3d Printing Resources

STL SITES

https://thingiverse.com

https://Cults3d.com

https://sketchfab.com

https://pinshape.com/

http://www.3dshook.com/

https://grabcad.com/

https://www.cgtrader.com/

https://www.models-resource.com/

http://www.turbosquid.com/

https://3dexport.com/

http://www.yeggi.com/

https://www.remix3d.com/

https://fab365.net/

www.tinkercad.com/things

www.cgtrader.com

www.forge.zheng3.com

www.stlfinder.com

www.trinpy.com

https://www.nikkoindustries.com/

www.shapeways.com

www.youmagine.com

www.3dcadbrowser.com

www.123dapp.com/gallery/content/all

www.3dshook.com

www.3dexport.com/free-3d-models

www.tf3dm.com

www.treatstock.com/3d-printable-models

www.open3dmodel.com

www.archive3d.net

www.shapetizer.com

https://www.stlfinder.com/

https://3d-gallery.xyzprinting.com/en-US/promotion

https://3dprint.nih.gov/

https://3dexport.com/

https://repables.com/

https://www.instructables.com/

https://3dkitbash.com/

http://www.rinkak-services.com/en/

https://library.zortrax.com/

https://fab365.net/

https://polar3d.com/

https://free3d.com/

https://www.threeding.com/mobile

https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/models

http://zheng3.com/forge/index.php?id=-4

https://www.redpah.com/

https://digilab.dremel.com/resources/lesson-plans

https://www.3dagogo.com/

https://dtrstudio3d.wixsite.com/website

https://www.zsculptors.com

http://www.cookiecaster.com/

http://3dp.rocks/lithophane/

http://instructables.com/

https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/

https://3d.si.edu/

http://www.sharecg.com/

https://www.all3dp.com/

https://de.3dexport.com/

http://www.3dshook.com/

https://de.3dexport.com/

https://repables.com/

https://sketchfab.com/

https://www.tinkercad.com/

https://evermotion.org/downloads/

https://www.blendswap.com/

http://www.3dmodelfree.com/

http://threedscans.com/

https://www.thepixellab.net/freebies/

Do3d.com

3Dmag.org

https://www.printables.com

Looks great! I’ve popped the list into ChatGPT to produce a differentiation categorisation for easier 3D soul searching for those unfamiliar with some of the sites :slight_smile: Would be good to double check just in case the below is wrong!

General and Popular Free Model Sites

  1. Thingiverse
  • Known for its large, free library of 3D printable models. A go-to for hobbyists and beginners seeking community-created designs across many categories.
  1. Cults3D
  • Offers both free and paid models, with a focus on high-quality, curated designs, and a wide range of models from artistic pieces to practical tools.
  1. Yeggi
  • A 3D model search engine that aggregates models from multiple sites, useful for finding specific STL files from across the web.
  1. Pinshape
  • Hosts free and paid models, with community-driven designs and a focus on usability for makers at all skill levels.
  1. MyMiniFactory
  • Community-curated collection with models tested for printability, ideal for finding reliable STL files, especially for miniatures and detailed items.

Premium and Professional 3D Model Marketplaces

  1. CGTrader
  • A vast marketplace for professional-grade 3D models, including both printable STL files and models for CGI, game development, and more.
  1. TurboSquid
  • Known for high-quality 3D models used in animation, architecture, and film; some models can be adapted for 3D printing, though it’s not specifically focused on printable files.
  1. 3DExport
  • Offers a variety of free and paid 3D models for download, often used by professionals needing detailed, high-quality assets.

Specialty and Niche Model Libraries

  1. NASA 3D Resources
  • Provides free, authentic models from NASA, including models of spacecraft and scientific equipment, ideal for educational and scientific projects.
  1. NIH 3D Print Exchange
  • Features models focused on medical and scientific use, often used by educators, researchers, and health professionals.
  1. Fab365
  • Offers a range of unique foldable and articulated designs specifically optimized for 3D printing, excellent for advanced hobbyists looking for functional designs.

Model Libraries with Free & Creative Commons Content

  1. Sketchfab
  • Primarily for 3D artists and animators, it also offers STL files for download. Its 3D viewer is useful for exploring models in detail before downloading.
  1. YouMagine
  • Maintained by Ultimaker, this site features a collection of free STL files with a focus on reliable, print-ready designs from community members.
  1. STLFinder
  • A search engine for finding STL files across many platforms, useful if you’re looking for specific models and want to see options from various sources.
  1. Instructables
  • Provides projects and tutorials, many of which include STL files, making it ideal for DIY enthusiasts who want step-by-step instructions along with model downloads.

Educational and Tool-Based 3D Model Resources

  1. Tinkercad
  • A browser-based 3D design tool by Autodesk, popular for beginners. It allows users to create their own models and share them within the Tinkercad gallery.
  1. Blender Swap
  • A platform for sharing Blender models, often used for CGI but with some models that can be adapted for 3D printing.
  1. 3DKitBash
  • Focuses on printable kits and toys, with unique modular designs that are easy to print and assemble.

Libraries with Highly Specialized and Free Content

  1. 3D CAD Browser
  • A large selection of 3D CAD models, particularly useful for those looking for technical or engineering models.
  1. Treatstock
  • A platform that combines a model marketplace with 3D printing services, allowing users to either download models or have them printed and shipped.
  1. XYZprinting Gallery
  • Free models optimized for XYZprinting’s 3D printers, though compatible with other printers as well.

Model Sources for Creative and Experimental Projects

  1. Forge by Zheng3
  • A collection of whimsical and creative STL files, perfect for hobbyists looking for unique, artistic models.
  1. Open3DModel
  • A mixed library of free 3D models, with categories ranging from furniture to vehicles; not all are optimized for printing but can be adapted.
  1. Polar 3D
  • This educational platform features classroom-focused models and resources for teachers looking to incorporate 3D printing into their curriculum.

Legacy or Lesser-Known Sources for Free Models

  1. TF3DM
  • Offers a mix of 3D models across genres; a good source for varied content, though model quality can vary.
  1. Archive3D
  • Free 3D models of all kinds, often used for architecture and design; some may need modification for 3D printing.
  1. 123Dapp Gallery
  • Originally created by Autodesk, it now hosts a variety of models, though the platform is no longer updated.

For Historical and Scientific 3D Scans

  1. Smithsonian 3D (3d.si.edu)
  • Offers detailed 3D scans of museum artifacts and cultural items, great for historical and educational projects.
  1. Threeding
  • Contains museum artifacts and archaeological models, with a mix of free and paid options, particularly useful for academic purposes.