If you want to buy an open-source 3D printer kit, you’ll now have dozens of options to choose from. I personally recommend the Creality Ender 3 V2, or V2 Neo, as a great low-cost kit, or if you have $1000, go for the Prusa.

In fact, open-source 3D printers launched the affordable 3D printer ranges we have now, starting from the RepRap movement more than a decade ago. 

And, unlike the original RepRaps, which were open-source FDM printers, there are now plenty of open-source resin printers, too. Therefore, I pick my favorites here based on real hands-on testing, with links to the 3D printer source files, and where to buy them.

Budget pick	Best under $1000	Premium pick
Creality Ender 3 V2 3D Printer	Prusa i3 MK3S+	BCN3D Sigma D25
4.1	4.5	4.7
$279.99	$749-999	$3995
Creality Store here	Buy as a kit here	Dynamism here
Amazon here	Buy pre-assembled here	MatterHackers here

Budget pick

Creality Ender 3 V2 3D Printer

4.1

$279.99

Creality Store here

Amazon here

Best under $1000

Prusa i3 MK3S+

4.5

$749-999

Buy as a kit here

Buy pre-assembled here

Premium pick

BCN3D Sigma D25

4.7

$3995

Dynamism here

MatterHackers here

What is an open-source 3D printer?

An open-source 3D printer has all of its hardware, firmware, and software designs available to the public. 

Without any IP holding people back from experimenting and improving open-source 3D printer designs, people are free to develop new features and publish their improvements for the community to enjoy.

Full Comparison:

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Best Desktop Open Source 3D Printers

Monoprice Mini Delta — Introductory open source printer

• Price: Check on Amazon here
• Maximum print volume: 110 x 110 x 120 mm
• Accuracy: up to 50 microns

The Monoprice Mini Delta is known for being one of the best budget 3D printers around, with great precision (up to 50 microns), speed (up to 150 mm/s) — and it’s open source!

An open source delta 3D printer, this allows for faster print speed, as with less weight on the print head, faster speeds and quicker acceleration can occur without overshooting. Higher print speeds can therefore be maintained without any loss of accuracy, making it one of the best fast 3D printers for the price.

Unlike many delta printers, the Monoprice Mini Delta comes fully assembled, so you can get printing in less than an hour from opening the box. The heated bed means you can print ABS and other trickier 3D filaments, and you can print via WiFi as well as by USB or SD card.

The sturdy metal frame improves part print quality by anchoring the printer down so external factors like vibrations don’t impact quality, and overall it’s a fantastic open source 3D printer for a low price.

Anet A8 – Low cost open source 3D printer

• Price: $180 — Available on Amazon here
• Size: 220 x 220 x 240 mm
• Minimum layer thickness: 100 microns

A low-cost open source 3D printer, the Anet A8 is a 3D printer kit that you will have to build yourself. It will take a few hours (up to six, actually), but once it’s up and running, not only will you be able to print magnificent 3D models, but you’ll also feel accomplished and appreciate it more having built it yourself.

Since it requires some tech know-how, this may not be the ideal 3D printer for beginners. But for those with enough experience to handle any issues and who can modify their open source 3D printer based on what they want to print, it’s fantastic for such a low price.

Once it’s up and running, it’s a fairly large 3D printer, able to print 220 x 220 x 240 mm parts without issue. It can print standard PLA and ABS, as well as wood-filled filaments and others including Nylon.

Overall, it’s reasonably reliable, accurate, and does everything you could possibly expect for such an affordable 3D printer. And with the open source firmware, you can unleash your creativity and change anything you want to improve.

Creality Ender 3 V2 (and V2 Neo) 

• Price: $280 / $300
• Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm / 220 x 220 x 250 mm
• Print Speed: 180 mm per second / 180 mm per second
• Assembly Time: 30 – 60 minutes / 30 – 60 minutes
• Open Source Rating: Partially open source

The Ender 3 V2 is not technically open source itself – it’s the original Ender 3’s designs that are available. 

Still, with the V2 being nothing but an upgraded version of the original, you shouldn’t have any trouble when using the Ender 3’s designs for the V2.

Actually, the same goes for the Ender 3 V2 Neo, as it uses the same general frame style and Bowden extruder as the Ender 3 V2. We recently tested the Ender 3 V2 Neo at 3DSourced, so you can read that if you’re interested in taking a deeper dive.

You’ll notice there are some differences that make it less open source than the V2, but the Creality community’s own documentation and experimentation will help you along the way.

The Neo aside, grabbing an Ender 3 V2 is a great decision if you’re the tinkering type. It’s easy to modify and has decent specs, with a build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm and a max extruder temperature of 260°C. You can’t use any really fancy materials, but you can work with PLA, ABS, and PETG with no problem.

It has no auto bed leveling and no touchscreen, which could be some nice first upgrades.

Prusa i3 — best open source 3D printer under $1,000

• Price: $749 as a kit — Available on Prusa store here / $999 fully assembled — Available on Prusa store here
• Build volume: 250 x 210 x 200 mm
• Precision: 50 microns

Whereas some desktop 3D printer brands have turned their backs on open source, Prusa is still committed to the open source 3D printer philosophy, and you can access everything you need on their GitHub.

Known as one of the best 3D printer kits ever made, Prusa 3D printers have won boatloads of awards. Solid printing speed, accuracy, great reliability and compatibility with a variety of filaments (especially with the Multi-Material 2.0 upgrade) make it competitive with printers costing far more.

Designed to save you hassle and time, the Prusa i3 printers will save your current progress in the event of a power outage so you can resume where you left off, it will pause in the event of filament running out so the print doesn’t fail, and can even detect when the filament is clogging. Overall, it’s a fantastic open source 3D printer and we highly recommend it.

Professional Open Source 3D Printers

Prusa SL1S

• Price: $1,999
• Build Volume: 127 x 80 x 150 mm
• Print Speed: 1.4s per layer
• Assembly Time: 5-10 minutes (fully assembled)
• Open Source Rating: Partially open source

The original Prusa SL1, despite being completely open source, is no longer available for purchase, having been superseded by the Prusa SL1S. We expect that Prusa will release the files of the SL1S soon however, as they always do.

But for now, the SL1S and SL1 are in open-source limbo where only the out-of-production earlier version’s files are currently available on GitHub. Still, we’ll cover the SL1S here since it will be open source in the future, and any shared design aspects are open source.

The SL1S is an expensive but incredibly fast open-source SLA printer. It has a 1.4-second exposure time per layer, meaning it can print a 150mm tall object in just three hours.

The SL1S has a decent LCD resolution of 2560 x 1620p and a 5.96” screen, allowing it to print even the smallest miniatures with good detail. It’s an interesting combination of innovative design choices – like a motorized tilting bed that offers faster and more stable printing – and non-proprietary tech like its resin tank and FEP films.

Truly, it’s a typical Prusa open-source printer through and through.

BCN3D Sigma D25

• Price: $3,995 — Available on Dynamism Store here / Available on Matterhackers here
• Build volume: 420 x 300 x 200 mm

Barcelona, Spain-based BCN3D remain committed to open source 3D printing since their inception in 2012. All their printers have open source 3D printer files for firmware, process, software, and more published on the BCN3D GitHub.

BCN3D printers are known for their reliability, and the Sigma D25, their newest printer, is no different. Featuring their signature IDEX dual extruder system which can print in two special modes, Mirror and Duplication, each extruder can function separately, as either a multi color 3D printer, or for printing with a soluble filament for supports that can be easily removed.

Whereas the Sigmax R19 has a completely closed, enclosed build chamber, the Sigma D25 is semi-open. It’s easy to use, reliable, durable with its high-quality stainless steel frame, and prints very consistently and accurately at up to 50-micron layer heights on E3D hot ends. D25 models now have access to WiFi 3D printing, and can automatically install new firmware updates to keep your printer up to date.

Any keen makers or small businesses looking to print fun projects or accurate plastic prototypes, that is also open source, may find the Sigma D25 the perfect 3D printer for you.

Ultimaker 3 / S3

• Price: $4,080 — Available on Dynamism Store here / Available on Matterhackers here
• Build volume: 215 x 215 x 210 mm

12 months after the Ultimaker 3’s release, the Dutch company released the hardware source files for both the Ultimaker 3 and Ultimaker 3 Extended here. This was no surprise; Ultimaker had previously released the files to other printers including the Ultimaker 2 Go, leading to innovation breakthroughs such as the Olsson Block. Ultimaker also develops Cura, the popular and open source 3D slicer.

Known as one of the best 3D printers of its generation, the Ultimaker 3 is incredibly accurate and widely adopted for rapid prototyping precise plastic parts. It comes fully assembled and almost ready to print; you can get it all started within just a few minutes.

It works with Ultimaker’s open source 3D printer software, Cura, and features a built-in camera for monitoring your print’s progress remotely. It’s not the fastest, but prints with flawless accuracy for an FDM 3D printer, and the dual extruder also adds to its offering.

Ultimaker has not yet (as of August 2021) released any source files for the Ultimaker S5 or S3, but some of the parts are near identical to the Ultimaker 3.

List of other open source 3D printers (with purchase links):

• BCN3D Epsilon
• Lulzbot Mini
• Taz Pro
• BigFDM
• Creatable 3D
• Hydra Research Nautilus

There are also a range of other open source CNC machines beyond 3D printers, ranging from the MPCNC (mostly printed CNC), to the original ShapeOko designs (before they became closed source with the Shapeoko 3 and 4). If you’re looking for a 3D printer that can also CNC and laser cut, we also have an article on the best all-in-one 3D printers.

Where can you download open source 3D printer designs?

Depending on the company, open-source 3D printer designs are usually stored on GitHub, the RepRap wiki, or even Google Drive. You can find links to the source files on the company’s website in some cases, too.

• The Prusa i3’s designs can be found on GitHub and in Prusa Research’s guide
• The Ultimaker 3’s designs can be found on GitHub
• The Anet A8’s designs can be found in Anet’s Google Drive
• The Creality CR-10’s designs can be found on GitHub
• The Creality Ender 3’s designs can be found on GitHub
• The Snappy 3’s designs can be found on GitHub through the RepRap Wiki

How open source can improve 3D printers: Olsson Block

By letting anyone build on the design, features, or firmware of a 3D printer, new developments can occur beyond what the manufacturer builds. 

An example of this is the development of the Olsson Block by Anders Olsson.

Anders used his experience as a research engineer to experiment with an open-source Ultimaker 3D printer, attempting to make printing boron carbide possible. 

He succeeded– but at the cost of the nozzle, which was worn away after just one print.

So, Anders designed a block (now dubbed the Olsson Block) that allows for quick-swapping nozzles. The block was welcomed with open arms by the Ultimaker community, who recognized its value for a variety of applications.

Olsson Blocks are now used by thousands of 3D printers to reduce nozzle switching time. Without Ultimaker’s decision to make their printers open source, this important invention may not have been developed.

Open Source vs Closed Source 3D Printers

Makerbot, Printrbot, Lulzbot (by Aleph Objects), Ultimaker, BCN3D and several other 3D printer companies were formed championing the open source 3D printer movement.

However, some have since struggled.

Printrbot closed down in July 2018 citing low sales, while Lulzbot laid off the majority of their staff in October 2019, facing closure before they were rescued and bought out.

Makerbot, perhaps the most successful 3D printer company to emerge from the DIY 3D printer revolution, famously turned their back on the open source philosophy, and now their 3D printers are closed source and IP-protected. The company was acquired for $400M by Stratasys.

However, some open-source 3D printer companies continue to show strong growth and prove that open source is not only well-loved, but also a profitable strategy.

BCN3D continue to produce high-quality printers, including the Sigma D25 and Epsilon, while Ultimaker have grown to become one of the most respected 3D printer companies in the world. Not to mention Prusa, who stayed committed to open-source 3D printing while becoming one of the top-performing 3D printer manufacturers.

FAQs

Other articles you may be interested in:

• How to get a free 3D printer
• Open source CAD software

Getting a 3D printer is exciting, especially if it’s your first one. But before you plug it in and get going (but after you’ve built it if you’ve bought a 3D printer kit ?), there are a few things to consider when it comes to 3D printer stands and tables.

Bigger 3D printers require more space to fit them, while different types of 3D printers or projects will require different things like filaments, paints, or tools that should be kept handy. 3D printers are often at least 10kg, with most desktop 3D printers sitting at between the 13-15kg mark. For more professional 3D printers, expect them to be even heavier!

When deciding on your desk for your 3D printer, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind. Most 3D printers will need to be in well-ventilated areas for maximum safety, sometimes a 3D printer enclosure can work if you take any potential fumes into account.

There’s also the matter of easy access to peripherals. If you’re using an FDM printer, you’ll probably want easy access to your filaments, so your 3D printer table should include holders or at least enough space for a filament storage box.

While a standard workbench or desk will normally do, you’re going to want a 3D printer table surface catered to you and your printer to maximize both safety and efficiency. So here we’re going to look at some of the best, coolest, and most practical tables and stands for your needs.

Where are the best tables for 3D printers?

If you don’t already have a usable surface, or if you just want to make sure you’re getting the best, you can buy plenty of workbenches, stands, and tables ideal for 3D printers that come with a variety of applications.

From vibration-free fixtures to specifically shaped drawers, finding the 3D printer stand that’s right for you is just a matter of knowing what you need.

It’s worth noting that I do not recommend wheeled 3D printer tables. There are a lot of people who recommend them, but I’m personally paranoid about weak brakes, so I avoid them for hot, electric things like 3D printers. They can also be less stable, and you don’t want anything making your 3D printing environment less sturdy that could have even a minuscule effect on your print’s surface finish.

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Olympia Hardwood Workbench

• Price: Check on Amazon here

Not just one of the strongest affordable benches out there, the Olympia hardwood workbench is also one of the best-looking.

If you like to show off your workstation, then this hardwood desk is definitely something to add to your cart. As well as being very nice to look at, the Olympia works very well as a 3D printer table.

Sturdy enough to hold several times what the average 3D printer weighs, and with enough desktop space to keep any peripheral tools or resins within a safe distance, the Olympia is an ideal 3D printer stand.

Hardwood is also famously easy to clean, so it’s easy to keep dust-free. And for under $200, it’s definitely worth adding to your wish list at least.

Heavy Duty Foldable Workbench

• Price: Check on Amazon here

While the foldable nature of this heavy-duty 3D printer workbench isn’t useful for the not-so-portable machines that are 3D printers — it’s the sturdiness that really counts here.

With a pedal lock on the bottom of the legs, this workbench is a great 3D printer table as it’s more vibration-resistant and stable than many others.

In addition, it comes with a pegboard for handy access to scrapers and other tools without risking leaving them around and cluttering up your space or, worse, getting lost.

Home Office Computer Desk — Also works as a 3D printer table

• Price: Check on Amazon here

Sometimes simplicity is key. Bells and whistles can make for confusing spaces, and while drawers and pegboards do come in handy, sometimes you just want a strong surface to use as a 3D printer stand.

Despite being designed for computers, this home office desk is an easy-to-assemble steel frame that’s deep enough to comfortably fit most 3D printers and still leave enough space for extra tools, gloves, and other pieces.

The extra space can also be used for the desk’s original purpose; a computer to plug directly into your printer.

The lack of drawers does limit storage somewhat, but the wide space below is perfect for storing boxes of filament.

If built-in storage is a must for your 3D printer table, however, there’s also this computer desk with shelves on which you can keep resins and tools. Available in a variety of sizes, you can choose which version of this table suits your 3D printer and/or your available space.

IKEA Lack Tables — They make great 3D printer stands

I wasn’t kidding earlier. 3D printers and IKEA lack tables do actually go together really well.

If like me, you don’t have a lot of space to spare, IKEA Lack tables are sturdy and strong 3D printer tables for smaller models.

Not only are they stylish, but they’re also fairly cheap and don’t take up much space. They can make your 3D printer something of a centerpiece, or be put into the corner so nothing gets in the way.

The empty underside means you can store things safely under them too, and the variety of available colors means you can even pick one out that goes well with your printer.

What Do I Need from a 3D Printer Stand?

Many people will tell you that a table’s a table, and yes, that is true. Provided you don’t go too cheap, an IKEA table for a 3D printer isn’t a completely out-there idea.

While standard benches or desks may work well enough as 3D printer tables, there are some things you’ll want to look out for to maximize both safety and efficiency.

Space and Cleanliness

3D printers do require some space around them free of both dust and loose debris. Wood surfaces are perfect as they’re easy to keep clean and won’t get too hot during those long-haul projects.

When working with materials like resin, it may be tempting to keep your 3D printer stand covered at least partially in towel or cloth, but this will increase the risk of fires should anything go wrong. Let’s face it, any workstation is going to get stained eventually.

Even if you have a 3D printer with an enclosure, the space around it still needs to be clean to ensure proper ventilation and cleaner air around your workspace. Dust gets kicked up easily as it is without a working machine in the mix.

Stability

You wouldn’t put a baby in a wobbly high chair, and you wouldn’t ride a roller coaster with a broken safety bar. So definitely don’t put your 3D printer on an unstable surface.

Any table or stand for a 3D printer needs to be stable and capable of handling the printer’s weight.

Not only will this protect your likely expensive equipment from hitting the floor from 3ft up, but a sturdy 3D printer table will also mean that things won’t go crashing down mid-print. A working machine carries plenty of risks as it is, the last thing you want is a stand that might collapse while printing, which is an extreme fire hazard.

As well as sturdiness, shock absorption is also important to lengthen the shelf-life (pun intended ?) of your workspace. While there are vibration-free tables out there, simply tightening the screws and level-checking from time to time should be enough.

A simple shake test to check for wobble is usually fine, but also make sure your table can take the weight of your 3D printer. Some are heavier than others, and not all stands are created equal, so just make sure you’ve got a strong surface that doesn’t buckle under your printer’s weight and you should be good to go!

Practicality

A clean and sturdy surface will make for a safe 3D printer table, but there’s nothing wrong with some extra additions to make your work more efficient.

