses a digital file to create three-dimensional objects one layer at a time. We run a system that uses ABS plastic and soluble supports to create realistic prototypes and marketing models.
What kinds of things can I 3D print?: Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to print prototypes as part of the new product development process. With this printer, The UPS Store locations will be equipped to produce items like engineering parts, functional prototypes, acting props, architectural models, fixtures for cameras, lights and cables.
How long does it take to print?: The time it takes to print an object will depend on the complexity of the design. A simple object may take 4-5 hours, while a complex object may take 24 hours.
Which UPS Store locations are offering 3D printing?: The UPS Store is in the process of rolling out nearly 100 3D printing locations across the country. Visit /print/3d-printing/locations for more information.

3D Printers You'll Love in 2023

At MatterHackers, we have tested and approved the best 3D printers available for your specific need. What type of 3D printer should you buy? Whether you're looking for a reliable 3D printer for your business for rapid prototyping, or an educator looking to advance the way your students learn, MatterHackers can find the best 3D printer to fit your requirements. Our wide selection of the best 3D printers paired with our staff's expert-level knowledge ensures that your additive manufacturing experience will be a success the first time around. We want you to have the best 3D printing experience for your use-case - let us help you find the best 3D printer.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing, which is also known as additive manufacturing, is a process where physical, three-dimensional objects, parts, or models are made layer-by-layer from Computer-Aided Design, or CAD, and digital files.

How does 3D printing work?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital design file. The process involves the following steps:

Creation of a 3D design: The first step in 3D printing is creating a 3D model or design using specialized software or 3D scanning technology.
Slicing: The 3D design is then sliced into multiple layers using slicing software. Each layer is essentially a two-dimensional cross-section of the final object.
Printing: The sliced design is then sent to the 3D printer. The printer uses various technologies such as extrusion, powder bed fusion, or vat photopolymerization to build the object layer by layer. The printer reads the design file and creates the object by depositing or solidifying material layer by layer until the final object is complete.
Post-processing: After printing, the object may require post-processing, such as sanding or painting, to achieve the desired finish.

The material used for 3D printing depends on the type of printer and the object being printed. Some common materials include plastics, metals, ceramics, and even food or human tissue. The ability to print with different materials and to create complex geometries makes 3D printing a versatile technology with a wide range of applications, from rapid prototyping to custom prosthetics and even aerospace components.

What Types of 3D printing are there?

There are three main types of 3D printing:

Fused Deposition Molding (FDM)
Stereolithography (SLA)
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS

FDM 3D printing is also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF 3D printing), and it is the process where thermoplastic 3D printing filament is extruded through a heated nozzle that melts the plastic, allowing it to follow the path of your digital file layer-by-layer until your object is complete.

SLA 3D printing is the process where liquid resins are cured or hardened layer-by-layer using a laser, LCD screen, or digital light projector. Once an SLA printed part is complete, it must be post-processed in UV light.

SLS 3D printing is a type of additive manufacturing technology that uses a high-powered laser to selectively fuse powdered material together, layer by layer, to create a 3D object.

What is the Best 3D Printer in 2023?

There are hundreds of 3D printers to choose from - which one is the best? Finding the best 3D printer entirely depends on what you want to make with your 3D printer, and of course, your budget. Do you want to 3D print big parts or small parts? Do you need to print strong, functional parts, or are you more interested in making models that won't need to be strong? Do your 3D printed parts need to be as clean and detailed as possible, or do you need them to just be functional with little detail? Every 3D printer has different characteristics that will determine which is the best 3D printer for you. If you need help deciding on which 3D printer is the best, contact [email protected] and we can help walk you through the hundreds of options available at MatterHackers.

What are the best-selling 3D printer brands at MatterHackers in 2023?

The top 3D printer brands available at MatterHackers are:

UltiMaker 3D printers
Creality3D 3D printers
Elegoo 3D printers
Phrozen 3D printers
Raise3D 3D printers
Voron 3D printers

How Much Does a 3D Printer Cost?

A desktop 3D printer costs anywhere from $165 to $12,500. 3D Printing has become more accessible over the years as more options have become available in a wide price range.

Is 3D printing hard?

No, 3D printing is easy to do! With the right tools and guidance from the experts at MatterHackers, you can learn to 3D print easily. Check out our article on the Top Ten Tips When Getting Started With 3D Printing and you'll be on your way to 3D printing like a pro in no time.

Is 3D printer filament expensive?

No, 3D printer filament is not expensive. You can find base materials like PLA, ABS, and PETG for as low as $15.68 per 1kg spool, like our MH Build Series filament.

You can even print with real stainless steel metal on any desktop 3D printer for as low as $129 per 1kg spool, which in the world of metal manufacturing is an incredible rate that is much more efficient than traditional metal machining methods.

