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by 3devo on Mar 17, 2022 11:34:00 AM
3D printing has revolutionized industries by enabling custom production and prototyping, and one of the essential elements for any 3D printer enthusiast or professional is finding the right STL files. Whether you're creating with recycled plastic filament or experimenting with new materials, these free STL file repositories are indispensable. In this updated guide, we highlight the top 10 platforms to source free STL files, ensuring you have everything you need to bring your designs to life.
Most are free while others offer their work for a price. Some even have the option to order the model to be printed and then get it sent straight to you!
The best part about these STL file downloads would be the sheer variety available as 3D-printing has gone mainstream. Below is a list featuring some great sites that we use to find free STL models. Enjoy!
Our Top 11 STL File Sites
Are you a professional or a business owner that uses 3D printing often? Then you should consider creating your own filament, which will help save costs and recycle any waste material you might have. Learn more.
1. Thingiverse
As the original giant in the world of 3D printing, Thingiverse remains a go-to source for free STL files. With a community of millions of users, it offers a vast library of designs for anything from hobbyist projects to professional prototypes. Whether you're crafting custom tools or experimenting with plastic filament recycled from waste, Thingiverse has something for every type of maker.
2. Printables
Rising fast in popularity, Printables (by Prusa) is quickly becoming a favorite for high-quality, user-curated STL files. Though smaller than Thingiverse, its database is rapidly growing and includes an easy-to-navigate platform. As more people explore plastic recycling and the circular economy in 3D printing, Printables offers a streamlined interface to find the right design for your sustainable printing projects.
3. MyMiniFactory
If you’re searching for high-quality designs—particularly miniatures or artistic pieces—MyMiniFactory is a top choice. With a strong community focused on game miniatures and figurines, it also caters to broader creative projects. Many users of this site are also involved in advanced filament creation, making it a valuable resource for anyone turning recycled plastic into new filament types.
4. Cults3D
Known for its niche models, Cults3D is a marketplace that hosts both free and paid STL files. From gaming models to unique home decor items, Cults3D also offers a vibrant community of designers. It’s perfect for those who enjoy printing with a variety of filaments, including recycled plastic. This platform is an excellent space to explore designs that align with the goals of reducing plastic waste through 3D printing.
5. Yeggi
Yeggi isn’t a repository but a powerful search engine that compiles STL files from multiple sources like Thingiverse, Cults3D, and MyMiniFactory. If you're exploring sustainable materials or recycled filament, Yeggi's search capability is a time-saver, allowing you to filter through millions of designs in seconds, helping you discover the perfect model for your next 3D printing project.
6. Thangs
Thangs is an innovative STL file repository that has rapidly gained popularity thanks to its unique 3D model search tool. You can upload a 3D model, and Thangs will analyze and suggest similar designs. For those working with sustainable plastic filaments or looking to experiment with recycled material, Thangs offers a creative way to explore alternative models for your printing needs.
7. CGTrader
While CGTrader is largely known as a marketplace for professional 3D models, it also hosts a significant number of free STL files. If you are looking for high-quality files for industrial or architectural applications, CGTrader provides both free and premium models, making it a valuable resource for those printing with recycled plastic filaments in both creative and technical fields.
8. Pinshape
Pinshape combines a sleek interface with a wide range of models, both free and paid. Acquired by Formlabs, Pinshape offers curated designs, making it a solid platform for discovering unique, high-quality STL files. Its strong community of creators is ideal for 3D printing enthusiasts interested in sustainability and using recycled filaments to reduce plastic waste.
9. Free3D
Free3D caters to both animation and 3D printing enthusiasts, offering a broad range of designs, from vehicles to intricate sculptures. While it focuses more on general 3D models, many are printable with some modification. This is a good site for those who want to experiment with different types of filaments, including recycled options, to push the boundaries of their 3D printing.
10. YouMagine
Powered by Ultimaker, YouMagine is a smaller but highly respected community for 3D printing enthusiasts. It’s known for its collection of functional prints, including tools, gadgets, and home improvements. As many users here are also focused on sustainable printing, it’s a great space to explore how others are using recycled plastic filaments in practical applications.