If your 3D printer needs to be connected directly to your computer, installing hooks under the table to hold the wires will both clean up your work space and reduce the risk of tripping.

Filament and material storage is also good. If you have your 3D printer in a cool and dry place – like a garage – then it’s handy to have a 3D printer stand or desk with enough space to store your filaments makes for a more efficient workspace.

Provided you have enough space, desktop storage for resin, gloves, scrapers, and any other tools will make the whole printing to post-processing much smoother by keeping all necessary components in easy reach. Digging through a toolbox or disorganized drawers (which many of us are guilty of having) is never a fun job, and built-in slots or holders for your tools is a great way to cut out all the rifling.

For other tools that can come in handy, read our guide to 3D printer accessories

The Ender 3 Neo series launched in early August 2022, and significantly improved the 3D printing experiences of hobbyists worldwide.

All three printers have an affordable price, open-source compatibility, and powerful performance from upgraded features like a full-metal Bowden extruder and automatic bed leveling.

The Ender 3 V2 Neo is the pick that I’d recommend for most users, with the best balance between high-end performance and excellent value for money.

However, you might prefer the Ender 3 Max Neo if you regularly print large models, or the budget Ender 3 Neo if price is your number one concern.

In this guide I’ll compare my hands-on experience with all the key differences across the Neo series, so you can pick the 3D printer that’s right for you.

Read our hands-on review: Creality Ender 3 V2 Neo review

The Ender 3 Neo Series

As the suffix “Neo” suggests, the Ender 3 Neo series is the next iteration of the original Ender 3, Ender 3, Ender 3 V2, and Ender 3 Max.

Like their predecessors, the Neo printers will carry on the simple design, open source compatibility, powerful performance, and affordable price.

There is a long-held myth about budget 3D printers that they sacrifice performance to achieve low cost, which is certainly not true for the Neo printers.

Equipped with an upgraded full-metal Bowden extruder and corrugated heat sinks for quick heat dissipation, the Ender 3 Neo series can achieve printing speed up to 120mm/s. The CR-Touch automatic bed leveling system which the older versions don’t have is introduced to all three Neo printers, enabling a worry-free leveling experience.

And if you are worried about sudden power loss, the resume print function of the Neo series will guarantee you a successful print without filament and time waste.

If you are looking for an affordable 3D printer with above-par performance, the Ender 3 V2 Neo may be an excellent option. Equipped with a PC spring steel magnetic build plate, it offers good adhesion to the model and you can remove the print with a slight bend. The unique sliced model preview function embedded in the UI system means that you can observe the exact shape of the model you are going to print. 

It is also friendly to beginners. With some parts pre-installed, the assembly can be completed in only three steps – after installing the spool rack, the gantry, and the screen, you can experience your first print straightaway.

Ender 3 V2 Neo – Top Pick

With all the above useful features, the Ender 3 V2 Neo is only at a price point of $299, $20 more than the original Ender 3 V2 which is nearly half the price of a CR-Touch Auto Leveling Sensor Kit. If you are looking for a high-performance FDM printer under $300, this one can be a great choice.

Ender 3 Max Neo – Large Print Surface

For large printer lovers, the most-anticipated Ender 3 Max Neo may be a go-to option. The 300 x 300 x 320 mm build volume gives you the convenience of printing larger models or more parts in one run. Complete with dual Z-axis and motors, the Ender 3 Max Neo provides high stability and precision in 3d printing. It supports filament including PLA, ABS and PETG like the other two Neos.

With the large build volume, a filament sensor is installed to detect the sufficiency of consumables, enhancing your success rate. It also integrates a 350W high-quality built-in power supply making the printer more secure and reliable.

For this stable workhorse, it costs a reasonable $399. If purchasing at the Creality Official Store, you can get a $30 discount.

Ender 3 Neo – Budget Pick

Only need a basic version of the Neo series? The Ender 3 Neo is best for you. It has a carborundum glass build plate like the Ender 3 Max Neo, which is easy to clean. It has all the essential features a Neo printer should have, and is a premium choice for DIY enthusiasts.

It is also worth noting that at just $219, it’s one of the most affordable 3D printers around. If you are hesitant to buy your first 3D printer, this one may be right for you to try out at a minimum cost. 

Ender Neo vs S1

If you prefer direct extruders that can unlock more filament possibilities and want to take your 3D printing experience to the next level, the Ender 3 S1 series (Ender 3 S1, Ender 3 S1 Pro, Ender 3 S1 Plus) may be your favorite.

Carrying Creality’s self-developed “Sprite” full-metal dual-gear direct extruder, you can experience more powerful extrusion force and more choice of filaments including TPU in your 3D printing. With dual Z-axis and printing speed up to 150mm/s, the S1 series brings you high-quality printing.

It also allows colorful add-ons including laser engraving module, water cooling system and light strip kit.

As of now, the Neo series with Bowden extruder and S1 series with direct extruder form the latest Ender 3 fleet.

If you have difficulty deciding which series to choose, just keep in mind that the main differences between the Neo and S1 series are extruder type and price.

If you prefer a budget printer with a Bowden extruder that is easy to maintain, the Neo series is the right one for you.

If you pursue high-quality printing and prefer direct extruder compatible with more flexible filaments, the S1 series is worth considering.   

Both the Neo and S1 series are available at store.creality.com in the United States and at store.creality.com/de in European countries. There are various discounts for you to explore at our above official store. If you are interested in resin printers, Creality is promoting HALOT-ONE PLUS at $399 with a $60 discount. Products are also available on Amazon and other affiliated distributor stores. 

On 1 September, Creality will partner with a world’s leading manufacturer to launch professional-grade fully-enclosed FDM printer Sermoon D3 at TCT Asia 2022 in Shenzhen. More information will be announced later on the Creality Official Website.

Ender 3 Neo Series Comparison

Ender 3 S1 Series Comparison

Read more:

• Creality Ender 3 V2 or Voxelab Aquila? Which is best?
• Creality Ender 3 vs Ender 3 Pro vs Ender 3 V2
• Creality Ender 3 V2 vs Ender 5 Pro
• Ender 3 S1 vs Kobra
• Creality Ender 3 S1 vs S1 Pro — What’s the difference?
• Sovol SV06 vs Ender 3 (V2 / Neo)

In this extensive article, we’re going to take a detailed look at the absolute coolest things to 3D print for all tastes and uses. So without further ado, let’s dive in to the most awesome stuff you can get printing today!

Here are all the coolest things you can 3D print, split into sections:

• Pokemon
• Gears
• Planters
• Toys
• Tools
• Wallets
• Musical Instruments
• Dragons
• Cosplay
• Speakers
• Jewelry
• Home decor
• Phone cases
• Chess sets
• Lego
• Clocks
• Fishing Lures

Pokémon

Pokémon are one of the most common first projects for anyone who just got their first 3D printer, but that doesn’t mean they can’t continue to be one of the coolest things to 3D print even after you become an expert.

With over 1000 of the little pocket monsters to print as of the most recent generation, there are plenty of cool Pokémon out there to 3D print to your heart’s content! We’ve also written a separate article on the coolest Pokemon 3D print files with a wider selection of files.

Vulpix

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Designer: SHADOWBONS
• Price: Free

Vulpix has been my favorite Pokémon since the first generation released back in the ‘90s, and it remains my favorite to this day. Of all the 3D printed Pokémon models out there, this one is by far the coolest to me.

The detailing is exquisite and the pose appears natural and cute. Any fan of the six-tailed vulpine should be very happy with this print that’s just as fun to prepare and paint as it is to print. And that’s not even mentioning the fact that the STL file above is available completely free of charge.

Metapod Evolving

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Designer: SHADOWBONS
• Price: $0.75

Designer Shadowbons has some of the greatest 3D printed Pokémon models out there, all available for under a dollar each. They’re simple, but well-detailed and very imaginative.

Among their extensive library is this Butterfree coming out of its Metapod cocoon mid-evolution, which is easily one of the coolest 3D prints available from this creative designer.

If you’re a fan of this model, then I highly recommend checking out the rest of Shadowbons’ collection. If you’re looking for some really cool 3D printed Pokémon models, then I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Low Poly Dragonite

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Designer: 3D-MON
• Price: $0.82

Low poly Pokémon are the easiest of the easy, but that doesn’t mean they’re not really cool prints that are immediately recognizable to any fan of the gargantuan franchise. It was difficult to pick my favorite of them all, but as a fan of early generation dragon types, I had to go with this low poly Dragonite.

The gentle giant has been a fan-favorite for decades, and the rotund jolly shape hides well the fact that Dragonite was one of the most powerful early Pokémon despite its generally friendly demeanor.

Of course, if you have a favorite Pokémon, then you can find an awesome low poly print of it. This is just an example of one of my top picks for simple 3D printed Pokémon that just about anyone can print regardless of experience.

Gears

3D printing working mechanisms takes precision and know-how, and that’s especially important when 3D printing gears. Not only are they one of the most useful things to 3D print, especially if you have a penchant for engineering, they’re also pretty cool to see working.

Here are some of the coolest and most useful gear-based 3D printed projects that anyone who loves to make their own gadgets will find worth bookmarking.

We also have a more in-depth guide to what kinds of gears you can 3D print, and some of the best 3D printable gear projects.

Lotus Automata

• Where to Download: MyMiniFactory
• Designer: actual size
• Price: Free

The Lotus Automata is a decorative centerpiece that uses a hand-controlled crank to open up like a flower. This can be used either as a purely decorative piece on its own, or act as part of a larger display.

By using filaments of different colors that compliment or contrast, depending on your taste, you can 3D print this geared mechanism to inspire any décor.

If you’re looking for more of an engineering challenge, however, then why not hook up a timed mechanism so the lotus blooms automatically at different times of the day?

This could be a really cool way to remind you to do something or even just mark the end of a workday at the time when you normally clock off. However you decide to go about it, this is a simple but effective 3D printed gear-controlled piece of home décor that really speaks for itself.

Planetary Gearbox

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: Gear_Down_For_What
• Price: Free

The planetary gearbox combines practical 3D printing with an educational tool. Acting as a standard number padlock, the gears are designed to be fully visible as they work, meaning it’s a really useful 3D printed project to teach young ones the basics of mechanical engineering by showing them how a simple lock mechanism functions.

If you’re still a learner yourself, you’ll be happy to know that the link above includes a fully instructional video on how to print, assemble, program, and use the gearbox so you can be confident in your own knowledge before passing it on to others.

Walking Cat

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: JohnThinger
• Price: Free

The Walking Cat is the most complicated 3D printer project among our picks for the top gear-related prints. The dream design for those of you interested in both mechanical engineering and robotics, it uses electricity-powered gear mechanisms to make the ‘cat’ move and walk.

The best thing about this awesome 3D printed toy is that it can be made to be as complicated as you like. The base skeleton found in the files here can be altered for more complex movement or even decorated and adorned to look like a real cat (or any other quadrupedal animal).

This means that it’s the perfect 3D printing project for engineers of all levels, and can act as a great blank canvas for those of you looking to use additive manufacturing for robotics as well as analog machinery.

Planters

Planters are great things to print for anyone with a green thumb. Not only does 3D printing let you customize the look to match your personal tastes, but they also provide practical features that make gardening easier than ever.

We have also written a more in-depth guide to 3D printed planter files, with a wider selection.

The Sitting Man

• Where to Download: Printables
• Designer: Estudio Aditivo
• Price: Free

The sitting man collection is a set of cool 3D printed planters that resemble 3D stickmen sitting, leaning, and reclining in various positions.

Designed to sit either on a surface or over the edge of it, they come in a variety of different positions that look just as cool standing solo as they do as a group of different planters. From the cool, leaning-back model, to the often-seen hear, speak, and see no evil stances, there’s plenty to choose from.

They’re easy to print, and are even self-watering, making them ideal for houseplant owners who may be sick of a watering schedule, or if you’re like me, are just to forgetful to be trusted with living plants.

Don’t let the simplicity fool you, however, these planters were designed with healthy greenery in mind. They not only keep your plant well-watered, but also make sure they’re aerated enough to aid in healthy growth for a lush and verdant houseplant.

Printable in a range of styles and colors, you can even customize them in your preferred slicer or post-process them to include faces and even clothing. There are even examples of these planters being printed with dual extruders for an extra-colorful look.

Of course, you can also use a multicolored filament to achieve a more vibrant aesthetic for one of the coolest looking 3D printed planters around.

Sleeping Dragon Planter

• Where to Download: MyMiniFactory
• Designer: Anna Dragon
• Price: Free

The sleeping dragon planter is one of those 3D printed designs that’s both functional and decorative. As one of my favorite 3D printed planters, it looks like a scaly dragon sleeping peacefully while coiled around your flora of choice.

The sleep bubbles (or perhaps smoke) coming up from the nose add to the cuteness, and the overall design as a planter and plant pot holder makes it as easy to use as it is to print.

It’s even designed to have soil directly in it along with a water reserve, meaning you can mostly just relax and watch your nourished plants grow around the dozing dragon.

Its size may not make it the most practical planter out there, but it’s certainly one of the coolest 3D printed planners around.

Self-Watering Planter

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Designer: PARALLELGOODS
• Price: Free

If you want a useful 3D printed planter but find the above dragon to be a little too showy, then I highly recommend this free 3D printed self-watering planter.

Its simplicity is outdone only by its practicality. Including both a pot for the plant and a reservoir for the water, all you need to do is make sure the reservoir doesn’t dry out for too long and your plant will absorb all the moisture it needs.

Its small and unassuming look makes it a perfect 3D print for those who prefer minimalist décor, and it can be customized and printed in any color to match your current style. If you love your houseplants but dislike the maintenance and need something that won’t catch the eye too readily, then this is the perfect 3D printed planter for you.

Toys

3D printing toys is a wonderful way to bring some old-fashioned entertainment into your creative pursuits. With all kinds of playthings to choose from, there are a lot of fun and cool prints that are exciting for all ages.

Just remember that 3D prints can have small bits that break off easily and cause a choking hazard, so be sure to sand down any edges and get rid of all smaller parts before you gift them to any young ones in your life. We’ve also collated 40+ files in our more in-depth round-up of the best 3D printable toy files.

Spider-Man Web Shooter

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: MediWolf123
• Price: Free

The Spider-Man web shooter is an awesome 3D printed toy and gadget designed to mimic the quick-witted superhero’s web-slinging abilities. Made with 3D printed gears, it’s an awesome project for any fan of the quippy webhead.

Don’t let the included gears scare you off, they’re mostly for show. But also don’t be fooled, this will require a bit of work to get shooting.

Overall, the web shooter is the perfect 3D printed toy if you who want to make something more complicated than a simple minifigure but aren’t ready to make something as precise as a fully gear-controlled mechanism.

Beyblades

• Where to Download: MyMiniFactory
• Designer: Matt R
• Price: Free

Beyblades were a cultural phenomenon when they hit the west. Schools nationwide held tournaments and many playgrounds and living rooms were littered with tiny plastic stadiums for these spinners to battle in.

Beyblades are amongst the coolest 3D printed toys you can make. The link above is especially cool as it’s based on one of the most recognizable of them all, the Dragoon S. Given how old these toys are, and the fact that they’re designed to hit against each other during play, they’re bound to break over time.

Not only is this 3D printed Beyblade toy a fully functional spinner in its own right, but each part is also compatible with official Beyblade toys, making it great for repair too. This makes it both a fun and practical 3D print for current Beyblade owners who want to fix or even spice up their models.

Posable Action Figures

• Where to Download: MyMiniFactory
• Designer: Riccardo Minervino
• Price: $5

Action figures are found in toy chests all over the world. Posable representations of our favorite heroes, villains, and morally-gray characters are a fantastic way for kids to explore their imaginations and act out their own stories in worlds they’ve created.

Not only are they toys for kids, adult collectors also love having a set of action figures from movies, comics, and TV shows set out in tableaus on bookshelves and mantlepieces, bringing the action to life.

These posable action figures are blank slates that are perfect as toys by themselves, but also as excellent starting points for people who want to inject more creativity into their awesome 3D printed toy collection.

With good editing skills, you can take these posable models and adapt them to look how you like. Perhaps you want to make Batman, Wolverine, or maybe even a totally original character.

Whether printing these as toys for little ones, art references, or customizable toys you can pose in any number of different ways, they’re some of the coolest 3D printed action figures for fun and for exercising your own creativity and imagination.

Tools

It can be very satisfying to 3D print for practical purposes. As well as gears and other mechanisms, you can 3D print helpful tools to aid you in DIY projects or repairs. These can range from measuring apparatus to working tools like wrenches and screwdrivers.

We’ve also collated an even wider range of useful tools in our article on the best 3D printable tool files.

Mini Wrench Kit

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: Yucelll
• Price: Free

Wrenches are important additions to any toolbox. They’re useful for a variety of DIY projects and are handy to have around, especially if you’re working with pressurized equipment or building things that need to be sturdy to function correctly.

Wrenches need to be different sizes if you have a variety of projects on the go, and it can be a waste of money to buy a set of five when you only need a couple of different-sized wrenches.

For those smaller projects, this mini wrench kit includes excellent 3D printed tools for use with any tightening or loosening job you may have. Of course, being plastic, they’re not 100% suitable for tougher projects, but they’re a great money saver if you mainly work with assembled 3D printed projects.

Screwdriver Bits

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: guppyk
• Price: Free

Speaking of cheap alternatives to store-bought tools, replacement screwdriver bits are one of those things you’ll barely notice on a normal day but will be very glad to have around when you need them.

These 3D printed screwdriver bits work for any project that doesn’t need the tensile strength of a metal bit for screwing and unscrewing. They’re one of those things you’ll want to have around even if you’re not big on DIY on a regular bases.

Screwdrivers are one of those things everyone, regardless of handiness, should have around for shoring up furniture and even tightening your 3D printer frame regularly to help ensure dimensional accuracy. In any case, these handy 3D printed screwdriver bits are great to have around and are a quick and cheap way to make sure you’re prepared for those smaller household repairs and maintenance jobs.