More advanced materials can be a little steeper in price based on the materials that they are made from, but all-in-all 3D printing is an incredibly cost-friendly way to create custom parts and products. You can browse all 3D printer filament here.

Is 3D Printer Resin Expensive?

No, 3D printer resin is not expensive. You can find 3D Printer resin for as low as $15.97 per 500g bag, like our MH Build Series Resin.

Premium resins that are made for specific applications can be a little more expensive than average model resins. However, 3D printing is still a more affordable way to manufacture parts or create models when compared to traditional methods. You can browse all 3D printer resins here.

What Can a 3D Printer Make?

You can make nearly anything with a 3D printer. Many industries use 3D printers for rapid prototyping, manufacturing functional end-use parts for products, or even custom jigs and fixtures. 3D printers can also be used in the home for creating fun items, things that break around the house, or even cookie cutters. With 3D printing, the sky is the limit!

Where to get 3D models for 3D printing

Where to get 3D models for 3D printing

Most users who have purchased 3D printers, face the same problem - where to get high-quality and not too expensive, and even better, completely free models for 3D printing. Fortunately, today this problem is much easier to solve than a couple of years ago, as there are many resources on the Web that specialize in three-dimensional models. We have compiled a selection of the best resources that offer ready-to-print files or simply publish models that anyone can convert to the format they need.

Thingiverse

One of the largest and most popular bases with amateur and professional 3d models. The success of the resource is facilitated by the absence of the need to register for downloading and a large selection of excellent models that are distributed completely free of charge. The size of the database of STL files is 9000 positions and all of them are already optimized for use. The resource is well-designed, has a simple and pleasant interface, as well as a well-thought-out model search system. All models presented in the catalogs are optimized for printing and are suitable not only for amateurs, but also for specialists.

Cults 3D

The site presents a large selection of various three-dimensional models, ranging from those made by professionals to very simple, amateur ones. Models are placed in sections such as "Fashion", "Gadgets", "Architecture", so the search does not take much effort and time. A modern friendly interface, the ability to sort by popularity and usefulness, make this resource one of the most popular on the web, among people for whom 3D printing is work or hobby. Most models are offered for download for free, but there are also paid files. More than 5,000 designs are presented and the range is constantly updated.

3D Warehouse

Base where you can find scale models of architectural structures and elements, various equipment and much more. Models are created using SketchUp 3D modeling software and are easily optimized for printing using the popular 3DPrintCloud converter. When choosing a design, you need to check the Only Show Printable Models checkbox in the advanced model search mode. In the database, not all models from the presented 43000 are optimized, but their absolute free is a big plus.

3DShook

The resource is very similar in design and functionality to the previous one, but contains, first of all, amateur models. Most of the files are paid, but at the same time their cost is significantly lower than on other sites with paid content. The database contains 1500 models already optimized in order to immediately start 3D printing.

GrabCAD

An authoritative resource whose content differs somewhat from that of other similar sites. GrabCAD offers, first of all, engineering and technical models that are not intended for printing. An excellent base for engineers and designers, in which all models are carefully sorted by type, as well as by the types of programs with which they were created. Login is required to use the site. Those who wish to receive a file for printing will always be able to find something interesting here and convert it themselves to the desired format. The base contains more than 1230000 diverse models.

CGTrader

The site contains a separate section for models focused on 3D printing technology. Among the more than 13,000 models presented, a lot is dedicated to the design of jewelry. Many files are free to download, but there are some that you have to pay for. It will be of interest to both pros and beginners.

Sketchfab

Excellent base with various character models. Here you can find people, animals, sculptures, characters from animated films and popular games. Extremely popular among professionals working in the gaming industry. Most models are not optimized for printing, but with the printable filter installed, the site offers more than 1000 ready-made models for the printer. All models on this resource are distributed free of charge.

TurboSquid

Most of the projects in this database are not intended for 3D printing, but the search returns about 2000 STL files of decent quality. The site offers only downloads for money.

3DExport

A very TurboSquid-like base offering great premium models. The filter system allows you to quickly decide when choosing a model and at the same time use the Russian language in the interface. The models in the database are carefully sorted and optimized for printing. More than 1000 designs are available today.

3Dtoday

A Russian-language site where free 3D models are collected, both borrowed from other specialized resources and offered by users. Approximately in the same ratio are paid and free models. There are about 2900 quality projects in the database.

Search engine for Yeggi models

A wonderful search engine that scans databases available on the web and offers the user 3D models found according to the request.

3D printer models

Looking for 3D printer models? The Internet is filled with sites that offer them for free. We have collected the TOP 10 catalogs that you can use to search and download free models in STL format. We hope you can find what you are looking for.

