Where do you find 3D designs to print?
Your printer is finally ready, and now the most important part, time to print something!
Don't worry, there are a lot of websites with great 3D models.
Thingiverse
Thingiverse is a website where you can find a huge amount of models.
From small funny fidget toys to handy tools.
Here you'll find a lot off free models. From small decorative things to useful tools. Browse around and let yourself be surprised.
Printables
Website: Printables
A great alternative to Thingiverse, lots of free models but also paid ones. There are some nice ones in there.
MyMiniFactory
Website: MyMiniFactory
Great for miniature figures, the figures are quite nice, but also harder to print.
How do you download a model?
- Go to one of the websites
- Search for something to print
- Click "Download"
- You download a file with a ".stl" extension, this is the 3D model.
This STL file is your 3D model.
Tips for choosing
Pick something small for your first print
Try printing something small first, and also make sure it fits on your print bed.
With something small your 3D print won't take hours right away, and you can check if your printer is working well.
Read the comments
Sometimes comments mention that certain things don't work. Or they say it's perfect!
Look carefully at the photos
Often you can clearly see in the photos whether the end result is what you're looking for.
Check the size
Check how big the 3D model is, because not every printer is the same. So watch out, does it fit on your printer bed?
The description usually mentions the size.
First suggestions
The most well-known first suggestion is 3DBenchy
This little boat is super popular, it's small, prints quickly and tests well whether your printer is working correctly.