Desk Vise

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: misubisu
• Price: Free

Vises are very useful tools for holding pieces in place while you get to work. Whether cutting into an acrylic key fob, or putting needing to work on two sides of the same project at once, vises need to be strong and reliable for you to work without worry.

This vise is a very useful 3D printed tool that can attach to any desk or workbench to help keep such objects in place. It’s designed to be tough enough to handle low- to mid-pressure jobs and keep steady while you’re working. It’s versatile and has been remixed and retooled over time to increase reliability.

Just remember this is a 3D printed tool, so it won’t be able to handle tougher projects, and should only safely be used for smaller cutting or sanding jobs.

Complete 3D Printed Toolbox

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Designer: ELBONAERENSE
• Price: $2.50

Possibly one of the coolest and most useful 3D printed tools on this list is the multi-purpose toolbox, with both the storage case and the tools inside being 100% 3D printed.

This complete toolbox is perfect for travel and even just for those of you with very limited workspace. The compact, lightweight nature of 3D printing lends itself well to this project, which is perfect to keep around for minor assembly and repair jobs. It’s easy to print and carry around, and should be the first port of call for anyone 3D printing their own toolsets.

Included with the files is a carry box and a set of 16 wrenches and keys of just about any size you could need. It’s a very practical print for anyone who needs small tools for the right job but doesn’t want to spend money on a ‘just in case’ set.

Wallets

Another practical print that helps you in your daily life is a wallet. With sockets for bills, change, cards, and other portable tools, 3D printing your own wallet is a great way to enrich your life, streamline your outgoing ventures, and show off a little.

For a wider selection, we have an article with even more 3D printed wallet files.

Minimalist USB Wallet

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: speedpjg
• Price: Free

The minimalist wallet is one of the easiest 3D printed wallets out there, and is especially useful for those of you who need to carry data around. Whether you’re a photographer, or your job has you going from between workstations, having a handy place to keep a standard-sized USB stick safe is invaluable.

As well as this useful addition, the minimalist wallet functions well as a standard holder for your cash and various cards. As a practical 3D print, it’s a handy one to keep in mind if you happen to need a new wallet or are simply looking to make your own either as an upgrade or a gift.

With its minimalist design and very little by way of extra parts or assembly, it’s a great wallet for beginners to 3D print as well, and is open to customization in both color and size.

Flipping Wallet

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: Stuffstufffstuff
• Price: Free

In this increasingly cashless society, holding cards is more practical than holding cash. Outside of emergencies, it’s rare for many of us to carry bills these days, and so this flipping wallet is a very practical 3D printed project to keep all your important credit, debit, and various ID cards and passes all in one place.

Capable of holding up to 6 cards, it should prove useful for anyone who needs a useful way to keep everything together without being so bulky that it’s easy to pickpocket or steal. The flat design makes it a safe wallet, and despite its hinged design, it’s a very easy print that anyone with any printer should manage without much trouble.

To further streamline this practical print, the creator has included a list of simple assembly instructions to follow so you have a great 3D printed card wallet in no time at all.

EDC Wallet

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: Scidmark
• Price: Free

If you do happen to still carry cash around, which is a good idea just in case, then you’ll need a 3D printed wallet that can carry both cards and bills securely and comfortably. The EDC wallet is a very practical 3D printed wallet that includes room for cards, bills, and IDs for all needs.

This design is a simple 3D printed wallet that can be easily customized to suit your style or even resized if you happen to carry more cards and cash than it’s designed for.

Just like the flipping wallet, the EDC wallet comes with a set of instructions and any extra parts you might need, including a rubber band and adhesives. So even beginners to 3D printing should have no problem making and using this practical print to help keep all important cards and bills together and safe.

Musical Instruments

While often complex, playable 3D printed instruments are amongst the coolest things you can make. If you’re of a musical persuasion, you’ll love making your own guitars or violins just to name a couple.

3D printing your own musical instrument can be a very precise and time-consuming project, but with enough patience and elbow grease, you’ll agree the results are worth it, especially when you get to jam on a piece you made yourself. We’ve also collated even more in our separate article on 3D printable musical instruments.

The Black Widow Guitar

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: TechSupportGo
• Price: Free

The Black Widow Guitar is a 3D printed guitar with a very detailed backstory. The designer, Jessie Sasser, is a retired soldier who found comfort when struggling with PTSD by discovering and developing his passion for 3D printing.

He found this to be a therapeutic and helpful way to help him sleep well at night without being so haunted by thoughts of combat. And that’s why he offers his creations for free for anyone to download, print, and enjoy in their own journeys through whatever dark times they may find themselves in.

One of the arguably coolest 3D prints in his collection is the Black Widow Guitar. Printed primarily with PLA and open to the public to customize and retool as they see fit, it’s an excellent 3D printed musical instrument for anyone who wants to print their own guitar and have it be a project you can work on and change as you like.

The design is awesome and the acoustics, if printed correctly, are satisfying and fun to play around with. All in all, this should be any guitar player’s first stop in creating an awesome 3D printed axe.

Sasser is also open to community posts and sharing, and is happy to see what’s been made of his design, as well as answer any questions you may have. His story is a touching one, and the love that has gone into this 3D printed guitar design is impossible to ignore.

Twist-Top Maracas

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Download: EMILIANO_BRIGNITO
• Price: Free

For a much easier musical instrument to both make and play, these cool 3D printed maracas are a simple and fun half toy, half musical instrument that anyone can make and enjoy. The simple design is approachable by anyone who just wants an easy print with musical results.

The tops are twist-off, meaning you can fill the maracas with anything you like to get the perfect sound. Though I will stress that this means they are suitable as musical instruments only, and not as toys. The tops come off very easily and this can create a serious choking hazard, so they shouldn’t be used as a substitute for a rattle.

As well as easy printing, maracas don’t necessarily need much by way of musical knowledge to play, either! As long as you’re in the mood to enjoy the rhythm, you’ll find them to be a fun 3D printed instrument long after the post-processing is done.

Dragon Ocarina

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Designer: SHIRA
• Price: $3.90

While not the biggest or most exciting 3D printed instrument out there, the dragon ocarina and whistle is one of the coolest and simplest for those of you who want to 3D print your own musical instrument but may not be confident in your skills.

As the name implies, it’s an ocarina that takes the shape of a dragon’s head, making it a cool 3D printed instrument for beginners to both 3D printing and music alike. The ocarina is a famously simple instrument to learn, requiring no reeds or extra pieces to sound good.

So whether you’re a fan of woodwind, dragons, or The Legend of Zelda, this is a very fun, low-stress 3D printed musical instrument that the whole family can enjoy.

And you may also be happy to learn that this ocarina and whistle combo is far from the coolest 3D printed dragon you can make and love today.

Dragons

You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t think dragons are cool, so you’ll have an equally hard time trying to find someone who wouldn’t want to 3D print their own.

Depending on the cultural background or source material, dragons come in a lot of different shapes, sizes, and demeanors. So there are quite a lot of styles you can go with for making an awesome 3D printed dragon, and here are some of our top picks. For a wider range, you can read our standalone article on the best 3D printable dragon and articulated dragon STL files.

Articulated Crystal Dragon

• Where to Download: MyMiniFactory
• Designer: Castro3D
• Price: $3.00

Of all the articulated legendary reptiles out there, the articulated crustal dragon is by far the coolest 3D printed design out there. It’s highly detailed, completely moveable, and has a very reasonable price tag given the effort that clearly went into the design.

Just one look at this crystalized gold guardian and you’ll see just how impressive this print is.

While it’s still a cool print even in one color, I highly recommend trying out some rainbow filaments when printing this articulated dragon. The entire body is made of crystal shapes, and it looks spectacular in bright colors that can either complement or contrast depending on your preferences.

The files here are also completely ready for resizing, so you can either print yourself a small desk buddy as a fidget toy, or a giant dragon to move around as you please. In any case, it’s an awesome and unique 3D print that any dragon lover will enjoy.

3D Printed Dragon Puzzle

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Designer: FILIONIX
• Price: Free

3D puzzles are amongst the most fun things you can 3D print. A nice crossover between toys, statues, and jigsaws, they take a variety of shapes and sizes, few of which are quite as cool as this 3D printed dragon silhouette is one of the most highly detailed and delightfully challenging of them all.

As well as being well-detailed and professional-quality, the base itself is also the shadow of a dragon, which really shows off the work and creativity that went into the STL files that the creator has been kind enough to upload for free.

Since all the pieces need to fit together exactly to create the shape you need, I highly recommend shoring up your 3D printer’s frame before printing, as well as taking further steps to maximize dimensional accuracy so you aren’t disappointed.

As you’d expect, a lot of assembly is required, but that’s just part of the fun!

3D Printed Gyarados

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Designer: BODY3D
• Price: $2.12

While we may have already discussed the coolest 3D printed Pokémon, I couldn’t help but reintroduce one of the original dragon Pokémon (who oddly enough, isn’t even a Dragon type.)

Despite this, the 3D printed Gyarados is an excellent example of an awesome 3D printed dragon for fans of both the mythical beasts and the modern-day takes on them seen in the Pokémon franchise.

Naturally, the best colors to choose if you want to be franchise-accurate is either blue or red, to recreate its normal and shiny forms respectively. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take your own creative liberties in creating your cool 3D printed dragon in whatever color you choose.

Personally, I think the combination of white and green to look like Spirited Away’s Haku us one of the better options, but you can choose whichever colors you like!

Cosplay

Any cosplayer will tell you that there’s nothing quite as satisfying as making your own costume for cosplay. Whether you’re 3D printing your entire ensemble, or just looking for that extra accessory to make your outfit complete, printing and preparing your wearables is a great way to make one heck of an impression at your next convention.

For a better idea of where to begin making your own awesome 3D printed costumes, why not check out our guide to the best 3D printers for cosplays.

Majora’s Mask

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Designer: CHOVE93
• Price: $2.80

Beginning with a personal favorite, Majora’s Mask has been my favorite videogame since I first played it at the age of 9. As the owner of a 3D printed Majora’s Mask myself, I highly recommend checking out this wearable Majora’s Mask if you plan on cosplaying as Skull Kid, who somehow manages to be one of the most tragic yet overlooked antagonists of the game series.

The eponymous mask is a really cool 3D printed project for cosplay and decoration that any fan of the arguably weirdest and darkest installment in the Legend of Zelda franchise. With the right post-processing and care, it can look like real wood that fits the Deku Scrub vibe perfectly.

Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: tyler_158
• Price: Free

Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber may not be the first lightsaber we see in the Star Wars franchise, but it is one of the most memorable. As the weapon he wielded in the climactic fight of the original trilogy’s end, it’s known as the lightsaber that helped bring an end to Emperor Palpatine’s reign, and the last lightsaber to be wielded by a knight-turned-master.

The detailing in the really cool 3D printed Jedi cosplay accessory is exquisite, looking just like the real thing from the film. Casual viewers may not notice much difference in the various lightsaber hilts, but it’s the uniqueness that makes each one stand out, and Luke’s master lightsaber is one of the most memorable of them all, at least as far as standard, single-bladed sabers go.

Of course, if you want to 3D print the OG, you can also print the Skywalker Lightsaber, which – while not quite as easy to recognize, is a storied weapon all its own.

Iron Man

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: DaDave
• Price: Free

If Marvel cosplay is more your jam, which is fully understandable in this hero-obsessed culture we’re in, then you’ll find there’s no cooler 3D printed cosplay project than Iron Man’s armor.

DaDave’s now famous 3D printed Iron Man cosplay is a fully wearable (and completely free) Iron Man suit that harks back to the first films of the series, with the look and feel of the hero that started it all back in 2008.

While completely wearable, and constantly tweaked over the years, the designer still warns that this suit is not comfortable to wear. So while cool for conventions, you may want to pack a spare set of clothes to change into when wearing the suit gets a bit much.

Of course, you can always include padding or tweak the design yourself for more long-term cosplaying, though comfy or not, you can’t deny that this is an awesome 3D printed Iron Man suit with a price that can’t be beaten. For a wider range of Iron Man prints, we also have a separate article of the coolest Iron Man 3D prints.

Mandalorian Armor

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: moesizzlac
• Price: Free

In recent years, the Star Wars extended universe has seen a massive revitalization on streaming platform Disney+. While initially looked upon with skepticism and scrutiny, The Mandalorian quickly proved even to the hardcore fans that the Star Wars franchise is still alive and well, and still chock-full of engrossing content if handled with enough care.

The resurgence of the Mandalorian armor, popularized by the Fett family, has thus seen a rise in favor with the fandom, and while there are plenty of 3D printed Mandalorian helmets to chose from, you can’t go wrong with this really cool 3D printed Mandalorian armor set.

Offered by the designer completely free of charge, this is one of the coolest 3D printed cosplay projects you can find. Considering the recent revival of the suit’s popularity, it’s both a nostalgic look for you old-school fans, while also being a modern take on pop culture that any fan of the series will love.

Speakers

Analogue speakers are an excellent low-tech solution to your music playing needs. Whether needing some tunes during a blackout or out and about, or just wanting to save on your energy bills, you can 3D print some cool speaker systems that need very little or no electricity at all.

Here are some free files for useful 3D printed speakers so simple that you’ll only need to make sure your phone is charged and the volume is up!

Hex Phone Sound Amplifier

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: edditive
• Price: Free

The Hex Phone Sound Amplifier is a neat and useful 3D printed speaker that’s ideal for those of you with limited space. As a more compact print than most others, it fits snuggly just about anywhere, from your desk or windowsill or even in the car when there’s nothing good on the radio.

The coolest part of this 3D printed speaker is its efficiency, the hexagonal shape provides a good level of sound amplification without taking up much space or being particularly complicated.

It’s the perfect speaker for beginners to 3D printing or those of you who want a good low-tech amplifier without much fuss. It’s perfect for travel as well as home use, and can be easily decorated, tweaked, or customized so it’s just as personal to you as your favorite playlists and tracks.

iPhone Sound Amplifier

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: tunnelPigeon
• Price: Free

If you have the space to spare and want something a little more ostentatious, then why not try the iPhone sound amplifier made to look like an alphorn? It’s a fun design that works better as a speaker only for one person, as the directed sound doesn’t reverberate quite so well in a party setting.

This makes it more useful as a desk speaker than a traveling tool. It makes listening to your favorite tracks while working, studying, or just browsing a fun and electricity-free endeavor.

The base of this 3D printed speaker is also designed to be easily adjustable, meaning it’s great to use regardless of your height or even if you have a standing desk. It may not be replacing traditional speaker systems anytime soon, but it is a simple and cost-effective speaker for anyone who doesn’t need any more wires cluttering up their workspace.

Sound Amplifier V2

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: TiZYX
• Price: Free

The Amplifier V2 is an awesome print, as the creator says so themselves. It’s designed to look cool as well as provide a good speaker for any sized phone provided you tweak the design to suit your particular model.

Another horn shape, the quality of the sound is echoed repeatedly off the curved structure to heighten the volume of whatever you’re playing through it, whether it’s a good playlist to fit your mood or a podcast you want to listen to a little more intently.

Even the comments left on this print share its successes. While some argue that it does little for volume amplification, many agree that it helps with the quality of sound, performing better with music designed to be listened to with higher bass settings.

Though be advised that you will need to get creative with your supports when printing. Wayward parts are impossible to remove from the innermost part of the tube without ruining the intended effects, so you’ll need to take extra care to make sure the print is successful and practical.

My advice is to print it with strong filament that you’ve tested for any bridging failures to reduce the need for such inner supports, especially in the smaller areas that are designed to be hollow.

Jewelry

3D printing for fashion adds to your wardrobe and gives you a chance to really show off your creative talents. From earrings to necklaces, broaches and pins, 3D printed jewelry is a trendy way to express yourself and spice up your look without breaking the bank.

On the topic of jewelry, we’ve also collated some high-fashion choices in our article on the most stunning 3D printed jewelry pieces, as well as ranked the best 3D printers for jewelry.

Rotating Heart Earrings

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Designer: DEFCONX
• Price: $0.53

Heart earrings are always a lovely addition to any wardrobe. The universally adopted symbol of love has adorned many a jewelry piece for a very long time, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still room for some creativity.

These rotating heart earrings are amongst the coolest 3D printed jewelry items you can make today, they hang and spin playfully when worn and put a fun new spin on an old design favorite.

The files are very worth their surprisingly low cost, and they make great homemade pieces for personal use or as a gift for a loved one or friend. For a wider selection of earrings you can also read our article on the most stunning 3D printable earring designs.

Customizable Fidget Ring

• Where to Download: Printables
• Designer: Makkuro
• Price: Free

Making your own 3D printed ring is a simple enough task. As long as you have the measurements right for yourself or the intended wearer, you can make a stylish and even goofy 3D printed ring for just about any occasion.

Our personal pick for the coolest 3D printed ring to make today is this fidget ring. Not only is it fully and easily customizable for just about any purpose, but it’s a great ring for anyone who just can’t seem to keep their hands still.

Whether out of stress, habit, or just because that morning coffee was maybe a little stronger than intended, we all get fidgety from time to time. And nothing’s better for this passive restlessness than a ring designed to be twisted and turned to ease tension and harmlessly rid yourself of excess tension.

This not only makes the fidget ring one of the most practical pieces of 3D printed jewelry that anyone can make, it can also be a fashionable accessory if printed and made just right. The potential combination of useful and stylish should be enough for anyone to give these free STL files a look.

Summertime Necklace

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: Kayiilu
• Price: Free

Of all the 3D printed necklaces we’ve found, this Summertime necklace is easily among the best. It can be made on any printer so long as you have different colored filaments, and the story that inspired it is as touching as the necklace is eye-catching.

Born from a time when designer Kayiilu felt like their life was a mess, they chose to make something beautiful from the chaos. By creating abstract, stream-of-consciousness art within perfect circles, they successfully put the seemingly downward-spiraling randomness of life into perfect circles.

This made something beautiful by putting order to the disorder, embracing the chaos while also containing it.

