After shopping for a 3D printer and learning how to 3D print, what’s next? You need to find a 3D model to print. Not everyone is talented at design and learning CAD design is not easy.
If you’re not adept at 3D modelling and design, fortunately, there are plenty of 3D print design files online that you could download. Here are the best free sites for STL files.
1. Thingiverse
The site features many dedicated makers who offer their designs of every complexity and function on the site for free.
2. Printables
Printables is a fairly new site but it’s not new to the community. It is created by Prusa Research, maker of the iconic Prusa i3 design.
Founded in 2019, it now houses 300,000 files (most of them free) while maintaining a high standard. Their files are mostly for FDM printers with some models already offering pre-sliced G-codes for Prusa machines.
3. Cults3D
Based in France, Cults3D is another thriving 3D printing community that offers free STL files. It supports various languages, including English, German, Spanish, and French.
Creators have a design standard to adhere to, hence their creations are of higher quality than other sites. Not all of their designs are free though. Out of 850,000 files on the site, only 300,000 are free.
It has cool user-friendly features, such as the ability to follow your favourite designers and get instant updates when they have a new creation. It also offers a curated collection based on hobbies and occasions (e.g., video games, beer-related, Christmas… etc.). It also holds 3D printing contests regularly for the community.
4. MyMiniFactory
If you’re into tabletop role-playing, gaming, geek culture, and anime, then MyMiniFactory is the site for you. Established in 2013, this site provides both free and paid design files created by professional designers with a guarantee that the files have undergone quality testing.
To foster creativity in the community, they hold challenges to 3D designers regularly. They also have a wide collection of free STL files with an emphasis on cultural heritage.
5. Pinshape
Pinshape is a 3D marketplace that aims to connect makers and designers. Bought by the 3D printer manufacturer, Formlabs, in 2016, it offers a curated selection of both free and premium designs from over 70,000 makers and designers all over the world.
6. Redpah
Redpah offers thousands of both free and paid designs. Its search function is more artist-centric, meaning it has a filter for top artists and an index that features all the artists on the site. The files are also well-categorised making it easy to find what you’re looking for.
7. Youmagine
Founded by Ultimaker co-founders, Youmagine is a robust community and file repository with thousands of designs. Despite its link to Ultimaker, the site claims to be not affiliated with any manufacturer and aims to provide designs for any FDM machine.
Get free designs from these best STL sites!
Finding high-quality and functional designs is easy with these online 3D model repositories! If you need help finding the best filaments for your upcoming projects, check out X3D Pro filaments.