Example 3D Printed Box
Sliding Storage Drawers from Thingiverse
Finding and Using 3D Models
You do not have to start from scratch every time you want to create something. There are many resources that offer public domain, Creative Commons, and commercial models that you can download, modify (in some cases), and print.
With all of these sources, make sure to check that you have permission to modify the models and use them in your work. Copyright law applies to 3D models too!
Example of a licensing agreement from a model on Thingaverse.
3D Model Sources
Make magazine has articles, videos, and reviews for the creative community (Penn State Libraries has a print subscription at the University Park, Beaver and Wilkes-Barre campuses)
- ThingiverseThe grandaddy of 3D model sites, Thingiverse has over 100,000 models and is easy to add to and "remix" your own versions. There are groups you can join, rating systems for models, and challenges where you can compete to complete a task.
- CubifyCubify is the central hub for all things possible with the 3D printed lifestyle. Many of the designs are advanced, but it is an excellent site to understand the possibilities of 3D printing.
- NIH 3D Print ExchangeThe NIH 3D Print Exchange provides models in formats that are readily compatible with 3D printers, and offers a unique set of tools create and share 3D-printable models related to biomedical science
- GrabCADGrabCAD, from Stratasys, helps "engineers get products to market faster by connecting people, content and technology. GrabCAD Workbench makes it easy for engineers to share files, work with partners and complete projects on time."
- 3D WarehouseFrom Sketchup, the 3D warehouse contains models ranging from printable nuts, bolts, and washers, to colossal buildings like the Burj Khalifa. These models are in the Sketchup format, but can be converted for printing easily.
- PinshapeA curated collection of 3D-printable designs. Some are free and some require payment to download.
- Repables3D printable file repository.
- Yobi 3DYobi3D is a search engine for 3D models, indexing content from around the web
- YouMagineA community to share, remix and make better 3D printed things.
- 3ders.org 3D printer and 3D printing newscomparing 3D printers, and other tools and resources about 3D printing, and for people interested in actually building 3D printers.
- Reddit /3DprintingMain Reddit group of 3D printing, ideas, models, and discussion around printing.
- SketchFab Cultural Heritage (Creative Commons)A collection of public domain cultural heritage 3D models. For more information, please see https://sketchfab.com/blogs/community/sketchfab-launches-public-domain-dedication-for-3d-cultural-heritage/