For this reason, the Summertime necklace is a wonderful 3D printed jewelry piece that you can alter and change, or even simply use as inspiration for your own abstract art to help not only create a wonderful accessory to any outfit, but also help put into order any chaos you may feel dominates your own life.

Don’t forget that these are just our picks for some of the best pieces of 3D printed jewelry around. But with enough creativity and patience, you can turn any charm or favorite project into a 3D printed necklace, earring pair, ring, or anything else you like.

Home Décor

While just about any 3D print can be used for decoration, sometimes there’s room for a little extra imagination and creativity to be explored. Everyone loves to decorate their homes to their own style, and that style can be exercised in a very fun and rewarding way by 3D printing cool household objects.

We picked a few of our top decorative choices here, but for a wider selection, you can read our article on the best 3D prints for home decor.

Floating Photo Frames

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: Tosh
• Price: Free

Minimalism is a common, and even somewhat modern, home décor style. Using as few pieces as possible to give a sense of modernity and simplicity, it’s an effective way to decorate your living space without making a garish impression that can be off-putting for those who don’t like even the illusion of clutter or want to avoid unnecessary details.

However, having a minimalist style doesn’t mean your home needs to lack heart. These floating photo frames are a practical 3D printed way to keep up the no-nonsense interior design style while still displaying your favorite memories.

The standard size that comes with these files is perfect for 4×6’’ pictures, but you can scale them to fit different sized photos or to blend in with whatever style you already have.

Overall, these 3D printed photo frames are a great way to give your home a personal touch without sacrificing its modern look.

Modular Hex Drawers

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: O3D
• Price: Free

As both a decorative and practical 3D printed project with a variety of uses and possible styles, The HIVE is a set of modular hex drawers that make excellent and stylish storge for just about any purpose and in any room in your house.

They’re ideal for keeping by the door for keys and wallets, great for small clothing items, and miscellaneous knickknacks, and they even work as jewelry boxes.

Each drawer can even be color-coded depending on its contents, or even just altered to suit whatever your current decoration style.

The best thing about these drawers is that they’re designed to attach together to make a set of drawers as big or as small as you like. Whether you just need one or two to help tidy up your workstation for things like bolts and screwdriver ends, or you need a good few in your bedroom to keep your favorite jewels or special occasion ties, you’ll only have to print as many or as few as you need.

This means that they’re the perfect storage solution regardless of how much space you have to work with.

Super Mario Kitchen Helper

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: 3D_Warehouse
• Price: Free

Far from the minimalism we’ve already explored is the pseudo-kitsch many of us know and love, and where better to display such kitsch than in the kitchen?

Gamer or not, you’re bound to recognize the stage endings from the old 2D Super Mario games, and this cool design is a great way to have a piece of the 8-bit nostalgia in your home while also acting as a practical print.

Designed with a fully supportive base, this 3D printed kitchen helper holds a roll of paper towels as well as several napkins, all kept in place and easy to reach around the steps, flag, and castle that marked the end of each level in the Italian plumber’s older adventures.

Homer Simpson Sponge Holder

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Designer: JAJAUM3D
• Price: $1.89

Speaking of kitchen items, a personal favorite of ours is this Homer Simpson sponge holder. Whether you’re a long-term fan of the long-running series, or you just really know your memes, you’ll definitely recognize the image of Homer Simpson disappearing creepily into the hedge in season 5’s Homer Loves Flanders.

Of course, to get the best effect with this sponge holder, you’re going to need to put some work into making it look just like the famous yellow father, and you should also be sure to stick to green sponges to complete the look.

This is not only one of the coolest pieces of practical 3D printed home décor around, but it’s easily among the funniest. The files are under $2, so it’s well worth printing even if only for the memes.

If you happen to love this print as much as we do, but aren’t confident enough in your 3D printing or post-processing skills to make it look as good as it does here, then you’ll be happy to know that designer JAJAUM3D also lists pre-printed models for sale in the US and Canada.

You can purchase these by following the respective links in the link above, though I recommend at least giving the print a try yourself. It’s really fun and much more rewarding to make a part of your home’s décor yourself, after all.

Phone Cases

Most of us carry our phones with us everywhere we go, and so it’s pretty fun to have a phone case that showcases your own style, hobbies, or fandoms. They can also be both protective and practical, meaning what kind of case you need will depend on how you use your phone as well as how often you drop it.

Keep in mind that most 3D printed phone cases are designed to suit one particular model, so always be sure to alter the STL file dimensions to suit your particular smartphone before printing. And for a wider selection, check out our article on the best 3D printed phone case files.

Feng Shui Phone Case

• Where to Download: MyMiniFactory
• Designer: ajay2agrawal
• Price: Free

The Feng Shui phone case is a cool 3D printed protector for your cell depicting the world-famous yin-yang, the easily recognizable symbol of balance. It’s a great phone case for beginners looking to get a start in 3D printing by making something practical and fun.

While designed for the now outdated iPhone 4, it can be easily changed before printing to suit any cell phone. This not only makes it a cool 3D printed phone case, but also a great way to practice resizing STL files to suit your needs.

Durable Clamshell Phone Case

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Designer: CYBERCYCLIST
• Price: Free

The clamshell is a great choice for those of you who want a practical 3D printed phone case that offers both usefulness and protection. It’s designed to be durable to keep your phone safe against the seemingly unavoidable bumps and droppages that lead an oddly large percentage of cell phone screens to be cracked.

As well as this protection, the clamshell phone case includes a holder for a debit or credit card, and can even hold a spare key or SD card, or emergency cash, so it’s a very useful print for those of you who like to keep everything in one place.

Even with the advent of things like Apple Pay and Google Pay, it’s still a good idea to carry a credit card around just in case your phone breaks or runs out of battery. It’s important to be prepared, and the strength incorporated into the design makes it probably one of the most useful 3D printed phone cases around.

The files come in two parts which you will need to attach together. You should make sure to do so with strong adhesive to make sure it doesn’t fall apart when it’s supposed to be protecting your phone or you end up losing the cards or anything else you’ve chosen to store inside.

Gear Case

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: BrandonW6
• Price: Free

As useful as they are, cell phones are largely something we look at and interact with when we find ourselves idle or in need of short-term entertainment. Whether it’s checking messages, browsing social media, or just looking at funny memes, we all bring out our phones needlessly when we find ourselves with little else to do.

This same restlessness is the reason fidget spinners and toys are so popular amongst all ages. And this 3D printed phone case combines the two main things we turn to when we’re feeling a little fidgety.

Designed a both a protective case for your smartphone as well as a fidget toy, it’s a great case to have if you want something to do when waiting around or watching TV that won’t drain your phone battery. As both a low-tech solution to boredom, and a way to help cut down on screentime, it’s a cool and fun case for those of us with a little too much energy to play around with.

Chess Sets

Unique and novel chess sets have spiced up this centuries-old game for a while now. The fact that the pieces are all small and individual makes them an excellent project for any 3D printer by anyone.

Simple and traditional sets will always have a place in the heart of any chess player, but that doesn’t mean cool 3D printed chess sets of well-known IPs or interesting designs don’t also have a place on any game shelf.

Rolling Chess Set

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: Kumoi
• Price: Free

Portable board games provide a great way to bring your favorite time passers with you wherever you go. Just about anything from Scrabble to Monopoly can be found in forms that are easy to bring on the road for holidays and day trips.

This 3D printed rolling chess set is an excellent homemade board that’s designed to roll into an easily packable and transportable tube that fits in any suitcase or car trunk without issue.

Included with the STL files is a carry case as well, so you can bring it wherever you like even if it’s a short journey. It’s the perfect way to offer a fun challenge to friends you’re meeting in a café or bar, as well as a useful print to bring on camping trips or hotel stays when you’re finished exploring or sightseeing.

Overall, it’s a practical 3D printed chess set that’s highly detailed and well-suited for anyone who travels often or even anyone whose board game shelf is low on space.

Star Wars Chess Set

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: pverduijn
• Price: Free

There’s almost nothing out there that you can’t find with Star Wars on it, and chess is no exception. This awesome 3D printed set is one of my favorites, the detailing and creativity that went into it is surprising given that it came from an 8^th grade project.

The example board is in the shape of the Millennium Falcon, and the pieces are designed to reflect the classic light versus dark structure. Unlike many chess sets whose pieces are mirrors of each other, this cool design features the rebels in white and the empire in black.

If stormtroopers and R2D2s being the pawns isn’t fun enough, Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine being the queen and king respectively is a really cool take on the classic game for any fans of cool 3D printed Star Wars projects and the noble game of chess.

And if you’re a big Star Wars fan, we have you sorted — check out our article on the coolest 3D printable Star Wars files.

Micro Planter Chess Set

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Designer: XYZWORKSHOP
• Price: $2.47

One of the great things we can do with 3D printing is combine two passions in creative and fun ways. In this case, the designer has made a collection of small planters that are made to act as chess pieces too.

It may seem impractical, but it’s a really cool way to spice up your indoor or outdoor gardening projects by turning your houseplants into a workable game.

Of course, you’ll need to make sure moving the pieces doesn’t lose too much (or any) of the necessary soil. Though of course, this 3D printing project works well simply as a decorative piece if you don’t like the idea of moving your plants around too much.

In any case, it’s an imaginative take on both 3D printed planters and cool homemade chess sets that looks great in any garden.

Lego

We have a lot to thank Denmark for. From Hans Christian Andersen’s fables to a quality of life that gives us all hope. But whether or not you’re a fan of The Emperor’s New Clothes, we can all agree that Lego is one of the greatest contributions to the recreational world.

Recently, however, Lego has gone up in price, to the point where the kind of sets I used to play with as a kid are now all well out of my budget. Fortunately, you can use 3D printing to make your own sets or individual pieces to add to what you’ve already built.

Before you get started, why not check out our picks for the best 3D printers for making Lego to make sure you get the best results? And for a wider selection of Lego projects, we have an article on 3D printing Lego projects.

Customizable Lego Bricks

• Where to Download: Thingiverse:
• Designer: Lyl3
• Price: Free

Whether you’re following instructions to the letter, or letting your imagination roam free, building structures and statues from Lego bricks is always a fun and rewarding experience.

These 3D printed Lego pieces are designed for customization so you can add an extra level of personalization to your creations or even just make a more lifelike structure like welcome signs or billboards.

The bricks in these STL files come in a variety of sizes, all of which you can personalize to your heart’s content. The standard size also fits perfectly with official Lego pieces, so you can add them in as you like or even 3D print your own entire sets for a building experience that you’ll be proud to say you made from scratch.

Lego Figures

• Where to Download: MyMiniFactory
• Designer: Christoph
• Price: Free

What is any Lego set without the little people to inhabit it. Even if you’re building Lego sets purely for decoration, populating them with the famous little yellow people is a great way to make any Lego tableau feel more alive and vibrant.

These 3D printed Lego figures are made to a 1:1 scale, making them compatible with any Lego sets you may already own. They’re also designed to be printed as individual parts, so you can dress your little people in whatever colors you like easily by printing the interchangeable tops and bottoms in whichever colors you like.

As blank slates, these 3D printed Lego figures are designed to be decorated and painted to have any facial expression or added details you like. Whether you want to make tiny versions of your favorite fictional characters, or populate your Lego house with little likenesses of your own friends and family, you’ll find these fun 3D printed models to be a joy to work with even long after the printing is done.

Floating Lego Ferry

• Where to Download: MyMiniFactory
• Designer: Tomaz Tomsic
• Price: Free

I don’t know about you, but one of the biggest disappointments of my childhood playtime was discovering that the Lego ship I’d built didn’t flat in the bathtub. Most Lego pieces sink in water unless specifically designed not to.

It seems I wasn’t the only one who found this to be a massive letdown, as creator Tomaz Tomsic has made a 3D printed Lego ferry that not only floats in water, but stays buoyant even with the extra weight of Lego figures and vehicles.

It makes a great bathtub toy or even set piece if your Lego town is complex enough to include bodies of actual water. Even if you have no need for a floating Lego boat, it still makes a wonderful addition to Lego playsets, so there’s no reason not to give these excellent files a try.

Lego Head Storage Box

• Where to Download: MyMiniFactory
• Designer: Fynn Große-Bley
• Price: Free

Now that you’ve got your 3D printed Lego sets, you’re going to need somewhere to store all the extra bits and pieces you’ve made. If you’ve printed more parts than you needed, or are simply a fan of de- and re-constructing your designs, then keeping these pieces safe should be of utmost importance.

Making sure your Lego pieces are all together isn’t just to stop them from getting lost, but also ensures they don’t end up underfoot. If you’ve ever stood sockless on a Lego brick before, you’ll know that it’s something to be vehemently avoided.

This 3D printed Lego storage box is a simple print designed to look just like a standard Lego minifigure’s head. It’s a creative and practical way to keep your 3D printed or official Lego pieces together and out of the way when not in use, and works well as a decoration in any child’s bedroom or play area.

Clocks

While technically a part of home décor, clocks deserve their own place in our picks for the coolest 3D prints there are.

As complicated machines, they take a lot of time and planning to make and get working, but with enough patience and effort, you’ll see there are many wonderful timepieces you can make and display with pride. And for a wider selection, you can view our article on 3D printed clock STL files.

Self-Winding Pendulum Clock

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: krahut
• Price: Free

Pendulum clocks are a classic. They fit into just about any decoration style and can be hypnotic and even satisfying to look at. While complicated to make and maintain, you can still 3D print a variety of really cool pendulum clocks to display in your own home.

The most tedious thing about them, however, is the maintenance. And this is why this design is our top pick for 3D printed pendulum clocks. The self-winding mechanism included in the intricate design is made so the clock ticks on by itself and only needs to be wound manually about once every six months.

Those of you who have owned traditional pendulum clocks will know this is about 0.5% the amount of winding you’d otherwise have to do, which tends to be about once every 30 hours.

Using a set of counterweights, the chains keeping the clock moving and accurate retract automatically, meaning you get all the charm of an awesome 3D printed clock without it being a part of your daily routine.

‘Time Rolls On’ Marble Clock

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: HFoG
• Price: Free

Probably the coolest 3D printed clock project we could find is this Time Rolls On marble clock. Its ingenious design combines precision and engineering to create a set of timed weights and tubes that move marbles along various chutes to show the hours and minutes in a unique and really cool way.

While more difficult to read than a standard clock, it’s definitely a great 3D printing project to take on if you want something wholly unique that takes some engineering knowledge and a lot of patience to get right.

Don’t be deterred by the complexity of this 3D printed timepiece, though. The designer HFoG has been kind enough to include very detailed instructions for printing and assembly, making it completely accessible to everyone, even those of you who may not be entirely confident in their engineering skills.

So regardless of your skill level, it’s a great print to anyone who simply doesn’t mind applying a little more elbow grease.

Retro Flip Clock

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: iz2k
• Price: Free

Sometimes it’s hard to argue with a classic. And the mid-20^th century flip clock is certainly that. More modern than a pendulum clock, but older than digital timepieces, the flip clock is a retro 3D printed device that combines old-school aesthetics with newer technologies.

Half way between an analogue and digital clock, the flip clock is designed as a combination 3D printing and electrical engineering. It gives an analogue flip display for the numbers, but can also be tweaked and programmed to act as both alarm clock and FM radio, making it ideal for your nightstand.

Be warned that the flip clock is more complicated than it seems, especially if you want it to reach its full, multi-functional potential. But it’s a great choice for anyone with old-school décor but still wants a higher-tech timekeeping device to make themselves.

Time Teaching Clock

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: nias123
• Price: Free

3D printing is widely accepted as a fantastic educational tool in a variety of fields, and teaching youngsters to tell the time is an often overlooked part of early learning. Even I myself have friends in their thirties who take a little longer to read analogue clocks than one would expect.

This teaching clock is a fantastic 3D printed clock designed to host both an analogue display as well as host a secondary screen that explains the time shown in plain English. This helps younger children understand what each hand placement means in conjunction with the other.

The teaching clock is even designed to be customizable, displaying the name of its intended owner along with the clock face and explanatory screen. This makes any youngster more engaged in the learning process and more likely to treasure the cool 3D printed clock as more than just a piece of homework.

Fishing Lures

Fishing lures need to be lightweight and colorful to attract fish to them, but there is more to it than that. As someone who fished a lot in his youth, I understand that there are a lot of different lures ideal for different kinds of fish.

Depending on what you’re hunting and how you’re hunting it, lure and bait selection is important, but not always cheap. So here are the best 3D printed fishing lures to take with you the next time you hang up your Gone Fishin’ sign.

For more information on each of these lures and which fish they’re best used on, you can check out our more detailed article on 3D printed fishing lures STL files.

Spinnertail Lure

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: PaoloF
• Price: Free

Spinnertail fishing lures are efficient because of how they move and spin in the water, making fish more likely to take the bait because they believe it’s a living thing to snack on. Needing only two separate parts to link loosely together, this spinnertail lure is an ideal one for beginners to both 3D printing and fishing.

By making various different versions of this spinnertail in different sizes and colors, you can quite literally test the waters to figure out for yourself which variations work with which kinds of fish. Learning this for yourself is a great way to make fishing more of an adventure and help you feel more at one with nature.

By keeping detailed notes, you’ll find using these lures to be a rewarding process to be enjoyed either alone or with a loved one, and it all starts with a simple and practical 3D print that’s free to download, cheap to print, and easy to assemble and replicate.

Crankbait Lures

• Where to Download: Thingiverse
• Designer: UPSCALE_LURES
• Price: Free

This selection of professionally designed crankbait lures is a great 3D printed alternative to store-bot fish bait. Designed and offered for free by fishing enthusiasts, they’re a great way to either bulk up your tackle box or even begin learning the ins and outs of fishing.

The newsletter linked along with the printing instructions provide a monthly set of news and stories about the world of fishing to get and keep you interested while you test out these 3D printed lures for yourself.

Getting involved with the community this way will help you build your repertoire with both fishing and 3D printing tips and projects to help keep the noble hobby alive in your mind and heart.

