In principle, this is rather good news because it invites sharing, creativity, etc. but ultimately, there is no control over the uploaded file and its quality. How do you know if it is really 3D printable? In addition, Thingiverse is home to nearly 1,700,000 3D models which makes it difficult to choose whether to download a file. And logically, among this important database, there are many duplicates. Finally, note that the site is only in English which may represent a barrier for some users. (Photo Credit: Thingiverse) Thingiverse, too open?įrom its inception, the open-source side of Thingiverse was a point put forward: anyone can upload their 3D files and anyone can download them as long as they respect the licenses when they are indicated. In this category, several projects aimed at training novices in 3D printing are available, regardless of the age of the user, from elementary school to university.

For example, the platform offers a section dedicated to education and youth on its site.

But reducing the Thingiverse community to DIY enthusiasts would be a mistake. This is also why the platform is used in particular by makers and DIY enthusiasts of all kinds. You should know that Thingiverse is not exclusively reserved for the additive manufacturing market: other design techniques can be used to create the downloaded models. Thingiverse was created in November 2008 by Zach Smith, in partnership with the manufacturer of 3D printers FDM MakerBot, acquired in 2013 by the giant Stratasys. During all these years, the site has acquired millions of files, whether they are gadgets, tools, spare parts, or even toys and figurines. Available in free access on the Internet, Thingiverse is now used by many enthusiasts and amateurs of 3D printing. In addition, the platform also owes its popularity to being completely free. Thingiverse is arguably one of the most important file-sharing sites in the 3D printing market, marked by a strong interaction between its users who can like, comment on and describe 3D models. These models are exportable in STL format, allowing you to print them very easily, and are generally protected by Creative Commons licenses. It is an online platform with millions of 3D files, designed by a growing community of users. If you are an additive manufacturing and 3D printing enthusiast, you’ve heard of Thingiverse.

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