For quick access: Here is the overview
Last updated: August/2018
3D modeling is fun but also requires a lot of experience and is very time-consuming. Therefore, it is often useful to research whether there is already a ready-made 3D model available for download that meets your requirements.
Similar to photography, online marketplaces have emerged in recent years where designers can publish and offer their 3D models for download. With the increasing popularity of 3D printing, the number of published 3D models and marketplaces has rapidly increased. While this is something to be happy about, it also has its downsides. On one hand, it can be easy to lose track, and on the other hand, it can be difficult to decide which model is truly worth its price. In general, when choosing a 3D model, the following should be considered:
Overview of Pages for 3D Model Download
Specialization: 3D Printing
Number of Models: ~1,100,000
Status: Jun / 2018
3D Printability: (Almost) all models
Paid or Free: Free
Suitable for: Hobby
Our Rating: ♦♦♦
Thingiverse is currently the most popular marketplace for 3D models. What makes Thingiverse special is that many models are genuinely useful as they are specifically created for 3D printing. However, the abundance of models, with over 1,000,000 to choose from, can make it challenging to browse if you’re just looking to explore without a specific goal in mind.
Specialization: 3D Printing
Number of Models: ~45,000
Status: Jun / 2018
3D Printability: All models (verified by MyMiniFactory)
Paid or Free: Free
Suitable for: Hobby
Our Rating: ♦♦♦
MyMiniFactory describes itself as the YouTube for 3D printing. What sets this platform apart is that every 3D design is reviewed by the operators for its printability and suitability for 3D printing. In addition to downloadable models, MyMiniFactory also offers a wide range of exciting design challenges, often in collaboration with major companies such as Ikea or Autodesk.
Specialization: None
Number of Models: >660,000
Status: Jun / 2018
3D Printability: Partially printable
Paid or Free: Paid
Suitable for: Hobby & Professional
Our Rating: ♦♦♦
CGTrader is an extensive platform for 3D models. It offers not only models for 3D printing but also realistic models for VR applications. While most models are paid, they are of high quality and cater to demanding requirements.
Specialization: DIY Tutorials
Number of Models: Not disclosed
Status: Jun / 2018
3D Printability: Mostly printable
Paid or Free: Free
Suitable for: Hobby
Our Rating: ♦♦♦
Specialization: 3D printing
Number of models: ~12.000
Status: Apr / 2017
3D printing capability: (Almost) all models
Chargeable: Free of charge
Suitable for: Hobby
Our rating: ♦♦♦
While Thingiverse is operated by Makerbot, YouMagine is the marketplace of the Dutch 3D printer specialist Ultimaker. Many of the models can therefore be found on both platforms. Since the latest version of Ultimaker (Ultimaker 3) uses water-soluble support material, YouMagine also features more complex models that are difficult to print with many conventional FDM printers.
Specialization: 3D models
Number of models: >10.000
Status: Jun / 2018
3D printing capability: Partial
Chargeable: Free of charge
Suitable for: Professionals
Our rating: ♦♦
The PartCommunity site is aimed at engineers and developers. Besides shared models from users, the unique feature of the site is that CAD datasets of industrial components from ABB and other well-known manufacturers are provided for free. These datasets are used during design to perfectly match components.
Specialization: Space 3D Models
Number of models: ~350
Status: Apr / 2024
3D printing capability: Partial
Chargeable: Free of charge
Suitable for: Hobby
Our rating: ♦♦
What a unique site! NASA has put 3D models of space-related models online for free. The 3D models range from spacecraft to individual space mission landing sites. Some models are marked for 3D printing and just need to be printed 🙂
Specialization: Medical or biological 3D models
Number of models: n.a.
Status: Apr / 2017
3D printing capability: (almost) all
Chargeable: Free of charge
Suitable for: Scientists / Science Enthusiasts
Our rating: ♦♦
The site is operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and is a platform to share 3D models among scientists and science enthusiasts. You can find anatomical models, molecular models, laboratory supplies and much more. A must for anyone active in the life sciences!