Flyfishing Lures

• Where to Download: Cults3D
• Designer: STHONE
• Price: $1.11

Flyfishing lures need to be as lightweight as possible because they need to create the illusion of insects skipping on a water’s surface. This makes 3D printing an excellent way to make such lures because the filaments used in most household 3D printers are light by design.

That was the inspiration for this set of flyfishing lures that are cheap to download and very easy to make.

Just be warned that efficient flyfishing takes arguably more skill and knowhow than traditional methods. So if you’re new to the hobby, then you may want to start with a simpler lure for easier catches before diving into the deep end.

From the same designer, STHONE, you can also find this ultra-lightweight and highly detailed wasp lure that’s offered up as a completely free STL file you can try out today.

Want more print choices?

If none of these took your fancy, then no worries!

We have also written an extensive guide covering all the best sites for STL files, so you can find your next dream print or project there.

Or, if you prefer to design your own projects, but don’t have much design skill yet, we’ve also rounded up the best free 3D modeling software for beginners.

Overall, these are in our opinion some of the coolest things to 3D print – but if you have any others, get in contact with the best designs and we’ll add them in here!

Most 3D prints take hours, so monitoring them from start to finish is a huge time commitment, and your time is too valuable to spend it camped over your printer’s extruder. The best substitute is to use a camera that is compatible with your 3D printer. That way, you can step away for as long as you like, and still keep an eye on your latest creation.

Best for the Price	Premium pick
Logitech HD Pro C920	GoPro Hero 8
4.5	4.7
$80	$250
Amazon here	Amazon here

Best for the Price

Logitech HD Pro C920

4.5

$80

Amazon here

Premium pick

GoPro Hero 8

4.7

$250

Amazon here

3D printing should be exciting, but wasting filament on bad prints is frustrating. Using a camera to capture the process helps you make amendments where necessary, whilst adding to the fun.

Not only do they record the whole process to help with monitoring any issues, but you can also create cool time-lapses to upload so your friends can watch the magic unfold. You can even use cameras for your 3D printer for remote monitoring from potentially the other side of the globe!

Therefore, for this guide, I’ve tested the best cameras for 3D printers.

3DSourced is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Best Cameras For Monitoring a 3D Printer

Logitech HD Pro C920 – Best Time Lapse Camera For 3D Printing

• Price: Check price on Amazon here
• Resolution: 1080p
• FPS: 30 FPS
• Focus: Variable, autofocus
• Compatibility: Compatible with Octoprint
• Connectivity: USB

The Logitech C920 Pro HD’s clarity makes it one of the best webcams for monitoring 3D prints. 

In fact, while I originally bought it as a webcam, I now solely use it to record time lapses of 3D prints now – helped by the fact that, with the new MacOS, I can just use my iPhone’s Continuity Camera setting as a webcam instead!

There are many 1080p cameras around, but many come out with laggier footage due to low frame rates. Thankfully, this camera offers 1080p resolution and consistently shoots 30 fps in full HD. Many more expensive cameras don’t offer the same level of still images either, which the Logitech C920 does with its 15MP camera.

It’s also super easy to mount for recording your 3D prints. There’s a built-in tripod screw for mounting on different 3D printers, and it is also compatible with other mounting options. 

The motion detection tech features is also nice, so it just starts when your print gets going. Overall, it’s one of the best 3D printer cameras, and it’s ideal for time-lapses, general monitoring via OctoPrint or other plugins, and it doubles up as a general webcam for any emergency Zoom calls for work.

Wyze Cam – Best Affordable Camera for 3D Printing 

• Price: Check price on Amazon here
• Resolution: 1080p
• FPS: 30 FPS
• Focus: Fixed
• Compatibility: No Octoprint compatibility out of the box, but can be flashed to work
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi

Despite being a security camera designed to monitor homes for intruders, it has some useful features for 3D printing. 

Instead of wasting precious seconds of footage, it can be set to start recording when it senses motion, so it won’t start recording until the printing process starts, removing the need to turn it and configure capture whenever you need to record or monitor a print.

You can sidestep this with some clever firmware flashing (there are tutorials online), but this may be a little too hands-on for those that want a hassle-free option.

For any night filming in the dark, the Wyze Cam offers night vision technology. It shoots at 1080p at 30 fps to show every detail of that 3D print in progress.

Being able to operate this camera for 3D printing via voice command is great when you have your hands full. The Wyze Cam is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant which will make it easy to find out how much longer it is going to take before the print is finished.

The included app makes remote 3D print monitoring a breeze: if over-extrusion is causing problems early on, you can stop the print to save time and money whilst preventing a drooping mess from forming. The app can even be shared with family and friends if there is a project that you need someone else to keep an eye on.

The only downside to an otherwise complete, not to say affordable camera for 3D printing is that the Wyze Cam connectivity is limited to Wi-Fi. Though useful for untethered monitoring, it means the Wyze Cam won’t work with Octoprint out of the box despite being the best camera for monitoring 3D prints. 

Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000 – Best 3D Printer Camera For Beginners

• Price: Check price on Amazon here
• Resolution: 720p
• FPS: 30 FPS
• Focus: Fixed
• Compatibility: Compatible with Octoprint
• Connectivity: USB

It’s fair to say that the world of 3D printing can be more than a little intimidating for novices.

When it comes to print monitoring, an easy-to-use 3D printer camera like the Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000 takes some of the bite out of that learning curve. And, better yet, you can keep costs down by getting what is arguably the best webcam for 3D printing.

For a camera that is so compact, the HD-3000 records great quality, and smooth video. The 720p resolution might not be as impressive as some of the other options, but this is a camera known for being reliable.

Its wide-angle record will help to capture every part of the build area, even monitoring large build volumes that go right to your print bed’s edges. This, and 4x zoom, make it ideal for cinematic style recording.

Dull images are fine if you’re recording the printing of a cube, but hopefully your creations will be more exciting. Microsoft has included TrueColor technology to enhance the brightness. This makes it capable of keeping vibrant picture quality in different lighting.

Part of what makes 3D printing so fun is the social element. The HD-3000 features built-in social media sharing, so your time-lapses can be shared instantly with the click of a button. It’s easy to use, makes sharing your printing successes as easy as ever, and it’s easy on the wallet — what’s not to love?

GoPro Hero 8 – Best Picture Quality

• Price: Check price on Amazon here
• Resolution: 4K
• FPS: 60 FPS
• Focus: Fixed
• Compatibility: No Octoprint compatibility out of the box, but can be made to work with tinkering
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

The Hero 8 shoots 4K video at 60 fps, making it one of the best cameras for 3D printing if you’re looking for resolution and picture quality.

Given the quality of the capture, the GoPro Hero 8 is a perfect camera if you plan to upload your printing footage to YouTube, or use it for high-production-value content creation.

Despite having plenty to entice makers, the GoPro Hero 8’s connectivity only encompasses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which means no easy USB Octoprint compatibility. 

Now, the GoPro Hero 8 offers so many features that this won’t matter to most, but if Octoprint integration is top of your list of priorities, it’s possible to make it work. 

It takes some tinkering, but we’ve seen more than a few success stories across the internet. However, it’s not as beginner-friendly – and reserved for technical makers who don’t mind working towards that perfect print monitoring setup.

Even when shooting at the highest setting of 60 fps, it uses HyperSmooth technology to keep the image stable.

It can be difficult to get the whole image in a shot when setting a camera up and close to the 3D printer. Thankfully, the wide-angle lens that is synonymous with GoPro makes it perfect for close-ups. Capturing every detail seems to be the name of their game.

Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2

• Price: Check price on Amazon here
• Resolution: 1080p
• FPS: 30 FPS
• Focus: Adjustable
• Compatibility: Octoprint on Raspberry Pi
• Connectivity: Raspberry Pi and ribbon cable

The Raspberry Pi 3D printing camera is astonishingly compact — it weighs just 3 grams! It’s tiny, encompassing just 25 x 24 x 9mm, making it perfect for mounting into the printer’s bed.

The V2 offers the same quality pictures and video as many standalone cameras, with 1080p quality at 30 fps. This is all in full HD which makes its popularity within the 3D printing community unsurprising.

As the name implies, the Raspberry Pi Camera V2 requires a Raspberry Pi SBC to work. 

It attaches to the Pi via a ribbon, but from there it’s extremely straightforward and opens the door to more adventurous Pi/Printer/Octoprint combinations for the real enthusiasts out there. 

Buying a Pi does add to the overall cost, but at around $50, it’s worth the extra spend for a great set of features.

Because it is widely used to monitor 3D printing, there is plenty of online support for using the Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2. An active community helps to take a lot of the guesswork away so you can get the most out of the camera, and if you run into any issues, you can get help from others who have been in your position.

If you want to just take stills, the camera packs 8 megapixels for high-quality photos.

Everyone wants to create cool videos that can move with the print bed as it works its magic. The V2 allows you to keep the print central to the image, capturing every moment without anything falling out of the shot, and it’s so light that it won’t affect your printer’s stability. 

Creality Smart Kit 2.0 – Best Camera for Ender 3

• Price: Check price at Amazon here
• Resolution: 1080p
• FPS: N/A
• Focus: Fixed
• Compatibility: Compatible with Octoprint
• Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth

The Creality Smart Kit 2.0 is a 3D printer monitoring and remote control kit from Creality, meaning a perfect pairing with Creality printers, notably the classic Ender 3.

The kit includes a Creality Box 2.0 with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and USB connectivity that allows you to control and monitor prints via the Creality Cloud app with status and settings parameters. The app features a library of models, remote slicing, and the ability to send/receive files to/from the Ender 3. 

Though the Creality Cloud is both easy to use and packed with great features, monitoring is tied to the app, which limits the options for those wanting to fine-tune how the camera monitors to suit their needs.

Alongside, the kit ships with a full HD 1080p Creality webcam, which syncs up with Creality Cloud for remote capture of the printing process. It delivers both real-time video and a time-lapse function that makes the most of the 1080p capabilities to deliver sharp, clear images of the Ender 3 in action. 

The live capture offers a good-quality stream, that’s a lot more responsive and sharper than what you’d expect from a webcam. The printer also comes with a small tripod with flexible legs.

As the Creality Smart Kit 2.0 box has a USB port, it should technically be compatible with Octoprint, but given this is a new product from Creality, we’d suggest treading carefully if Octoprint integration is top of your priorities.

Overall, the Creality Smart Kit 2.0 is a great option for Ender 3 owners that want a monitoring setup that’s easy to install, simple to use, and want to monitor prints from their smartphone remotely.

Factors to consider when buying a camera for your 3D printer

There are two main ways of monitoring a 3D print; using a camera, or 3D printing software like OctoPrint. Here is how we separate the best from the ones worth avoiding:

Connectivity

USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth – these determine how the camera will communicate with your 3D printer, but also additional software you want to weave into your setup, including Octoprint, or even hardware, like a Raspberry Pi single-board computer.

If you want Octoprint integration, USB connectivity is key as it allows you to pair the printer and camera to Octoprint via a PC to monitor, print, and generally control the whole printing process via the program. 

There are workarounds if the camera only has Wi-Fi, but these are generally best left to more seasoned makers with experience flashing firmware and the like that the average user looking for easy, out-of-the-box functionality.

Software Compatibility

Raspberry Pi is one of the best hardware solutions since it makes it easy to control a 3D printer. A Raspberry Pi 3D printer camera will make it easier to use software like OctoPrint where you can control the printer remotely. 

Resolution & FPS

When it comes to cameras, resolution and FPS (frames per second) are a good way to gauge how well a camera captures video and stills. 

In terms of resolution, we don’t recommend anything lower than 720p, and even then, 1080p is the basic standard these days. 

1080p is sharp enough to really get a sense of what’s happening on the print bed, and allows you to spot failures and errors that may require your intervention. 

Options like the GoPro Hero 8 offer 4K resolution, which offers superb detail, but comes with a higher price tag. It’s worth considering whether you really need that extra quality, especially if you just want a camera for personal monitoring.

As for FPS, this comes down to preference. 30 FPS is what we view as the bottom threshold for decent quality, any lower and video becomes noticeably choppy, which makes monitoring tiresome and isn’t suited for those looking to upload videos of the printing process for friends or even YouTube content.

Community Support

The majority of the cameras we recommend aren’t specifically geared towards 3D printer monitoring. That’s not to say they aren’t suited to the job – on the contrary, they are all great options. 

Though, community support, including active forums, YouTube videos, and written guides should factor into your decision-making process to help with troubleshooting, setup, and fine-tuning.

What You Need to Use the Camera for

It’s important to take time before purchasing to consider what you need the camera for. This could be time-lapses, real-time monitoring, Octoprint integration, use alongside a Raspberry Pi, and so on.

For time-lapses, look for cameras with a high resolution to ensure a crisper and sharper image, and those that feature a dedicated time-lapse function, such as the Logitech HD Pro C920 and Creality Smart Kit 2.0.

For real-time monitoring, it’s a balance of resolution and FPS, with options like the GoPro Hero 8 and its 4K resolution rising to the top of the pile.

For Octoprint integration, connectivity is key, notably a USB port. While it’s possible to work around this with firmware tweaks and some clever troubleshooting, we recommend a camera with a USB port for convenience, especially for beginners.

For Raspberry Pi users, there’s no better options than the Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2. It’s designed specifically for the Pi, and is easy to set up and use alongside the single-board computer.

For real-time monitoring, movement sensors that trigger recording, night vision, and voice control like those found on the Wyze Cam, can really level up remote monitoring.

3D printer cameras are not to be confused with 3D cameras, which record 3D footage. We also have a ranking of the best 3D cameras.

Software

A camera for 3D printing is all well and good, but you’ll need software to monitor and record the printing process. There are several options available, and whether or not they are feasible comes down to the connectivity offered by the camera.

On one hand, we have software and apps that come alongside the camera, such as the Wyze app or Creality Cloud. These offer a streamlined and simple way to capture and monitor prints, though they have limitations, especially in tweaking the setup to suit your needs. Also, because they aren’t designed specifically for 3D printing and, therefore, may not have features like time-lapses.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are dedicated 3D printing programs, the most popular of which is Octoprint. Octoprint requires a single-board computer linked up with your printer and the camera, typically a Raspberry Pi, and allows you to control, monitor, and record prints remotely. There are alternatives out there that serve roughly the same purpose, such as AstroPrint and Repetier Server.

The final option is to connect the camera to a PC or laptop and use a remote access program such as TeamViewer to monitor the print progress remotely.

Here’s a quick round up of our favorites.

OctoPrint

OctoPrint lets you control and monitor the entire printing process from your browser remotely.

Better yet, there’s a wealth of plugins for OctoPrint to further enhance the program’s functionality, including time-lapses, firmware updates, leveling visualizers, and much more. 

For monitoring, there’s an embedded webcam feed alongside temperature monitoring, full start/stop/pause of the printing process, and much more.

Creality Cloud

Creality Cloud is an all-in-one cloud-based solution designed chiefly for Creality printers. It features a slicer, a huge library of models, and remote feed monitoring when paired with Creality Smart Kit 2.0. 

You can access it either from a browser or via the app on a smartphone for easy on-the-move monitoring. The only downside is that it’s optimized mostly for Creality’s own printers.

3D Printable Camera Mounts

Most cameras will require a mount of some kind to position it for capturing the printing process in all its glory. 

Fortunately, there are a range of 3D printable camera mounts you can download and print at home.

Model repositories have plenty of options for pretty much every setup you can think of: tripods, stands, brackets, sticks, clamps, and even articulated mounts for added flexibility.

3D Printer Camera Setup

The process for setting up a 3D printer camera differs depending on the camera and connection type, but also whether you’re using a third-party application like OctoPrint or the camera manufacturer’s own proprietary app or software.

That said, generally it involves connecting the camera to a host device such as a PC or laptop via USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, then following the installation wizard to complete the setup.

For OctoPrint, the process is more involved and generally requires setting up a Raspberry Pi alongside the camera. Install the Raspberry Pi imager onto the Raspberry Pi, then configure the camera in OctoPrint by inputting settings that correspond with your camera. 

Connect the camera to the Raspberry Pi and complete the setup process. From there, you can monitor the printing process from OctoPrint in your browser on your PC, phone, or other devices.

FAQs

What is the best camera to monitor 3D prints?

One of the best cameras to monitor 3D prints is the Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2. It features full integration with OctoPrint and a Raspberry Pi for easy print monitoring. The camera offers 1080p/30 FPS with an adjustable focus to capture the full extent of the printing process.

How can I remotely monitor my 3D printer?

To remotely monitor a 3D printer, you’ll need a camera, monitoring software, and in some cases a single-board computer like the Raspberry Pi. Linked together, these allow you to stream the printing process and access it remotely via an app or browser.

What cameras can you use with OctoPrint?

For a camera to work with OctoPrint, it needs to have USB output. This is so that it can connect to a Raspberry Pi that is itself also connected to the printer. USB webcams are a popular option as is the Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2.

Just a few short years ago, 3D printers were restricted to just your regular PLA and ABS filaments on any machine costing less than $30,000 or so.

Now, you’re able to print with nearly any material you want, on a desktop printer for about $1000. And one of the most exciting new options is Carbon Fibre composite filaments

It’s one of my favorite materials, with an incredible strength-to-weight ratio, good tensile strength, and resistance to corrosion and fatigue.

The best carbon fiber filament I’d recommend for most users is NylonX from Matterhackers. It offers the best performance for a majority of uses. It’s extremely durable, with a low friction coefficient and impressive heat stability

That said, XT CF20 Colorfabb is the cheapest option if you’re looking for a budget pick, why Onyx is an ultra-high-performance choice for pro prints.

We’ll also break down exactly what carbon fiber filament is so you can be sure carbon fiber is the right material for you before investing.

What is Carbon Filament?

It’s important not to get confused, or have unrealistic expectations here. Carbon fiber filament is not the same as the carbon fiber you might expect to find in high-performance race cars or aircraft. The processes, materials used, and the design are all completely different.

Typical fiber-based composites are large, long sheets of woven fibers sealed in a tough epoxy-based resin, not a re-meltable thermoplastic (like filaments are).

