7 Top Websites to Download Free 3D Printing Models

3D printing can easily become an expensive hobby once you take that leap of faith.

From the 3D printer, a plethora of resin options with various different characteristics you might want to try on, all the 3D printing accessories like washing and curing station, and of course, the 3D printing model files.

Prices for these 3D printable files might vary extensively based on their quality and the designers’ name. But it doesn’t mean you can’t get easy-to-print, high-quality 3D models for free.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced 3D printing enthusiast, finding high-quality 3D models is the essential step for a smooth 3D printing journey. High-quality, pre-supported models mean a higher success rate and easier support removal. But with so many websites out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

7 Go-To Websites for Free 3D Printable Models

To smooth out your journey, we’ve curated a list of the top 7 websites that not only offer high-quality models from the world’s top designers, but also free 3D models to kickstart your 3D printing journey. From fun miniature designs for your tabletop game to practical, functional objects, these platforms provide a little something for all your needs.

Thingiverse: The Ultimate Free 3D Models Platform

Thingiverse is one of the most popular platforms for 3D printing enthusiasts. With over 2.5 million free 3D models available, you can find almost any 3D printing models you are looking for. Thingiverse allows us users to upload, download, and remake original designs with our own twists, making it a vibrant community of makers. From home decor items, functional gadgets, even small figurines for your desktop, you can find a wide range of designs suitable for your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Thingiverse has something for everyone.

Cults: Independent 3D Printable Files Market Connecting Designers to 3D Printing Enthusiasts

Cults is a 3D printable model platform that connects 3D designers with 3D printing enthusiasts. It features a vast collection of free 3D models as well as premium designs for purchase. What sets Cults apart is its focus on independent designers, allowing them to showcase their talent and connect directly with the community. With categories ranging from fashion and jewelry to art and home decor, Cults offers a diverse range of designs to kickstart your 3D printing journey.

PIXUP: Ready to Print Files From the World’s Top Designers

While most of the platforms are offering .STL files for you to set and slice on your own, PIXUP takes it up a notch by providing ready-to-print files so you can start printing immediately. Skip through the hassle of adding supports and arranging your models. In addition, their models are also professionally tested, so you’ll get a successful print every time. Easily find high-quality designs from the world’s top designers on PIXUP with their easy categorization and tags, so you can quickly find exactly what you need.

MyMiniFactory: One of the Largest 3D Printable Files Market for Miniatures

If you’re a fan of tabletop gaming or collectible figurines, MyMiniFactory is the go-to platform for free 3D models. It boasts one of the largest collections of 3D printable files for miniatures, from fantasy creatures to historical characters. MyMiniFactory offers a wide range of designs created by talented artists, as well as various tiers for their users, including MMF+, Tribes, and others.

CGTrader: World’s Largest Source for Licensable 3D Models

Known as the world’s largest source for licensable 3D models, CGTrader also offers a selection of free models. With a focus on professional designs, CGTrader hosts a vast community of 3D artists and designers. While many of the models on CGTrader are available for purchase, there are also free models that you can download and use for personal projects.

Thangs: Free Crowd-Sharing and Database Platform for 3D Printable Files

Thangs is a unique platform that combines crowd-sharing and a comprehensive database of 3D printable files. It allows users to upload and share their 3D models, creating a collaborative environment for makers. For 3D printing enthusiasts, it means an incredibly extensive selection of free 3D printing objects. In addition, Thangs also features a search engine that helps you to search for the design you’re looking for, even from another website.

Yeggi: An Exclusive Google Only for Printable 3D Models

Often referred to as Google for printable 3D models, Yeggi scours various websites and platforms to find the 3D printing models you want. Instead of visiting each platform individually, Yeggi helps to simplify the process by aggregating the search results of these models in one place. With a user-friendly interface and powerful search capabilities, Yeggi makes it effortless to find the perfect 3D model for your project.

Even better, you can easily find all the free 3D printing models on the internet simply by turning on the ‘free’ filter option on Yeggi’s search bar.

Niche-Specific Websites for Free 3D Models: NASA 3D Resources and NIH 3D

If you are interested in a specific niche like astronomy or medical models, you might also want to take a look at some niche, government-sponsored websites for 3D printable models. These websites are created to encourage interest and collaboration in the field.

NASA 3D Resources is a website that provides a wide range of 3D models related to space exploration and scientific research. From spacecraft to celestial bodies, you can find accurate and detailed models for your space-themed projects.

Another niche-specific website is NIH 3D from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. The website focuses on providing a platform where the public can interact, search, download, and share biomedical 3D print models. If you’re interested in human anatomy, medical devices, or biological structures, NIH 3D might be something you want to check out.

Copyright of 3D Printable Models

While many platforms offer free 3D models, it’s important to be aware of the copyright and licensing restrictions that may apply. Some models are released under Creative Commons licenses, which allow for personal and non-commercial use. Others may have specific restrictions, such as attribution requirements or limitations on commercial use. Always check the licensing information provided by the designer or platform to ensure that you’re using the models within the permitted usage guidelines.

Finding high-quality 3D models is always an essential part for anyone interested in 3D printing, but finding free models are often incredibly important for those who are just starting out and would like to try various model types. These websites offer a wide range of designs, from practical objects to artistic creations, to satisfy every 3D printing enthusiast’s needs. Just remember to respect the copyright and licensing terms associated with the models you download, and let your creativity soar. Happy printing!