11. TurboSquid
For those in need of highly detailed, professional 3D models, TurboSquid is an excellent resource. While primarily geared towards industries like film, gaming, and architecture, it also offers some free STL files for 3D printing. TurboSquid stands out for its range of meticulously crafted designs, including architectural models, vehicles, and intricate anatomy models. While many of the higher-end models are paid, the site offers a few free downloads that can be useful for those looking to experiment with different types of plastic filament. If you're interested in precision and detail in your 3D prints, this platform is worth exploring.
More Useful STL Sites
As well as those listed above, we also believe the following sites could be useful:
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Sketchfab
Set up in 2012 to build up a community-based 3D model online repository, this French-based site has grown to offer both free and paid downloads. It was among the first to offer models created with any of the major 3D creation tools, further supporting VR and AR on compatible hardware. This site is easy to navigate using the search feature and to better navigate through the sheer volume of STL files available, they have been grouped into convenient categories. Be warned that you may end up spending more time at this Sketchfab site than you may have planned to as there are just too many choices offered.
- GrabCAD
GrabCAD is not your typical place to just download free STL files for 3D printing. It has many CAD models, many of which are also available in STL format. You can download 3D models in other formats and also try to convert them into STL files for 3D printing, but you may experience trouble with more complex ones. The Resource area is great, giving you access to tutorials, case studies, and even helpful e-books. It also features the useful GrabCAD Workbench tool. It’s a very popular site with many interesting models and resources available so do check the website out soon.
- SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse
Once owned by Google, SketchUp's 3D Warehouse is the go-to place for all your 3D model needs. Laying claim to being one of the largest 3D model online depositories, with over 4 million free downloads available, this site is easy to navigate using the search feature. To better navigate through the sheer volume of STL files available, they have been grouped into convenient categories. The site has also just released a handy feature that gives users the option to have the SketchUp models they upload automatically converted to STL . Be warned that you may end up spending more time at SketchUp’s site than you may have planned to as there are just too many choices offered.
- 3DFindIT.com
3DfindIT.com is the next dimension visual search engine that crawls billions of 3D CAD & BIM models from hundreds of manufacturer catalogs for architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering. The platform allows users to search for digital engineering data provided by manufacturers worldwide. 3DfindIT.com reduces search times and increases efficiency in engineering and construction with intuitive search functions: - Parametric Text Search
- 3D Shape Search
- 2D Sketch Search
- 2D Photo Search
- Color Search
- Feature/Topology Search
- Search by Category
The download and use of this CAD data is free of charge. Many catalogs offer 150+ different neutral and native formats such as Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Inventor, SOLIDWORKS, and more!
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NIH 3D Print Exchange
This United States government agency for biomedical and public health research offers scientifically accurate or medically applicable models for download. The STL file collections include face shields and low-cost prosthetics, plus models of various human organs for education and research purposes. Especially interesting are the DNA molecules and virus models, so you can get a closer look at these microscopic objects. -
NASA
While this site may have the least number of 3D models available, it more than makes up in quality as STL files made available for free lets you fabricate landmark objects in the history of space exploration – like the Apollo 11 landing site, the Curiosity Rover or the Hubble Space Telescope. What makes this site really cool is that you also get to download models of spacesuits and rockets which had been deployed by America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Endless Possibilities with STL Files
We really appreciate that there are sites like these where you don’t have to spend large amounts of money to try out your much-loved hobby. Even though not all of these STL files are designed for 3D printers, some editing can make them suitable for your printer.
If you are unsure on the correct method of doing this conversion, we recommend you first do some research on some 3D-printing blogs before you start. It will save you a lot of time as well as money in the end.
With 3D printing becoming increasingly intertwined with sustainability efforts, such as plastic waste recycling and the use of new filament materials, these sites offer the perfect starting point for downloading high-quality STL files. Whether you're a hobbyist or working on advanced 3D printing projects, this updated list will ensure you have access to the best free STL files for your next print. If you're looking to create your own filament from recycled plastic or need high-performance materials, check out 3devo’s range of filament makers to take your 3D printing to the next level.
Create your own filament
Did you know you can transform a diverse range of materials into high-quality filament? By using 3devo's Filament Makers, you can recycle plastic waste into filament with the color of your choice for your next 3d print.
