3D Printing Guide
The Best 10 Alternatives To Thingiverse
Scott Gabdullin
Updated on October 17, 2024
Updated on October 17, 2024
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You may spend a lot of money to set up a 3D printout workflow. However, the setup will only be worth your money if you print 3D frequently and have useful models to print. In that case, many 3D print services are available for occasional and frequent users.
ThingiVerse is the largest repository for 3D printable models, with over 2.1 million designs. Yet, due to the site’s popularity, you will likely experience long wait times. Thus, you may want to consider other options besides Thingiverse. Here are ten different substitutes to explore.
MyMiniFactory offers various cool 3D things to print. A community of 3D designers, engineers, and users contribute to the final models. You can use the platform for printouts if you are a hobbyist, a professional, or a small business. MyMiniFactory also allows you to customize and order your 3D print designs.
The rigorous method MyMiniFactory uses to vet designs ensures only the best get uploaded. So, print errors are almost non-existent. Further, MyMiniFactory provides tutorials and tips to help you navigate the platform. You can also access a forum to discuss 3D print topics.
MyMiniFactory has the following elements:
The features above enhance interactivity and the ability o share ideas among users.
MyMiniFactory boasts the following pros.
Unfortunately, beginners may find the website confusing due to the high content and variability.
Cult is an independent marketplace with a wide range of 3D print designs. Besides, all accessories of the platform are in one central hub. So if you want a one-stop for different accessories, Cults is the way to go. Also, you can download 3D printer models from the platform for free.
Designers can share for free or sell designs on the Cult repository. You may not notice the free files at first glance. However, Cults offers categorization and good filter tools. So, with a simple filter option, you can bring the free files to the forefront. Also, if you are a designer who wants to sell via the platform, Cults keeps a 20% commission from each sale.
Here are some top elements of the Cult platform.
The above features make Cults more interesting, simple, and interactive.
The pros of Cults include:
On the downside, you can’t sort out the free designs readily out of the broad overview.
Look no further than Pinshape if you want a platform that focuses on STL files meant for 3D prints. Unlike ThingiVerse, which has more than 100 000 models, Pinshape is a small database. Nonetheless, Pinshape’s structure is similar to bigger platforms, with an excellent search function. You can use the search element to filter only to view free files.
Unlike ThingiVerse, Pinshape has both free and paid files. The website has a filter that separates paid from free files. Some free STL files to download include gadgets, people, miniatures, jewelry, and fashion.
The top attributes of Pinshape include:
The features above allow you to learn more from relevant materials and individuals
Pinshape boasts the following pros:
A downside is that Pinshape’s small size accommodates fewer and less detailed comments.
One top ThingiVerse alternative with handpicked designs in different fields is the 3DExport. The site uses maths, physics, engineering, automotive, and astronomy models. If you can’t find the specific model you need, you can adjust whatever is available.
The tutorial and guide feature provides an easy way to navigate the 3DExport website. Also, 3DExport has exclusive features for specific learners. So, the tutorials are detailed and offer elaborate steps to accommodate every print. Fortunately, the tutorials are accessible without prior restrictions or requirements.
Here are some top properties of 3D export.
With the above features, you can get different formats of your desirable models quickly.
The pros of 3D export include:
On the downside, you must sign in to download even the free 3D print models
YouMagine is a ThingiVerse alternative that allows you to mix existing designs in a new way. To do so, you create both CAD and 3D files and then develop a new model. You can download over 10 000 designs that offer excellent performance. Users can also provide individual recommendations to help others to pick the ideal model.
Even with the mix of existing designs, YouMagine ensures the protection of original compositions. For example, the platform’s shutdown policy investigates potential violations of copyrights.
Some key facets of YouMagine include:
The top YouMagine features allow simplicity of use and an interactive user interface.
The pros of YouMagine are:
On the downside, Youmagine doesn’t offer a general industrial-wise categorization.
The user-friendly interfaces that GrabCAD provides make 3D prints lively and viable. GrabCAD lets professionals and companies work side-by-side on different 3D print projects. As a result, you get access to high-quality output from reputable industry players. The platform also recreates unrepeatable models with simple PC 3D printers.
GrabCAD boasts an unmatchable community of engineers, designers, students, and manufacturers. The pool of talents creates an advanced and excellent value for the community table.
Some key attributes of GrabCAD include the following:
You can use the features above to sharpen your skills or get refined models.
Some GrabCAD pros include:
On the downside, the professional nature of GrabCAD makes the platform unsuitable for hobbyists.
If you are a 3D print hobbyist, you may want to try CGtrader as an alternative to ThingiVerse. Initially, the platform lets users buy or sell plans and evaluate 3D designer content. Today, you can create and upload or get high-quality designs made by other people. Over one million 3D models are available for you to choose from.
Unlike ThingiVerse, CGtrader can transform 2D designs into 3D content. Further, the platform is suitable whether you are a novice or an experienced printer.
Properties of CGTrader include:
The features above make the platform flexible for newbies, artists, and users.
CGTrader pros include:
Unfortunately, CGTrader is a design marketing platform. So, most models are more expensive than many other platforms. Also, although you can use some models for free, the number of designs is limited.
The site’s magnificent interface and organization are some remarkable things about Printables. Unlike many other 3D model repositories, Printables is designed explicitly for 3D prints. Besides, the site allows designers to list the print settings used. So, you access detailed information about different models.
The above platform has a social community for users to share experiences and designs. Designers also share models and files that are free to download. The models are diverse and range from toys to household items and tools. Besides, the short load times mean quicker search results, so you can find your model faster.
Some elements of printables include:
The features mentioned offer a mix of royalties and guidance, ideal for designers and users.
The benefits of Printables include the following:
In the low light, Printables don’t have a massive file collection.
If you are a beginner, you may want to try out Astroprint’s simple interface. Also, unlike ThingiVerse, Astroprint allows you to ask for refunds if the printables aren’t compatible with your printer. You can also download the output on your device, provided you have internet connectivity.
Another factor that makes Astroprint a great alternative to ThingiVerse is designer protection. Astroprint infringement rights protect designers against the theft of model designs. Also, you can organize your creations in the cloud.
Key Properties of Astroprint include:
The benefits of Astroprint include the following:
The negative side of Astroprint is that you can’t print on a non-matching printer.
The front page of TurboSquid has a search panel and icons that allow you to check for various 3D files. However, TurboSquid models aren’t primarily meant for 3D prints. Instead, you can use the models in video creation, graphics, game design, and animation. So, use the search icons to look for models typically used for prints.
If you are a designer, you can share your work for sale on the platform. All you have to do is set up your account and upload the work with the upload feature. You can add descriptive keywords and other details, then click the publish product button. Also, you don’t have to pay any fee for the uploads. The platform only collects a small percentage of every sale.
TurboSquid’s key facets include the following:
The advantages of TurboSquid include the following:
Unfortunately, most designs on TurboSquid are of premium quality, which costs money.
Sites like ThingiVerse offer incredible benefits to the sector of 3D files. Although Thingiverse stands out in some aspects, you can choose from many other sites. Each of the Thingiverse alternatives has unique features, pros, and cons. So, weigh your requirements and choose one that meets your needs.
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