Sites to Download Free Models
Objective: Learn where to obtain free 3D printable objects.
The 3D Printing Ninja
3DNinjaneer@gmail.com
What to Keep in Mind
- Most 3D models are free and already created. However you can pay for a model or hire a designer. But usually I suggest finding a free model or creating your own.
- Buying a Design
- If the model is not free and it would take longer to create than it costs to you, it probably is worth the price to buy a model.
- I believe models should be cheap and less than $10 usually. I think $1 would be ideal price. (If 1000 people buy the model the designer would make $1000 for that one design) But it depends on how popular the download is and then $10 may be more appropriate if very few people download the model.
- However I am against people who charge $50, $100, and more for models and there are many sites out there like this.
- Hiring a Designer
- I am also against because most models are simple enough that a beginner can learn to make and feel more satisfaction. If it is not simple enough then it is probably too hard to communicate to the designer and then there is frustration between you and the designer.
- 3D models evolve as people collaborate to make them better.
- If the model is not created yet, you can design them yourself or adapt other models. See: Why should you download instead of create a model
- Even though you can download a 3D model, it does not mean that the model is perfect or even printable.
- Therefore you may need to fix the downloaded model before printing. See this post about Non-manifolds
- If you do fix the file, then plaease upload the fixed file online so others don't have to fix it again
- Netfabb will fix many of the problems the easiest
- Supports may need to be added to the model increasing cost and time.
- If you have no idea what makes a model ideal see this post: The Top Essential Things to Know for 3D Design
14 Sites to Download Free Models
1) Thingiverse
This is the largest 3D printing enthusiast site and my favorite, where thousands of 3D hobbyists are uploading and downloading models. This site has lots of models and is quickly growing, however there is little control over ensuring quality models.
The reason I like this website is that if when I find one model I like I can see "remixes" of that model or see "collections" of similar objects or see "user profile" to see other objects that this person made. In addition there are lots of comments and instructions on how to print this object.
The reason I like this website is that if when I find one model I like I can see "remixes" of that model or see "collections" of similar objects or see "user profile" to see other objects that this person made. In addition there are lots of comments and instructions on how to print this object.
2) GrabCad
Huge library of models mostly uploaded by engineers. This would be a great site to get an iPhone model to create a case. The advantages of this site is that models tend to not have 3D printing errors, however at the same time these models are usually not designed for 3D printing.
This site includes models made in 123D Design, Creature, Make, Sculpt, Meshmixer, and real models 3D scanned from 123D Catch.
4) TurboSquid
The largest source of 3D models, however the model may not be available in an .stl format as they are often uploaded as the format the software they are using. This means that if you have the same software, then this site gives you a much better model than an .stl
5) STL Finder
As the name implies it only has .stl format. However it searches many sites at once for you. I would personally just do a google search, but this may be be preferable to others. Also note that in the search filter you can select free models only.
6) GC Trader
While many of these models cost money, there are still a lot of models that you can download for free by adjusting the search settings.
9) My Mini Factory
These models are designed by professionals so you shouldn't have to worry about design problems. You can also request a model to be made. It is a very impressive site.
10) 3D Content Central
This website has more engineering applications as the models are mostly parts.
11) Yeggi
Basic site to find 3d printable models.
12.) Cults 3d
While many of their models cost money, the prices are reasonable and affordable. There are also many free models as well.13.) NIH
US Department of Health and Human Services have this website to download biological models such as proteins, bacteria, lab equipment, etc.
14.) Pinshape
Similar to Thingiverse and Youmagazine but smaller. Offers models for free and for sale.
Other Sites:
If you use any other website or source to obtain 3D models that was not listed above, please leave your comments.
and as always thanks for visiting,The 3D Printing Ninja
3DNinjaneer@gmail.com
Category: 3D Printing, Software
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