Frustratingly most CF (Carbon Fiber) filaments available at the moment are just PLA mixed with CF dust. Now, PLA is typically very brittle (certainly most varieties of it are) and adding another brittle material in the form of a powder essentially creates one of the most brittle printing materials you could think of. That’s Carbon Fiber PLA. 

That’s the reason (and I may get slated for this) you’re not going to find Carbon Fibre PLA filament in this “best of” article. That’s because PLA does not complement carbon.

For similar reasons, we’re not going to cover Carbon Fibre ABS filament here either.

A better use of your time (and money, because CF filament isn’t cheap) would be to choose a base material with excellent durability to counter Carbon’s potentially brittle (but very hard) nature. That way, you’ll be left with prints that exude rigidity, hardness, and durability. Which, let’s face it, is the golden set of properties for high-performance applications.

Using materials like PETG and Nylon, or other better performing resins, with small particles (or strands) of CF inside, makes a version of the material closer to what you’d expect. The base resin used, amount of CF, and size of the individual particles of carbon in the material affect a range of factors, including printability, cost, and finished part strength.

Make no mistake: the right blend of resin and CF can make a superior, hard, stiff, and durable material that will rival any other filament available for consumer-level FDM printing today. So for those projects where nothing else will do, carbon could be your go-to filament.

You can treat this article as a mini carbon fiber filament review. Let’s take a look at the 4 highest performance 3D printer carbon fiber filament varieties currently available on the market today:

ColorFabb XT CF20 (Carbon Fibre PETG Filament)

Price: Approx. £60/KG

Thought we’d kick things off with arguably the most well-known (and cheapest) CF material on this list. ColorFabb ‘XT’ is basically the same popular PETG (think PET in plastic bottles, but Glycol-modified for strength) but with a 20% fiber reinforcement.

As with all Carbon Fiber 3D filament, it’s important you use a hardened nozzle. A regular Brass nozzle will wear out in a few short hours of printing. XT CF20 is no different, so make sure you have some hardened nozzles to hand. It’s also worth bearing in mind most fiber or composite filaments are best printed with 0.5mm or larger nozzles. If the particles in the filament are not sufficiently nano-sized then blockages can occur easily on smaller nozzle sizes.

Similar to PLA, PETG filament is rather dense so naturally, XT has a higher-end density, coming in at 1.27 g/cm³. Not so much an issue when printing most things, but if weight is a concern you may be interested in lower density materials (like Nylon) that can be up to 20% lighter for the same volume.

ColorFabb is a known industry benchmark, promising tolerances of +/-0.05mm of their advertised 1.75mm or 2.85mm sizes. Generally, the tighter the tolerances, the cleaner your prints will look – so it’s worth watching out for. Tolerances that are too wide can even lead to blockages, so be wary of +/-0.10mm variances in cheaper filaments.

Other benefits of XT CF20, in line with PETG filaments, are low warp and good durability. It is worth taking into consideration the typical printing nuances of PETG for best results, which you can find more info on here.

MatterHackers NylonX (Carbon Fibre Nylon Filament)

Price: Approx. £110/KG

Although PETG-based CF filaments are significantly better than ABS or PLA-based composites, the ultimate harmony of materials is Nylon and CF combined. NylonX is MatterHacker’s take on this combination of Carbon Fiber Nylon Filament.

Nylon polymer is, we think, arguably the best material currently available to 3D print with for the majority of performance applications.

Nylon is one of those materials that just has it all. Extreme durability, great chemical and heat stability and a low friction coefficient to name a few properties. And with its great durability, it naturally makes for a perfect pairing with the otherwise fairly brittle CF.

Granted, Carbon Fiber 3D Printer filament has a rougher, matte finish, so the low friction advantage isn’t as good as non-composite Nylon, but it’s still a favorable factor over other base resin materials if this is a concern.

It’s worth noting though that all Nylon based filaments should always be dried before printing. Nylon filament is extremely hygroscopic and can absorb a lot of moisture in a short time frame. If you hear popping during printing, that’ll be too much moisture.

Again as with ColorFabb’s XT CF20 above, Nylon X diameter tolerances are a reasonable +/-0.05mm of the advertised size. This is a mid-range Nylon Carbon Fiber filament. 

Onyx (Nylon Carbon Fiber Filament)

Price: Approx. £200/KG

Another Nylon-based CF filament (can you see a trend here?) is this one from Onyx. These are the guys behind the impressive Markforged 2 continuous fiber 3D printer. Using a continuous fiber, the prints you can get are closer in strength to more recognized CF materials.

However, this continuous approach can only currently be done on the special Markforged printer. For comparison, their carbon continuous filament is priced at an eye-watering £2500/KG.

For everyone else, their original material ‘Onyx’ works in standard 3D printers and is simply a higher grade of Nylon and CF. It is similar to Nylon X (as above), but the quality is arguably more in keeping with what you’d expect from an ultra-high-performance material.

The only downside with this Carbon Nylon filament is the price, as it the most expensive filament in this comparison.

As to which carbon filament is for you, this is determined by what you’re actually needing it for and your budget.

We’ve covered a cheaper option, mid-range, and the high end of the market. We’ve not included it in this list, as we wanted it to be impartial, we’ve also created a Nylon 12 CF filament called Carbonyte which you can view here.

With consistent-sized nanoparticle carbon fibers, using pure high-grade Nylon 12 resin and extruded to ultra-tight tolerances of just 0.03mm+/-, you may well have found the high-performance material you’ve been looking for with Carbonyte. Our manufacturing controls and customer service are second to none.

You can watch Thomas Sanladerer’s video review of our Carbonyte here: 

These printers, sometimes called multifunction 3D printers or AIO 3D printers, feature removable tool heads that can be switched out to change their function. If you want to create a prototype and want to carve a wood model first, use the CNC machine, and then switch back to the 3D printer extruder to create the final plastic prototype.

Top 3-in-1 Pick For 3D Printing, CNC & Laser Cutting

Snapmaker 2.0 Modular 3 in 1 3D Printer A350T/A250T

$1169 ($600 off!)

Switch the toolheads within minutes to 3D print, CNC cut, and laser cut and engrave in one machine. You can even buy the higher-power 10W laser attachment, a 4-axis rotary add-on for cutting or engraving round objects, and more!

Snapmaker here

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Having tested dozens of 3D printers over the years, including our top pick, the Snapmaker 2.0, we’ve collated our findings into our top recommendations for 3-in-1 3D printers to help you make the best choice for you.

What is a 3-in-1 3D printer?

A 3-in-1 3D printer is a multifunction machine, usually including a CNC cutter, laser cutter/engraver, and an extruder for 3D printing. 

They use a modular system to swap between functions, and are best for hobbyists who want multiple tools while saving money and space. Some 3-in-1 printers actually have the capacity for more than 3 functions, such as including dual extruders, food extruders, and more.

The criteria we used to judge the best 3 in 1 3D printers

In rating the 3 in 1 3D printers we recommend below, we compared:

• 3D printer quality: most of these 3 in one 3D printers are made by 3D printer companies and are mostly focused on additive manufacturing. Therefore, the 3D printer’s quality is key.
• CNC mill power: some CNC machines cannot fully mill, but just engrave. More powerful CNC machines spin faster, can carve tougher materials, and work more accurately and for longer.
• Laser engraver power: as with the CNC machine, some all in 1 laser engraver 3D printers can only engrave, whereas others can cut through materials.
• How easy is it to change the tool heads: it’s all well and good having powerful tool heads that work perfectly, but if they’re too difficult or delicate to switch out, they may as well only have one function.
• Effectiveness of software: most of our recommendations feature specialized software that can slice models for 3D printing, and prepare CNC and laser projects. The best software is easy to use, yet effective and reliable across every function.

The Best All in 1 3D printers

Snapmaker 2.0 – comes in 3 forms: A150, A250 & A350

• Price: $770 – $1199 — Best price on Snapmaker Store here / Available on Amazon here
• Build volumes: A250 = 230 x 250 x 235 mm / A350 = 320 x 350 x 330 mm / F250 = 230 x 250 x 235 mm / F350 = 320 x 350 x 330 mm
• Max extruder temperature: 275°C for A models or 300°C for F models
• CNC spindle power: 50W
• Laser power: 1.6W (optional 10W add-on)
• Functionality: 3D Printing, CNC carving, laser cutting or engraving

The Snapmaker Original already made waves when it raised over $2.2M on Kickstarter, but the Snapmaker 2.0 completely obliterated that by becoming the most funded technology project in the history of Kickstarter, raising an astonishing $7.85M.

Its edge over the functionally superior Snapmaker Artisan is that it doesn’t cost anywhere near as much. The build volumes of every 2.0 model are smaller than the Artisan’s, but you can catch up to some of the Artisan’s other features with optional modules.

We have tested and reviewed the Snapmaker 2.0, and waxed lyrical about how great it was. It offers a fantastic 3D printing experience and a great CNC carving and laser option. Arguably you could even call it a 4-in-1 3D printer, as you can also buy the 4-axis rotary module add-on, which turns the laser and CNC tool heads into 360-degree, 4-axis versions. We carved cylindrical chess pieces, engraved cylinder gift boxes, and more with this add-on.

The 3D printer can print PLA, ABS and flexible filaments like TPU, and with WiFi connectivity, you can print remotely online, or offline using a USB. The portable and movable touchscreen used to operate the printer looks and acts like a smartphone, simplifying your workflow and making it easy to control and manage projects.

Whereas the Artisan comes with an enclosure, with the 2.0 you can choose to buy it as an add-on. With an enclosure, you can more easily print ABS to prevent warping — and it’ll keep dust in from CNC, and the laser light out of your eyes (still wear glasses though).

As a laser engraver, you can create contrasting images on fabrics, leather, plywood and acrylic materials.

I also tested it as a laser cutter, and managed to cut out and assemble a gift box from a thin sheet of soft wood 1.5mm thick.

The CNC machine can carve designs on walnut, PCB woods, as well as carbon fiber sheets, acrylic and hardwood. A key upgrade on the 2.0 is the increased speed, meaning that larger projects can be created in record time. For more information on the CNC and laser parts, you can read our breakdown of the Snapmaker 2.0 CNC and laser toolheads.

Overall, we highly recommend the Snapmaker 2.0 models, of which we tested the largest version — the Snapmaker 2.0 A350. You can optionally buy the enclosure, 4-axis rotary module, and the new 10W powerful laser toolhead, but we did not try the 10W laser add-on. That add-on comes with the Artisan by default.

Top 3-in-1 Pick For 3D Printing, CNC & Laser Cutting

Snapmaker 2.0 Modular 3 in 1 3D Printer A350T/A250T

$1169 ($600 off!)

Switch the toolheads within minutes to 3D print, CNC cut, and laser cut and engrave in one machine. You can even buy the higher-power 10W laser attachment, a 4-axis rotary add-on for cutting or engraving round objects, and more!

Snapmaker here

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Snapmaker Artisan – Premium but reasonably priced

• Price: $2,900 — Available at Snapmaker here
• Build Volume: 350 x 400 x 400 mm
• Max extruder temperature: 300°C
• CNC spindle power: 200W
• Laser power: 10W
• Functionality: 3D Printing, CNC carving, laser cutting or engraving

The Snapmaker Artisan was hyped up long before its official release, and with good reason. It promptly won Snapmaker the CES innovation award for its high-quality, premium modular design.

If there’s a 3D printer 3-in-1 option that could be used for genuine business or industrial purposes, it would be the Artisan. It’s equipped with a 200W CNC spindle, 10W laser, and dual extruders for printing with multiple materials at once.

The high-power laser means it can do heavier laser cutting instead of just laser engraving and light cutting – and with a 200W spindle, you can use materials like wood, acrylics, and even jade. The Artisan is essentially a direct upgrade to the popular Snapmaker 2.0 models, with better specs in almost every category.

There’s one area where the Artisan falls behind the Snapmaker 2.0 models: it has no filament runout sensor or auto bed-leveling. Without these user-friendly features, the Artisan can be a little harder to pick up. For more, check out our article comparing both Snapmaker 2.0 and Snapmaker Artisan (and the Snapmaker J1).

It’s technically a downgrade compared to the ZMorph Fab’s 300W spindle, but that won’t be relevant for most hobbyists (or even professionals) since it outclasses the ZMorph in laser power and max extruder temperature. It also has a significantly larger build volume at 350 x 400 x 400 mm.

Still, it’s a stretch to say it beats out the ZMorph in 3D printing prowess. The Artisan has an edge with the inclusion of dual extruders in the base model and an enclosed design. On the other hand, the ZMorph can use a dual extruder module and even a thick paste extruder module for 3D printing food. There’s a tradeoff either way.

If you’re looking for a 3-in-1 machine with strong capabilities in every sector, then the Artisan can deliver. It’s very much a premium machine, though. Buying the Artisan could be overkill, especially if you won’t make use of the higher-power CNC and laser modules, dual extrusion, or large build volume.

ZMorph Fab — 4 in 1 3D printer

• Price: $2,000 – $4,050 for the full set — Available on Matterhackers here
• Build Volume: 250 x 235 x 165 mm
• Max extruder temperature: 250°C
• CNC spindle power: 300W
• Laser power: 2.8W
• Functionality: 3D Printing, CNC carving, laser cutting or engraving, food printing

ZMorph makes some of the most versatile all-in-1 3D printers around, which makes it an amazing Snapmaker alternative. 

The different variations of the ZMorph Fab are able to 3D print, CNC machine, engrave and laser cut, and can even be switched into a food 3D printer using a thick paste extruder. This edible material option can print chocolate, as well as other similar materials like icing and cooking dough.

ZMorph 3D printers are famed for their reliability and workhorse-like qualities, and the Fab is no different. It’s a great 3D printer, with a high-quality heated bed that can comfortably 3D print ABS, HIPS, and other tougher filaments like Nylon. The printer can level itself automatically, and turn from a 3D printer to laser engraver or CNC router with ease.

The catch is that what you can do is dependent on which version you purchase. There are a few different Fab models, and all of them are tiered with increasingly more functions (and expense). 

For example, you could purchase the ZMorph Fab 5-in-1 set for five unique functions– including food printing, dual extrusion, regular single extrusion printing, CNC cutting, and laser engraving. This costs significantly more than the Snapmaker Artisan.

Alternatively, you can purchase cheaper versions with fewer functions if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the extras. ZMorph places the power in your hands so you can choose the best multifunctional printer for you.

Additionally, with the dual head option, the ZMorph performs well as a dual extruder 3D printer, able to 3D print multiple colors, or soluble support materials such as HIPS and PVA, and even blend two colors together for multiple different shades in one part.

The 3D laser printer CNC hybrid can be adjusted to print both 1.75mm and 3mm filaments, and has a large enough build area to print even the largest of projects.

Using ZMorph’s CNC tool head, the ZMorph becomes a powerful CNC mill 3D printer that can mill and engrave almost any type of wood, as well as other materials like acrylic glass and EVA foam.

The 300W CNC head mills at a rate of 120mm/s, and ZMorph lists a cutting depth of up to 0.5mm. These specs are even better than the Snapmaker Artisan.

The Laser PRO tool head turns the Fab into a laser engraver 3D printer capable of burning and engraving plywood and many other types of wood, cardboard, leather, and acrylic glass using its powerful yet compact 2.8W blue laser.

Unlike the Artisan’s 10W laser, it’s best suited for engraving rather than cutting. Still, it has enough power to be compatible with a wide range of materials. Though the default speed is 15mm/s, the laser can work up to 120mm/s for faster engraving.

ZMorph’s Voxelizer 2 software acts as a 3D slicer for 3D printing parts, as well as offering CAD CAM software features for CNC and laser cutting models, all in one. Overall, it’s a fantastic and extremely versatile all-in-one 3D printer, and the closest available option to a full manufacturing suite machine.

Buying Guide: Factors To Consider When Buying a 3-in-1 3D Printer

3D Printer Quality

Key points that impact your overall 3D printing experience include auto bed-leveling, a filament runout sensor, and the type of build plate (usually flexible magnetic plates are the best, with tempered glass as a close second).

The max extruder temperature also affects which filaments you can use. Finally, an enclosure lets you manage internal temperatures better, such as ABS and Nylon.

If you’re really just looking for some add-on tools to your 3D printing, you should prioritize the machine with the best 3D printing specs. In this case, the Snapmaker Artisan is all-around the best thanks to its enclosed design, dual extrusion, high-temp resistant extruder, and glass build plate.

The Artisan lacks a runout sensor or auto leveling, but the pros still outweigh the cons – especially when you consider the relative ease of installing a runout sensor yourself.

CNC Cutter Quality

Most multifunction printers have some type of CNC module, but they aren’t made equal. Keep in mind the max recommended depth and the wattage of the mill, since they’ll both impact material compatibility.

An enclosure doesn’t hurt, either. It can keep shavings from flying out, and helps make cleanup a breeze. The ZMorph Fab offers the absolute best CNC cutting module out of all the 3-in-1 3D printer CNC cutters out there.

It has a much higher wattage and a decent depth. You’ll be able to cut through acrylics, a variety of wood types, and even some stone. So, for a CNC printer, the Fab is your best bet.

Laser Engraver Quality

Laser engraver modules are similar to CNC cutter modules in that power will dictate whether you can use the module for general laser cutting, or if you’ll mostly be stuck with engraving. Again, an enclosure can help by keeping laser glare out of your eyes.

If you’re a huge fan of laser engraving, then you should prioritize the quality of the laser module. But that doesn’t mean you need to go overkill. 

Consider the ZMorph Fab’s 2.8W laser if all you need is engraving, or the default Snapmaker 2.0’s 1.6W laser. For more cutting potential, go for a Snapmaker machine with the 10W laser attachment.

Software Effectiveness

Effective software is always important in a hobby machine, and the software for a 3-in-1 printer needs to handle three times the functionality. You’ll want to make sure the product you buy has user-friendly, expansive software that will carry you through the process with as few hiccups as possible.

