Plus, I have to mention one of my favorite sites to get motivated to make something: Instructables with its step-by-step instructions to make just about anything.

Four of my favorite sites for 3D printing models that you can easily print (although some may be more difficult than others): Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, Cults 3D, and Sketchfab. Shout out to as one of the up and coming 3D model repositories – even though I did not have enough room to include them in the title. I have been searching for some new models so this post gave me an opportunity to search the web for practical, and maybe just a bit whimsical, 3D Printer Files. Note: If you are looking for a niche where you might start a business, I started a list of ideas (with some examples) in another Forbes post: The Power Of A 3D Printer In Business. There is definitely a place for small merchants (and big ones) to 3D print items for sale, both customized and small scale manufacturing of one item. If you do not have 3D modeling skills, you can find people willing to help you at some of the 3D printer file sites mentioned today. They find a niche, model and print a product, and serve their customers. Can you help me figure that out?” It is a fairly broad request and I always point people to look at places like Etsy where there are numerous indie vendors doing exactly that. Quite a few of my readers here (and on social) have messaged to say, “I’m really interested in things I can 3D print and sell. You will see plenty of that in the 3D model repositories mentioned here and in the posts I have linked.ģD Printer Files: Things I Can 3D Print And Sell

In order to get to specific needs or find those “aha” moments that lead to practicality, some playful thinking is needed. What the general population means when they say 3D printing is for hobbyists printing toys is – “why print something I can buy at the dollar store?” Yes, some of the items are toys or toy-like, but there’s utility and practicality in printing objects to serve a specific need. Hat tip to Thingiverse User DaDave for the amazingly cool cosplay costume.

Thingiverse free 3d models