Yeggi
Yobi 3D
STLfinder

→ myminifactory.com

My Mini Factory is a 3D model depository operated by iMakr, an online store that sells 3D printers and accessories. It also has one of the biggest 3D printer shops in Central London. The site contains 3D models designed by professionals, and all models stored on it are checked for quality. You can also make a request for the desired model, which their designers will create and put in the public domain. Billing itself as a 3D printing social network, MyMiniFactory is a thriving community of makers who love to showcase their creations. Users vote for the best models, which allows popular creations to rise to the top of the list and gain popularity. The site presents models that are stored on its social network, as well as outside it, for example, on the Thingiverse and YouMagine sites.

→ thingiverse.com

The most popular and famous site among 3D printer users, Thingiverse is owned by MakerBot Industries, the creator of the popular Replicator 3D printer series. The site allows users to store and share 3D model files that are used with 3D printers. It's a very popular site and has a large community of people hosting various categories of files on it. So if you're looking for "cool" printable stuff, Thingiverse is worth a visit. It is a portal designed to provide its users with ways to share their designs and to help print 3D creations. The site has a system that tries to find out what you like. The more you interact with the site, downloading and evaluating various developments, the better its recommendations will be.

→ 3dshook.com

Another online 3D printing community showcasing interesting 3D printer accessories, electronics, and most importantly, 3D models. The site contains many very interesting models of cars and buildings, as well as various add-ons and spare parts for your 3D printer. A huge catalog of paid and free models for a 3D printer. There are original unique products. Convenient search, navigation, rubricator. 3DShook has over 40 categories and adds over 100 new models to its collection every month. On 3DShook you can always find something for your home, animals, kids or something special for yourself.

→ youmagine.com

YouMagine catalog for 3D Systems Cube series consumer 3D printers. The site mainly offers various ways to buy 3D printer supplies and files, but it also has a number of cool free items available, mostly in the Kids section. Some of these elements can be customized by children using an online application. The company offers 3D modeling and publishing tools on its website for both hobbyists and professionals. The site offers a content warehouse where the community hosts and shares models. Registration is required to download files.

→ 123dapp.com

Autodesk 123D is a suite of computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling tools aimed specifically at hobbyists. Along with the toolkit, Autodesk also has a website where users can record their designs and share them with other users. Many of these models can be downloaded and printed using Autodesk as a utility to interface with the MakerBot 3D printer. The goal of the Autodesk website is to "help engineers build products faster." The site offers tools to help them collaborate on their files. For the casual 3D printing enthusiast, the best part of the site is the large library of free files created by a community of over a million engineers. Registration on the site is required, but the number of files that are then available is worth it.

→ cgtrader.com

Being primarily a place to buy and sell a variety of 3D models (not necessarily just those designed for 3D printers), CGTrader does offer a selection of free models that can be used on 3D printers. The site has a system that tries to find out what you like. The more you interact with the site, downloading and evaluating various developments, the body will have better recommendations.

→ cults3d.com

A French community and marketplace where developers can share or sell their creations. The site has a collection of high quality models that you can download. Users can follow the work of the designers they like and get instant updates when a new creation is posted on the site. The site's name, Cults, is a backwards spelling of St. Luc, the patron saint of artists. The site also supports English. This is a relatively new community, so the number of its users is not very large yet.

→ instructables.com

The Instructables website is a community where users can share their DIY projects. This also includes products obtained using 3D printers. The site also provides explanations and instructions describing how to build 3D elements, and some designers take the time to answer questions from site members. Instructables allows users to store and organize their 3D printing projects. This is done to help them work together in the future. You can think of this site as a GitHub 3D printing site where users can share their files, discuss projects, and participate in them. The site also offers the ability to make a request, so if you can't find what you're looking for, you can ask the site's community about it.

→ pinshape.com

Pinshape, a marketplace for 3D models, is similar in style (layout, appearance, and ability to capture likes) to the well-known site Pinterest. You can buy models from designers, or download them for printing yourself if they are offered for free. Pinshape allows users to host and share 3D model files on it. Basically, this site acts as an online store where you can buy 3D printed parts, or order your own 3D model to be printed. But if you look closely enough, you can find people who sell their products and also offer the files you need so you can print them yourself.

→ 3dfilemarket.com

A new and growing repository of 3D File Market models. All models are tested for suitability for 3D printing. You can download as many models as you like without registration, although you must provide your email address to access the 3D model files. This is a very simple site aimed at being a repository of model files for 3D printers, and nothing more. The basic design of the site allows users to put files on it for public access, and download files that they would like to use. The site contains many small, simple 3D models ready to be printed, as well as a good selection of everyday items and even spare parts for 3D printers.

Search engines for 3D models in various formats, including STL for a 3D printer. Use queries in English, these search services collect information about models from all over the Internet.

→ yeggi.com

Yeggi is a search engine that will browse major 3D printing sites to find files compatible with 3D printers. You can also browse some popular searches to get an idea of what the community is currently interested in.