Snapmaker uses Luban, which we found to be an amazing option for beginners or more experienced users alike. It feels a lot like Cura, but for a multifunction printer with CNC and laser module file preparation. 

Luban has all the main points of functionality that you would need in a streamlined package: settings changes, simple edits, and importing files from a range of file types. It’s also really easy to use for 4-axis CNC and laser engraving.

ZMorph uses Voxelizer 2. It isn’t a bad option by any means, and is fully capable of handling everything you’ll need for the modules ZMorph offers. Voxelizer 2 has a similar range of functionality. Between these two software, it might come down to a matter of personal preference or familiarity. We suggest checking out a video or two just to see what they’re like.

Function Options

Although most 3-in-1 printers will have laser printing and/or CNC cutting, there are other add-ons that are only available on certain machines.

For example, dual extrusion might be a priority for you. You’ll likely be better off purchasing a machine that comes with dual extrusion but leaves out some of the fancier functions, instead of trying tacking a dual extrusion module onto the already expensive ZMorph Fab.

The ZMorph Fab’s optional thick paste extruder, though, is one of the few options out there for food printing on a multifunction printer. If you really want that function, the Fab is great.

Work Space

Whether printing food, regular old filament, cutting up pieces of jade, or laser-engraving a leather pouch, your work area matters. You should always make sure that you’re selecting a machine with enough build volume to keep you satisfied with your options.

If you choose a printer that’s too small, then you’ll be sorely limited in what types of projects you can print or carve. On the flip side, it’s possible to have a machine that’s really just too large to fit into your limited hobby space.

Although it could be seen as bulky, the Snapmaker Artisan offers the most build volume and work area regardless of which module you’re putting to work. Tragically, the ZMorph Fab is the smallest despite having good specs.

Price Value

3-in-1 printers aren’t cheap, so you’ll need to know that you’re getting the best value for your money. The fact that the Snapmaker 2.0 models and the ZMorph Fab allow you more customizability is great for picking the exact specs you want without overpaying.

In the case that you want solid CNC, laser, and 3D printing functionality, though, you’re best off purchasing the Artisan. It’s similar in price to a decked-out 2.0 model, but cheaper than most Fab models. Plus, you’ll be getting solid results for all three functions.

If you’re mainly planning to use one other function aside from 3D printing, try to go for a Snapmaker 2.0 or ZMorph Fab depending on which has the function you want. It’s going to be better for you to just save the money instead of investing in a 3-in-1 that you’ll use like a 2-in-1.

Do you need a specialist all-in-one machine?

While the options we recommend are specifically designed for multi-tool use, you also have other options.

For example, there are a range of Ender 3 laser engraver attachments that you can switch out the extruder for – but you still miss out on the CNC toolhead that you’d get with a true 3-in-1 machine.

There are also a range of low-cost CNC routers that come as 2-in-1 kits, where you can switch the CNC head out for a laser.

FAQs

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

• Our guide to the best 3D pens
• Our guide to the best 3D scanners
• The complete dual extruder 3D printer buyer’s guide
• Our ranking of the best FDM 3D printers
• The Best Free CNC Software

This is why controller board upgrades are so popular, opening the door to Wi-Fi connectivity, a heated bed, an upgrade to 32-bit for faster processing, or reducing noise and improving accuracy by switching up the micro-stepping.

Best for Ender printers	Premium pick	Best affordable pick
BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board	Duet 3 Mini 5+ Printer Controller	Makerbase MKS Robin Nano V3.1 32Bit Control Board
4.2	4.5	4.4
$59.99$44.99	$175.28	$89.99$72.59
Input Power: 12 V / 24 V	Input Power: 11 V / 25 V	Input Power: 24 V
Architecture: 32-bit	Architecture: 32-bit	Architecture: 32-bit
Microcontroller: STM32G0B1RET6	Microcontroller: STM32G0B0RE	Microcontroller: STM32F407VET6
Connectivity: Mini-USB, Micro SD Card	Connectivity: USB, Micro SD Card	Connectivity: Mini-USB, Micro SD-Card
Compatibility: Most Creality printers - Ender 3, CR-10, CR-10S5	Compatibility: Most printers, but notably Delta printers with complex movements	Compatibility: Most consumer-grade 3D printers from brands like Anycubic and Creality
Amazon here	Amazon here	Amazon here

Best for Ender printers

BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board

4.2

$59.99$44.99

Input Power:

12 V / 24 V

Architecture:

32-bit

Microcontroller:

STM32G0B1RET6

Connectivity:

Mini-USB, Micro SD Card

Compatibility:

Most Creality printers - Ender 3, CR-10, CR-10S5

Amazon here

Premium pick

Duet 3 Mini 5+ Printer Controller

4.5

$175.28

Input Power:

11 V / 25 V

Architecture:

32-bit

Microcontroller:

STM32G0B0RE

Connectivity:

USB, Micro SD Card

Compatibility:

Most printers, but notably Delta printers with complex movements

Amazon here

Best affordable pick

Makerbase MKS Robin Nano V3.1 32Bit Control Board

4.4

$89.99$72.59

Input Power:

24 V

Architecture:

32-bit

Microcontroller:

STM32F407VET6

Connectivity:

Mini-USB, Micro SD-Card

Compatibility:

Most consumer-grade 3D printers from brands like Anycubic and Creality

Amazon here

However, with so many controller board options out there, it can be tricky figuring out which board best fits your needs.

In this guide, I’ll explain how controller boards work, why an upgrade will level up your printer, and then offer my recommendations for the best 3D controller boards, pooled from the 3DSourced team’s years of collective experience and knowledge.

What Are 3D Printer Controller Boards, and What Do They Do?

A 3D printer controller board is a PCB nested in your printer that dictates and conducts all instructions, much like a PC motherboard. Without a controller board, a 3D printer wouldn’t know how to print – you can consider it the 3D printer’s brain.

The controller board interprets G-Code (the printing instructions produced during the slicing process) and transforms it into precise functions and motion enacted by the stepper motors, USB port, hot end, firmware, thermistors, fans, display, sensors, and every other piece of hardware with an electric current surging through it.

3D printer controller boards differ from other types of controllers, such as CNC controllers and single-board computers like a Raspberry Pi, because they are designed specifically to handle the demands, hardware, and functionality of 3D printers.

Why Upgrade Your 3D Printer Motherboard?

Now that we have an understanding of 3D printer controller boards, the question is, why upgrade your 3D printer motherboard? 

Well, there are serious benefits, including:

• Faster processing of more complex G-Code, for better and faster printer performance. 
• Supporting better stepper drivers to reduce stepper motor noise and smooth motion, or more power to install dual Z-axis stepper motors. 
• Improved stability and less unwanted jerk and movement, from better microstepping. 
• The power to handle the enhancements offered by the latest firmware upgrade for your printer. 

And, Wi-Fi, automatic bed leveling, a direct drive extruder system, and a heated bed are also popular upgrades that might require a new controller board.

So, how do you know if you need a controller board upgrade? 

Does your 3D printer act as a bottleneck, or prevent you from completing certain printing projects? Or, do you want extras like WiFi, but your board can’t hack it? If so, consider a controller board upgrade.

Though diving into the innards of your printer sounds daunting, it’s actually fairly simple, and you can comfortably replace and upgrade your controller board in an afternoon.

However, upgrading the controller board may void your 3D printer’s warranty. Check the fine print on your manufacturer’s website before proceeding if you’re concerned.

How much do 3D printer controller boards cost?

A new controller board can cost as little as $40, but more premium boards can cost several hundred dollars. I have picked out my top picks in every price range for this article.

Other than a standard set of tools like screwdrivers, most controller board kits come with everything you need for the upgrade. Though, you may need new connectors if you’re upgrading to Wi-Fi or a different extruder system. 

The Best 3D Printer Controller Boards

SKR Mini E3 V3 – Best Ender 3 Replacement 3D Printer Controller Board

• Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
• Input Power: 12 V / 24 V
• Architecture: 32-bit
• Microcontroller: STM32G0B1RET6
• Connectivity: Mini-USB, Micro SD Card
• Compatibility: Most Creality printers – Ender 3, CR-10, CR-10S5

Nowadays, the original Ender 3 shows its age, lacking features like automatic bed leveling and filament detection. The SKR Mini E3 V3 is a cost-effective controller board replacement that upgrades the Ender 3 to modern standards.

The biggest shift is to a 32-bit architecture, drastically upping the Ender 3’s processing speed for more punctual G-Code processing. Siding this are TMC2209 stepper drivers that reduce stepper motor noise levels, alongside an ARM Cortex M0 processor and STM32G0B1RET6 microcontroller, far outclassing the Ender 3’s original board. It has a much faster CPU (64 MHz vs the old 16MHz CPUs in Ender 3) and more memory.

Looking at the expanded I/O on the board, the SKR Mini E3 V3 features three fan ports, Micro-USB, automatic bed leveling probe, filament detection, power-off resume, automatic shutdown, 3.3V and 5V SPI output, RGB strips, and five stepper motors including dual Z-axis motors. 

These cover all the most popular upgrades for the Ender 3, gearing you up for any you might want to take on. It’s compatible with both Marlin and Klipper firmware, with more than serviceable pre-compiled code ready to go from Bigtreetech. 

Overall, the SKR Mini E3 V3 is one of the best Ender 3 controller board upgrades – though we recommend another Creality controller board further in this article.

Best for Ender printers

BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board

$59.99 $44.99

Amazon here

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05/25/2023 04:23 am GMT

SKR 3 – Best Versatile 3D Printer Controller Board

• Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
• Input Power: 12 V / 24 V
• Architecture: 32-bit
• Microcontroller: STM32H743VIT6
• Connectivity: USB, Micro SD Card
• Compatibility: Broad compatibility with printers like the Ender 3, Ender 5, CR10, Biqu B1

At $70, the SKR 3 is an affordable and versatile 3D printer controller board compatible with a huge selection of printers from big brands like Creality, Anycubic, and Biqu. 

To illustrate that versatility, the SKR 3 houses everything needed to upgrade to a dual extruder system or pair your printer with a Raspberry Pi, for example. 

Under the hood, it’s powered by either a 480 MHz STM32H743VIT6 or a 550 MHz STM32H723VGT6, both with 32-bit architecture, giving most 3D printers a major processing boost.

A look at the I/O gives us ports for up to three fans, an automatic bed leveling probe, filament sensor detection, a Wi-Fi mod port (expansion card required), PT100 thermistors wiring, power outage detection, power-on resume, dual-axis stepper motors, and micro-USB.

However, the SKR 3 isn’t what we’d described as a plug-and-play board suitable for beginners. It’s an enthusiast board for those that want robust foundations for a bespoke printer.

Also, a warning: the rev A run was plagued by stepper driver issues, so make sure you buy the rev B version, which fixes those problems. Klipper, Marlin, and RepRap all pair well with the board.

BIGTREETECH SKR 3 EZ Control Board 32bit

$95.99

Amazon here

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05/25/2023 04:33 am GMT

Duet 3 Mini 5+ – Best Premium 3D Printer Controller Board

• Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
• Input Power: 11 V / 25 V
• Architecture: 32-bit
• Microcontroller: STM32G0B0RE
• Connectivity: USB, Micro SD Card
• Compatibility: Most printers, but notably Delta printers with complex movements

Priced at $170, the Duet 3 Mini 5+ certainly isn’t cheap, but it’s a significant upgrade on the previous controller boards I’ve discussed.

The I/O is worth writing home about. It bundles in four fans, five stepper motor ports (plus expansion for two additional motors), Wi-Fi or LAN (depending on the variant), a CAN-FD bus for further expansion boards, a dedicated high-speed bus for a single-board computer like a Raspberry Pi, and three high-power PWM outputs to power a heated bed and even dual extruders. 

Elsewhere, it has three PT1000 thermistor inputs, ports for end-stops, automatic bed leveling, filament runout detection, and power outage detection. Powering all this is a 32-bit ARM Cortex M4 and TMC2209 stepper drivers capable of 256 micro-stepping, along with support for StallGuard 2 and StealthChop2.

But, where the Duet 3 Mini 5+ really stakes its claim is the unique RepRapFirmware 3, which makes it compatible with Delta printers and other less common motion technologies, expansion boards, and plug-ins to fine-tune the board to your liking.

Premium pick

Duet 3 Mini 5+ Printer Controller

$175.28

Amazon here

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05/25/2023 04:38 am GMT

Creality V4.2.7 – Best 3D Printer Controller Board For Ender Printers

• Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
• Input Power: 24 V
• Architecture: 32-bit
• Microcontroller: STM32F103RET6
• Connectivity: Mini-USB, Micro SD-Card
• Compatibility: Mostly Creality printers like the Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro, Ender 3 V2, and Ender 5

Similar to the SKR Mini E3 V3, the Creality V4.2.7 controller board is another option for those looking to spruce up a stock Ender 3, and produced by Creality themselves.

It’s a significant improvement of the stock boards found in most Ender 3s, with additional features like ports of an automatic bed leveling probe, filament runout, silent TMC2225 stepper drivers for much quieter printing, a Micro-USB, four stepper motor ports, two thermistors, three endstops, and three fans. 

You may not need it if you have the latest and most powerful Ender printers. I own the Ender 3 S1 Pro, and have also tested and reviewed the Ender 3 V2 Neo recently on 3DSourced, and they’re both solid printers. But if you have a base Ender 3 or Ender 5, they’re showing their age at this point.

However, the biggest difference is the switch to 32-bit architecture, boosting max print speeds and upping precision. The board also bundles safety features, including thermal runaway detection and protection. It’s easy to install, has a pre-installed bootloader for easy firmware flashing, and supports Marlin 2.0.

It’s not the most feature-rich board – and isn’t useful if you’ve already got a decent-powered 3D printer. But, for those running an older Ender 3, the Creality V4.2.7 offers a well-rounded upgrade path to convenience features like silent printing and automatic bed leveling.

Official Creality 3D Printer Ender 3 Upgraded Silent Board Motherboard V4.2.7

$53.99 $49.99

Amazon here

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05/25/2023 05:23 am GMT

MKS Robin Nano V3.1 – Best Affordable 3D Printer Controller Board

• Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
• Input Power: 24 V
• Architecture: 32-bit
• Microcontroller: STM32F407VET6
• Connectivity: Mini-USB, Micro SD-Card
• Compatibility: Most consumer-grade 3D printers from brands like Anycubic and Creality

The MKS Robin Nano V3.1 is a solid option for those looking for a 3D printer controller board to uplift an aging board of budget printers from the likes of Creality and Anycubic.

It sports a 32-bit architecture and ARM chip, boosting clock speed to 168 MHz and upping the flash to 195 KB and RAM to 192 KB (ideal if you’re looking to upgrade a slower 8-bit board), an STM32F407VET6 microcontroller, and a respectable spread of ports and options courtesy of the I/O. 

It has six stepper motor ports, power off detection, dual filament runout detection, automatic bed leveling, four endstop ports, automatic shutdown, heated bed, two extruder ports, Wi-Fi, USB, SD Card, and dual fan ports. With these, you could conceivably add a BL Touch ABL upgrade, dual extruders, and wire in a robust set of other sensors.

I highly recommend going for the 3.1 version, which features resistance and Schottky protection. It protects against abnormal current, while producing less heat and maintaining input integrity in normal conditions. Basically, these give you peace of mind.

The board doesn’t have soldered stepper drivers, but supports a wide range of drivers thanks to UART3 support. For example, you can insert TMC2209, TMC2208, or TMC2225 stepper drivers into the board. It also allows you to change single stepper drivers if you burn them, without replacing the whole board. Most sellers provide 5 stepper drivers with the board, but you can also buy your own. It’s compatible with the usual firmware options, including Marlin 2.0, Reprap, and Klipper, giving you options for how you want to code and set up the board.

Best affordable pick

Makerbase MKS Robin Nano V3.1 32Bit Control Board

$89.99 $72.59

Amazon here

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05/25/2023 05:34 am GMT

Buying Guide – Things to consider when choosing a control board for your 3D printer

Hardware and Firmware Compatibility

Your 3D printer’s firmware processes and translates software instructions into and outputs them to the printer’s hardware. Not all firmware supports all features and hardware. 

So, though there are ways to mitigate compatibility issues, it’s important to check your board is compatible with your chosen firmware. 

Similarly, boards are only compatible with certain firmware. When selecting a board, check what firmware is supported, generally a combination of Killper, Reprap, and Marlin firmware.

Processing Power and Architecture

You’ll want a 32-bit board as standard. Most boards these days are 32-bit, but it’s worth double-checking to avoid buying an aging 8-bit board by accident.

The main benefit is that 32-bit architecture comes with a higher clock speed, more flash memory, and more RAM – all important factors to speed up G-code processing times and reduce print times, but also cater to more advanced features like dual extruders, automatic bed leveling, and Wi-Fi.

Stepper Drivers

Not all 3D printer controller boards come with stepper drivers. However, they’re needed for the board to power and control the stepper motors that move the printer’s axes. 

For convenience, we recommend opting for a board with built-in drivers, but another option is to buy these as add-on chips, which come in a variety of micro-stepping rates – or, put differently, movement precisions.

A higher microstep results in less noise and reduces vibrations when the print head is in motion, which means more precise, detailed, and accurate prints. We recommend TMC stepper motors – the gold standard in the 3D printing world and at least 1/16 microstepping.

Generally, more precise stepper motors cost more, and it’s important also to check that your chosen firmware is compatible with the modes loaded onto the stepper motors, otherwise they’ll struggle to work properly.

Ease of Installation

Installing a 3D printer controller board upgrade isn’t as complicated as it sounds. That said, buying a drop-in replacement optimized for your specific 3D printer model definitely simplifies the process. 

Also, check whether the board has an established community of users who’ve turned their experience into in-depth guides – this makes things MUCH easier.

Similarly, for an easier experience, opt for boards that come with pre-compiled firmware code and robust installation instructions and documentation. Arguably the most challenging part of installing a new controller board is the firmware, so removing hours of tinkering makes the process much smoother.