Specialization: 3D visualization
Number of models: >500.000
Status: Aug / 2018
3D printing capability: Partially
Chargeable: (Mostly) Chargeable
Suitable for: Hobby – Professional
Our rating: ♦♦
TurboSquid is basically a marketplace for 3D models and one of the largest databases for 3D models in the world. However, this also means that whoever has the choice is spoiled for choice, there is an almost unbelievable number of models among which it is sometimes somewhat difficult to find the right one for oneself. Overall, however, an excellent database with 3D models and mainly including textures. A lot of the models have to be paid for, but because of the high quality they are worth the money. Typically, the models range between 20 and 150 USD, but there are also some free ones as well as significantly more expensive ones.
Specialization: None
Number of models: >4,500
Status: Jun / 2018
3D printing capability: Partially
Chargeable: (Mostly) Chargeable
Suitable for: Hobby
Our rating: ♦♦
Similar to TurboSquid, Threeding is a marketplace for 3D models. As usual with such platforms, the quality of the models varies from excellent to unusable.
The platform is still under construction, so the number of models is still manageable. However, the user interface is very pleasant and it is easy to search for the desired model.
Specialization: None
Number of models: >22,000
Status: Jun / 2018
3D printing capability: Mostly
Chargeable: Partially chargeable
Suitable for: Hobby
Our rating: ♦♦
Cults is also a marketplace for 3D models. Unlike Threeding, however, the free 3D print templates seem to be in the majority here. For many models, however, a (usually small) fee is due here as well.
Specialization: SketchUp models
Number of models: n.a.
Status: Apr / 2016
3D printing capability: Partial
Chargeable: Free of charge
Suitable for: Hobby
Our rating: ♦♦
Sketchup 3D Warehouse is a 3D model database specialized for SketchUp, which is integrated with SketchUp. The number of models is also huge. While most of the models have a simple to medium level of detail, there are definitely also numerous models with excellent quality. All in all, it is worth taking a look at the database if you are looking for a specific 3D model. Anyone who works with SketchUp should use this database as their first port of call.
Specialization: 3D models of vehicles, military technology, electronic devices
Number of models: >6.000
Status: Oct / 2016
3D printing capability: Partial
Chargeable: Chargeable
Suitable for: Hobby & Professionals
Our rating: ♦♦
Unlike most other sites, Hum3D creates most of its models in-house. Costs are usually around 75 – 100 euros. The site specializes in vehicles of all kinds, military technology, including weapons & vehicles or aircraft, as well as electronic devices (cell phones, computers, etc.). The models are professionally made and extremely detailed.
Specialization: Technical models
Number of models: ~230.000
Status: Apr / 2016
3D printing capability: Partial
Chargeable: Free of charge
Suitable for: Hobby – Professional
Our rating: ♦♦
GrabCad belongs to 3D printing giant Stratasys and is a platform that allows engineering or design teams to share CAD files and organize projects. Moreover, there is a very impressive number of models, which ranges from hobby models (e.g. many car 3D models) to professional technical models. Textures are mostly available and the models we reviewed have an appealing quality.
Specialization: None
Number of models: ~14.000
Status: Apr / 2016
3D printing capability: Partial
Chargeable: Free of charge
Suitable for: Hobby
Our rating: ♦
The number of 3D models at TF3DM are significantly lower than at TurboSquid, for example, but they are free of charge and quite good in quality. The user interface is mostly covered with advertisements – it is a bit difficult to click through without coming across numerous advertising offers.
Specialization: Interior design
Number of models: ~1.000
Status: Apr / 2016
3D printing capability: No
Chargeable: Free of charge
Suitable for: Hobby
Our rating: ♦
SweetHome is basically a great idea – just specify the room dimensions and you can design your own room. A certain number of designs are available for this purpose. The 3D models provided for download are good, but very limited in number. The, from our point of view, outdated user interface, gives the impression that it comes from the 90s. Those who want to design their space are in good hands with SweetHome. Those looking for models that are relevant to interior design can stop by. Otherwise, SweetHome is not the right choice.
About 3Faktur: 3Faktur specializes in 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and rapid manufacturing. We utilize HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology and offer various materials for prototyping and series production. If you have any questions about your project, feel free to contact us.
