LibGuides: Innovation Studio: 3D Modeling Resources

3D Modeling Resources

Use these websites to find 3D models other creators have made available to save and print.

Thingiverse
A design community for discovering, making, and sharing 3D printable things. All designs are encouraged to be licensed under a Creative Commons license, so anyone can use or alter the design.
National Institute of Health 3D Model Exchange
Provides models in formats that are readily compatible with 3D printers, and offers a unique set of tools to create and share 3D-printable models related to biomedical science. Access free designs by selecting "Public Domain" under License dropdown.
Sculpteo
Free tutorials on converting designs from architectural and engineering software
Pinshape
Free and premium files for toys and games, miniatures, jewelry and fashion, home appliances, gadgets, people and creatures, and art.
Printables
A community website and file repository operated by UltiMaker. The more than 17,000 free STL files will work on any fused filament fabrication (FFF) machine.
NASA 3D Resources
A collection of 3D models, textures, and images from inside NASA. All of these resources are free to download and use, as long as NASA's Media Usage Guidelines are followed.
MyMiniFactory
A curated social platform with free and paid designs. All designs have been tested and are guaranteed to work on a 3D printer.

The free software tools listed below are not available on the library's public computers. We recommend trying these out on your personal device.

3D Builder
Download 3D files and edit them or build from scratch using simple shapes. Installed by default on Windows 10. Can download app for Windows 8.1.
Tinkercad
Free online software for 3D design, electronics, and coding. Considered an introduction to Autodesk.
Spin 3D Mesh Converter
Convert STL, 3DS, 3DP, 3MF, OBJ and PLY 3D files for free. (Innovation Studio prints submitted in .stl or .obj)
Autodesk
Free software for students and educators. Access the same design software and creativity apps used by industry professionals.
OpenSCAD
Free software focused on programming commands to design items with specific distances and rations.
Blender
Free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation.
Onshape
Free software for students and educators. An online-based CAD program that can be used from anywhere.
SketchUp
Easy to use 3D modeling software. A free version is available on the website, or students may buy the Pro version at a reduced cost. Faculty members can get a free 1-year license for educational purposes.
ZBrushCoreMini
Free software for sculpting. Start with a ball of clay and create a multitude of shapes and designs.