Where to Find Free 3D Models for Printing

Updated: Dec 21, 2023 7:48 PM
free 3d models for printing

When you get your hands on the best printers, you’ll want to put them to use as soon as possible. The best 3D printers can do an excellent job of producing fantastic prints. However, with the high cost of entry, you might be hoping for some free 3D models for printing. Fortunately, there are a lot of sites out there you can use.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • There are several websites that offer free 3D printing models that cater to a variety of interests.
  • Repository sites, like Thingiverse and Printables, offer huge libraries of free STL files, and the projects range from toys to home decor to tools.
  • Marketplace sites, like Cults and MyMiniFactory, offer not only free STL files but also paid premium project files.

Free 3D Files all 3D Designers Should Have

If you’re new to 3D design, you’re probably excited to get started. If creating your own 3D models sounds enticing, you’ll want to download some free 3D modeling software. However, not everyone wants to create their own 3D models. So, here are a few sites you can visit to download some free models to get you started. You might also consider looking into how a 3D printer is enclosed to improve the quality of your prints.

Insider Tip

Basic shapes for wall art are often available for free.

Thingiverse

Thingiverse is a repository site that curates tons of free 3D model files that you can download. With a library of over 1.8 million free STL files, you’ll be able to find a project that’ll tickle your fancy.

Printables

Next up is Printables. Like Thingiverse, Printables also curates free downloadable 3D modeling files. You’ll find toys, desk organizers, tools, planters, and so much more, all ready for your 3D printing pleasure. The site boasts about 260,000 free STL files.

Cults

If you don’t mind a mixed marketplace, Cults is a France-based website that offers both paid and free 3D modeling files. They have a pretty large library of around 850,000 files, of which 300,000 are free.

Warning

It’s crucial to understand 3D printing basics before beginning any prints.

MyMiniFactory

Similar to Cults, MyMiniFactory has a library of over 154,000 STL files, most of which have been made by professional designers. The focus for most of these projects is based on gaming and geek culture, so if you’re looking for your next DND model, this might be the place for you. While many of the files are free, MyMiniFactory does have a premium store from which you can buy modeling files to support the creators.

STAT: As per the latest data, in 2019, prototyping plastics accounted for 66 percent of the global demand for online 3D printing of plastics, including polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG).(source)

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