3D Model Download: 10 Best Sites to Get Them

In the consumer market, 3D printers are widely accessible and inexpensive for anyone to purchase. The 3D model image files for these printers are available online as open-source resources. The owners of printers can download these free 3D model files, edit them online to meet their needs, and then feed them to the printer to create the necessary model. These image files serve as a representation of 3D images that give information about an object’s three dimensions (X, Y, and Z).

If you’re not a professional designer, you may need a lot of time to create these 3D models and 3D images from scratch. Numerous online websites offer 3D models for free download. You can freely download the images and print them out right away or edit them to suit your needs.

Here are the top 10 websites to download 3D models for 3D printers. The 3D models can also be used for architecture and computer graphics design projects.

Best 3D Model Websites To Download

1. Thingiverse

Thingiverse: Image Source: sketchfab.com

Thingiverse is a repository of free 3D models that are maintained by MakerBot, a manufacturer of 3D printers. It has long been the most well-liked source of free 3D models in the 3D printing community. There is no better place to start if you’re looking for cool things to 3D print. It’s important to remember that Thingiverse has occasionally been the subject of controversy. 

2. GrabCAD

GrabCAD: Image Source: grabcad.com

GrabCAD is the industry-leading open software platform from Stratasys for additive manufacturers, engineers, and designers who want to scale their production capabilities for additive manufacturing. If you wish to showcase your designs or share your model with others, the GrabCAD Community Library offers nearly 5 million free designs and models from all the students, engineers, and designers who use GrabCAD.

Additionally, their tutorial section offers case studies, extremely helpful e-books, and Workbench techniques for your design cravings, besides coordination and collaboration. As a result, you can produce original 3D models on your own and use ready-made materials. Due to the demanding nature of the task and the heavy load placed on a system, 3D modeling requires a powerful computer. Design challenges are also held in its challenge area, where you can show off your skills and win prizes!

3. Instructables

Instructables: Image Source: instructables.com

Instructables is an excellent user portal where users can post their DIY projects and is more than just a free 3D model repository. Larger projects, frequently involving electronics and programming, are the focus of this community. But resist being frightened! There are enough projects here, regardless of your level of expertise in these related fields. So when you find something enjoyable and engaging, you can start working on it right away.

The project pages include tutorials and building instructions for each creation. Additionally, most designers are kind enough to respond to queries from the general public.

4. CGTrader

CGTrader: Image Source: cgtrader.com

CGTrader, as opposed to the other websites mentioned, is an online store where users can buy the required 3D models. Nevertheless, some of the free models can be downloaded as well.

Filters and other features that have been added make it simple to browse and focus on the right content. Users can download premium VR-ready 3D models from the website for a fee. The buying and selling features contribute to a strong platform for talented designers to showcase their work.

5. Printables

Printables: Image Source: sketchfab.com

A more recent repository from Prusa Research called Printables, previously known as Prusa Printers, is frequently regarded as the modern-day equivalent of Thingiverse. Prusa Printers, like Thingiverse, only hosts open-source files that have been optimized for 3D printing. It’s a well-kept website that places much emphasis on its community. 

The site owners host groups for 3D printing enthusiasts to communicate outside file comment sections and a forum for discussions not limited to groups. They also regularly hold contests, list significant events in the 3D printing community, and host groups. Additionally, participation in design competitions and model uploads are rewarded with printer consumables through the Prusameter reward system.

The ability for users to upload pre-sliced G-code to Prusa Printers’ website makes it somewhat unusual. However, it should be noted that this feature is debatable. Some manufacturers have cautioned against using G-code from unidentified sources due to the risk of malicious actors seriously damaging your hardware.

6. 3D Warehouse

 3D Warehouse: Image Source: sketchup.com

One of the best websites for finding online 3D models is this one, from which you can download a sizable number of files for 3D modeling. There is a tonne of free 3D models available for download and sharing, and 3D Warehouse is integrated with Google SketchUp so you can upload your own 3D designs online.

You can download high-quality woodwork models thanks to the features. Only logged-in users have the option to share their ideas and queries. However, having the extra choice to upload your own 3D models is still useful. To download and use these 3D files, you need computer hardware with Internet access and software that is compatible with the file model offered.

7. Threeding 

Threeding: Image Source: sketchfab.com

Threeding is a 2013 startup that provides both free and paid 3D printable models on its online marketplace for 3D printing. 3D models are available for download, save, and upload.

All 3D designs have been categorized into different groups to facilitate the research process. Additionally, filters are available to focus the search (price, file format, and texture). Users who don’t have access to a 3D printer can still order their preferred 3D models, thanks to the 3D printing service offered by Threeding.

8. MyMiniFactory

MyMiniFactory: Image Source: myminifactory.com

An online community and library of 3D printing files called MyMiniFactory offer models across many different categories, but its primary focus is tabletop gaming figures.

Since the repository doubles as a marketplace, it provides free and paid models, many of which are created by experienced designers. MyMiniFactory guarantees file quality, which is unique. Before they are published, uploaded prints are tested on community printers and put through a software check. Additionally, the website provides a subscription service, permits store creation for designers, and hosts fun challenges for 3D modelers.

9. Pinshape

  Pinshape: Image Source: sketchfab.com

Pinshape emphasizes high-quality 3D designs and an intuitive platform with the mission of “making 3D printing simple and fun.” It is an open market with both paid and free 3D models geared toward 3D printing, operated by the manufacturer of 3D printers Formlabs.

Although Pinshape has an education section with helpful guides made by its staff and Formlabs, it has largely been neglected. The majority of these publications date back to 2018. There is still a tiny community there, so it’s worth visiting!

10. Thangs

Thangs: Image Source: thangs.com

Thangs appear to be just another repository for 3D models at first glance, but it actually has a few hidden features. You can look for 3D models that are geometrically related using an advanced search engine. Additionally, it functions as a workspace for group projects, housing private, invite-only files for online cooperation. In addition to an interactive 3D viewer, the models you are working on show a task list and version history.

Though Thangs is a repository and hosts files on its own servers, it also functions as a search engine for 3D models. As part of Thang’s search function, Thingiverse and other well-known repositories’ databases are also crawled along with Thang’s. Undoubtedly, using some of these websites to get the desired result will be difficult.    

But with SelfCAD, you can easily design the model, regardless of how complex it is. This is because this 3D modeling software is simpler to learn, and you can set up your models for printing without installing any add-ons or switching to another program. Most importantly, you can easily modify 3D designs according to your needs by importing them into the software.

Conclusion

In the list above, we have listed websites that offer 3D models in various file formats. You can download 3D models from these websites and use them however you need. Surprisingly, we find that a few of these websites even permit you to share these online-only 3D models with or without customization. These 3D websites provide a selection of file formats compatible with your 3D printer as well as online 3D models or 3D designs. However, make sure you select the appropriate file format for your 3D printer when you download these 3D models for 3D printing.