Cables and Connectors

The selection of accessories that ship with a factory-fresh controller board is somewhat of a mixed bag. Some manufacturers provide every type of connector you’ll need, while others give you nothing but the board. 

Check before buying whether you’ll need to order a set of cables and connectors, and buy accordingly. In some cases, you may find that the existing cables mounted on your old motherboard are enough. Of course, if your plans include advanced features, factor in the cost of extra cables.

Warranty and Technical Support

As with any consumer product, check the warranty (if any). Hardware issues do creep up every so often, and the peace of mind of knowing that you can call in a replacement with little hassle more than makes up for it.

As controller boards are third-party parts, finding decent technical support isn’t common, but this is where an established community of users comes in. 

The most popular boards I recommend have pages and pages across the internet with solutions to your issues – while for more niche controller boards, you’ll struggle to find help.

Dimensions

An obvious one for many, but check your board’s dimensions against the board housing on your 3D printer to ensure a good fit. Drop-in replacement boards for your specific printer will be fine, but if you’re looking at more versatile boards, make sure to check beforehand. 

I don’t know about you, but having to hack away at the board chassis to make space for a larger board isn’t what I want to spend my weekend doing…

Additional Features and I/O

3D printer controller boards come with a huge range of features and I/O ports: automatic bed leveling, filament runout detection, power resume, stepper motor ports, endstops, thermistors, fans, and other sensors. 

These determine whether the controller supports all the existing features on your printer, and what new features you can add to the printer once the board is installed, such as dual extruders or a BL Touch probe auto-leveling 3D printer upgrade.

It’s important to check that the I/O lines up with your plan. A good way to check this is to take your existing controller board’s specs, check the I/O, and buy a replacement board that matches (and ideally exceeds) these specs to give you upgrade options, with ports for your planned upgrades.

This also extends to connectivity (USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, SBC expansion slot, SD Card), especially if you plan to pair your printer with a Raspberry Pi, Octoprint, or control it directly from a PC rather than by loading your sliced 3D file onto a USB key or SD Card.

Advanced Features

Advanced features include high microstep rates, such as 1/256 offered by the very best stepper drivers out there, Wi-Fi, support for UART and SPI drivers, higher voltages, CAN-buses, and more. 

They’re expensive, and are often unnecessary – so avoid spending too much on advanced features you simply won’t use. (There’s an argument that it’s worth having these to future-proof your board and printer for future advancements in the tech, but as the history of consumer 3D printing has taught us, it’s hard to predict the future with any certainty.)

In my opinion, it all comes down to budget: if you have the case to spare, by all means splash out, but if you’re on a tight budget, you likely won’t miss out on much for at least a few years.

Price

Fortunately, as 3D printer upgrades go, controller boards are generally affordable, especially at the lower end of the pricing scale. 

Prices start at around $40 for a decent budget option, rising to over $200 for a premium control board. For most users, a budget board is more than enough and has the features, I/O, and other specs you’ll need to make the most common upgrades to your printer.

FAQs

3D software modeling tools range from being easy to use by even the newest of beginners to pro-level software that can take years to learn – so it’s important to pick one that matches your skill level.

I’d recommend Daz 3D as the best free 3D modeling software overall due to its massive library of pre-built elements, allowing users to assemble amazing characters and scenes quickly.

However, complete beginners should opt for TinkerCAD. It’s a very intuitive – albeit limited – tool with a way shorter learning curve, making it perfect for hobbyists who want to easily create basic 3D models.

In this guide compare the 12 most popular free 3D modeling programs I’ve tested across all the important criteria – device compatibility, features, ease of use – as well as any hidden quirks you should know about.

So let’s work out which is right for you.

Best Free 3D Modeling Software 2023: Criteria

Here are some of the criteria we used to evaluate the best free 3D modeling software tools for 2023:

• Ease of use: free software tools are often used by beginners so this is important.
• Depth of 3D software: being easy to use because there isn’t much you can do with the software doesn’t count as a plus. The ideal free 3D modeling software tool is not only easy to learn and use, but with a wide and deep range of tools to create professional 3D models.
• Novelty: a ranking of ten 3D software tools that perform the exact same function is boring. Bonus points were given to a 3D software program that took a completely new approach to creating 3D designs.

1. Daz 3D: Daz Studio

• Price: Free, with extra downloadable premium assets

Daz 3D, creators of Daz Studio, offers some of the most fascinating and accessible innovations in the 3D software industry. Daz Studio is a powerful 3D creation and rendering tool that streamlines many of the medium’s more technical aspects, such as animating, posing, setting up lighting, and rendering.

They also host a massive online library full of Daz-ready content created by professional artists, allowing you to assemble amazing characters and scenes quickly. It’s helpful for hobbyists and professionals alike, and can be downloaded for free.

A few features that make Daz Studio stand out include:

Premier Characters and Content

Daz’s character range and toolset really stood out for us. Their Genesis 8.1 Male and Female characters take center stage for character design — high-definition 3D figures that can be posed, animated, dressed, and customized easily using Daz’s morphing system and modular system. You can morph your Genesis Character’s physical appearance in so many ways, by mixing, matching, and blending content to create unique characters ready for photo-realistic rendering.

Face Transfer and Morphing

Have you ever wanted to see what you’d look like if you were half hippo? Or how you’d look with crazy new hair? Daz 3D’s Face Transfer allows you to do all those things – and more.

Simply take a photo of yourself and upload it; the software will take care of all 3D rendering to create an accurate 3D model of your face, with all the intricacies of your face fully adjustable as you transfer. Your bone structure will adjust accurately as you morph your 3D model, no matter how outlandish your changes are. Once you’re satisfied with your half-hippo look, you can animate yourself and make your character dance!

You aren’t limited to just half-and-half morphs either. Feel free to customize and morph any two figures – for example an alien and a werewolf – and create something 80% one character, and 20% the other. The possibilities really are endless. Of course, you can also use this to create unique, lifelike characters as well.

While the FaceTransfer feature is limited to 3 free renders without any watermarks in Daz Studio, users can enjoy the freedom of character morphs, which are how you customize and tweak physical appearances in Studio.

dForce Simulated Physics

Another innovative tool available in the free-to-download Daz Studio is their dForce hair and cloth simulating feature. With Daz Studio you can intuitively replicate stunning and lifelike cloth and hair movement.

Intricate aspects of clothes and hair move based on gravity, wind, and any character movement, and can be simulated to a hyper-realistic level. So, whether you want to have a running character’s clothes move in the wind, or an athlete’s hair adjust as they jump, you can do it all with dForce. Despite being such an advanced feature, you get full dForce access within Daz Studio for free.

Daz 3D has a number of tutorials and examples on site, and while Daz Studio is free to download, they have a range of premium 3D models and assets, such as people or animals of all shapes and sizes, you can purchase too.

2. TinkerCAD — best free 3D modeling software for beginners

• How free is it: Completely free!
• Company based: USA
• Accessibility: Browser-based 3D software

One of the many 3D software tools offered by 3D CAD software giant Autodesk, TinkerCAD is a deceptively deep tool. Though it looks fairly basic due to how easy it is to use, TinkerCAD has proved time and time again that it is up with the best free 3D modeling software out there for creating 3D models.

Utilizing what some might consider to be basic shapes, TinkerCAD allows you to create detailed 3D models by connecting different shapes together. The learning curve is far shorter than some of the more in-depth 3D software out there, making TinkerCAD the perfect 3D modeling software for beginners or children. It’s ideal for teaching kids 3D printing by creating models to print.

Further showing TinkerCAD’s ease of use, it’s the most used 3D modeling software in schools and classes worldwide. As a free online 3D modeling software, it’s browser based so you can get started in minutes without any complex or lengthy downloads. What’s more, you can download the TinkerCAD app and play around with your favorite models on your smartphone or tablet!

Though Autodesk make a number of different software for various industries, TinkerCAD is perfect for beginners who want to play around with 3D design software and maybe make something cool. You can then export your models as STL files or any other file format, and send them to a 3D printer to be 3D printed. Though once you gain more experience you may want to advance to something more complex like AutoCAD, TinkerCAD is a great place to start your 3D design career.

3. 3D Slash — easy free 3D modeling software for beginners

• Price: Free, with a $2/m premium version available

Ideal for complete beginners, 3D Slash feels less like a conventional (and perhaps intimidating!) 3D modeling software tool, and more like a friendly, interactive 3D world where you can create to your heart’s content. 

The team have clearly thought about how they can make the experience as natural as possible, so non-designers will easily understand how to create their own 3D models without the steep learning curves some programs have.

But that doesn’t limit you to just the basics — you can still create impressive and more complex objects if that’s your goal, but beginners will still find the features intuitive and user friendly.

3D Slash is free for the standard version, with a small monthly cost for Premium, and School and Professional plans also available.

4. FreeCAD — open source free 3D modeling software

• How free is it: Free and open source!
• Accessibility: Download

FreeCAD is a free 3D modeling software with some real skin in the game, having been initially released back in 2002, and despite still being in beta stage development has progressed significantly. It’s designed to make creating 3D versions of real-life objects as effective and simple as possible.

A very useful feature is the ability to start with a static 2D sketch, which you can then build your eventual 3D model from as you progress. FreeCAD works well on Windows as well as functioning effectively as a free 3D modeling software for Mac users, and once you’ve created your model, you can seamlessly export it as an STL, OBJ, or even DXF files for other uses such as CNC.

Though designed with mechanical engineering in mind, FreeCAD complements 3D printing as complex, interesting shapes and figures can be created with relative ease — despite not being as complicated as some CAD programs on this list. What’s more, FreeCAD is open source, so if you wish to tinker with the software itself, you’re free to do so with Python.

FreeCAD is ideal for users with some design experience as some tools may take a little while for complete beginners to learn. But overall, it’s a very powerful free 3D modeling software tool.

5. SketchUp

• How free is it: Free version, $299/year for Pro version
• Company based: USA
• Accessibility: Download, browser (depending on free/pro)

Created by Lastsoftware in 2000, SketchUp is a veteran of the 3D modeling software industry. A versatile and powerful option, Google acquired the software in 2006 to implement into their services, though it has since been sold to Trimble Inc.

Now offering a free version functioning as an excellent free 3D design software, SketchUp is a great choice for budding designers. Similar to TinkerCAD, SketchUp has a shorter learning curve than most 3D software out there, and comes stocked with tools for almost everything you could ever need.

Despite being currently known mostly in the architectural scene and for its affiliation with Google, SketchUp is becoming more relevant as a free 3D modeling software for 3D printing. They are working to become better integrated with creating STL files, and the tools are surprisingly compatible with those who wish to create 3D CAD files. You can currently download the SketchUp STL extension to enable STL files to be created within SketchUp.

SketchUp features an easy-to-use interface without being overloaded with information. You can figure out the basics behind this free 3D software in a few hours easily and be on your way to creating detailed 3D models on your first day that look so realistic they could have been scanned on a 3D scanner. You can easily view your models in 3D, and upload them to 3D Warehouse when you’re happy with the finished product.

6. Blender — advanced free 3D modeling software

• How free is it: Completely free!
• Company based: The Netherlands
• Accessibility: Download

Arguably the most popular 3D design software, Blender has a huge, active community who share their STL files and 3D models as well as information online. A quick Google or YouTube search will yield thousands of results with people eager to showcase their 3D designs or teach you how to use the Blender 3D software. This is down to Blender being a 100% free 3D modeling software tool which is open source, giving users freedom to create just about anything with its huge range of tools.

Though it has a steeper learning curve, Blender has huge depth to it, making it one of the most complete free 3D software tools out there. This depth makes it a very versatile 3D modeling tool, with uses ranging from film VFX, video games, 3D model design, and it’s also used as a 3D design software for 3D printing. Furthermore, Blender even comes with an integrated game engine, as well as detailed sculpting tools and video editing capabilities.

It isn’t for beginners, or probably even for intermediates, but it is an incredible free 3D modeling software that is ideal for game developers and experienced 3D modelers.

7. Meshmixer

• How free is it: Completely free
• Company based: USA
• Accessibility: Download

Meshmixer is an interesting 3D software, in the unique position that doesn’t fit into any one particular category. Another one of Autodesk’s 3D software, Meshmixer differs from its rivals in that it enables you to edit existing models with a variety of useful tools including animation, hollowing/filling, and tools for repairing models.

Meshmixer is therefore a fantastic free 3D modeling software for modifying designs to ensure their quality. This makes it a very useful software for beginners and experts alike, allowing them to polish their models so that they’re ready for 3D printing.

Another main selling point of Meshmixer is its use in topological optimization. With its simple hollowing and similar tools available within the free 3D software, parts can be made lighter, saving weight and costs. This is especially useful for eventual 3D printing in industries such as the aerospace and automotive sectors where cutting weight is very important.

Overall, Meshmixer is a versatile and consistent option for those who need to polish their 3D files. It’s perfect for beginners who want to modify their designs, as well as experts who need to optimize their industrial designs. Therefore, Meshmixer is a great free 3D software which encompasses many sectors.

8. Fusion 360

• How free is it: Free for personal use for a year, Pro version is around $500/year
• Company based: USA
• Accessibility: Download

Created with schools and academic institutes in mind, Fusion 360 is yet another 3D software created by Autodesk. It’s undoubtedly a 3D software modeling tool for experts, however it is user-friendly enough for an educated beginner to be able to use. Packed to the brim with innovative features, Fusion 360 is a very collaborative 3D software that allows users to share STL files via the cloud to collaboratively edit and optimize models.

With powerful tools for accomplishing almost any industrial 3D design, Fusion 360 really is an incredible piece of software. It has built-in features to assess stresses that components of your 3D design will encounter, allowing designers to locate potential weak points before printing. Once created, you can then easily export your 3D model as an STL file or any other file format.

Having recently been made free for students, startups, and more, Fusion 360 is a more accessible 3D software than ever before. If you’ve got some experience, or looking to level up your 3D design skills, this is the perfect 3D software for you.

9. Vectary

• Price: Free, with Premium features $12/month

Founded in 2014, Vectary calls itself the most accessible 3D and AR design platform — and it’s a completely web-based free 3D modeling software. 

Usefully, Vectary offers templates with pre-rendered and lit screens that you can place your 3D models in front of for product shots and other aesthetic uses. The simple workflow makes for easy lighting, modeling and sculpting with their toolset, and you can seamlessly export your finished design or scene as an AR model.

The free package includes access to Vectary Studio to create and design models, as well as the ability to export your creations in OBJ or STL file formats, though for other formats you’ll need to upgrade. Within their free offering you can create up to 25 projects, and you get access to Vectary’s library of 3D assets, materials and icons. Upgrading gives you access to their AR preview tools, and have project and team sharing features for better and quicker feedback between multiple people.

10. SelfCAD

• Pricing: $14.99/m, or $599 perpetual license. There are discounts for educators.
• Accessibility: Browser-based as well as downloadable versions

SelfCAD focuses on being the best browser-based free 3D modeling software for students all around the world, allowing people to design 3D files without having to download anything. This has made it a popular choice in the US for schools looking to teach students 3D design. There’s also a PC and Mac downloadable version however for those who prefer it.

Focused on simplicity and ease of use, SelfCAD offers all the necessary tools to create whilst still retaining a short learning curve that beginners can use. Built with 3D printing in mind, SelfCAD also includes browser-based slicing tools for preparing your STL or G-code files for 3D printing.

Overall, SelfCAD is a simple 3D design software program with a clean layout that doesn’t scare you off. It includes all the tools necessary for students and beginners to create amazing 3D models to print, without the steep learning curve involved in some other 3D software tools. There’s a reason it is becoming increasingly adopted in schools worldwide.

11. BlocksCAD

• How free is it: Free to use, with paid education plans for schools
• Company based: USA

At 3DSourced our priority is to educate, and therefore we have a soft spot for any individual or company with similar priorities. BlocksCAD firmly has education in mind, having been created to complement 3rd to 8th grade STEM education. BlocksCAD is a cloud-based free 3D modeling software that encourages the learning of math, computational thinking, coding concepts and designing models to be 3D printed.

There’s a wide range of projects in their freely available gallery to use as personal or class projects, ranging from snowmen, to jewelry rings, to fish, and even the infamous Among Us cafeteria.

Designed to collaborate closely with OpenSCAD, BlocksCAD is designed to be simple, fun, and child-friendly. 3D designs can be created through colorful, easy-to-manipulate blocks, which can then be exported either as STL files or as files to be opened and edited in OpenSCAD. For complete beginners, BlocksCAD offer extensive tutorials on the basics of 3D modeling, and how to use their 3D software.

For educators, there are added features for managing student’s accounts, and a range of lesson plans are also available.

12. OpenSCAD

• How free is it: Completely free!
• Accessibility: Download

Though a free 3D CAD software, OpenSCAD looks intimidating as you are enveloped in code and scripts. It’s a powerful tool – but be warned, it’s not for the faint-hearted or for those who aren’t used to coding.

Launched back in 2010 by Marius Kintel and Clifford Wolf and maintained by regular updates and patches, OpenSCAD has attracted a niche cult following among 3D designers who prefer the scripting rather than artistic method of design. It is also worth noting that you can design 3D parts in OpenSCAD with just a mouse, though this is not the sole intent of the program.

Overall, we’re impressed with OpenSCAD for offering something new – and doing it for free. We recommend at least intermediate knowledge of scripting before trying it however, or you’d probably be better off with one of the other 3D CAD software options on our list.

13. Wings 3D

• Price: Free

Wings 3D is a completely open source and free 3D modeling software that has been actively developed and improved since 2001. It’s not as modern-looking or user-friendly as software like Vectary or TinkerCAD, but works very well for character, tabletop model and other creative 3D modeling projects.

It’s fairly easy to navigate with features that make tweaking your models — such as via sculpting, welding, cutting, bridging or bending parts — simple even for beginners. 

Each menu is context-sensitive, so when you right-click different selections, different options appear based on what you’re most likely to need. This advanced time-saving tool makes it a great 3D modeling software option for beginners and experts.

Other articles you may be interested in include:

• If you need a 3D slicer — here’s our guide to the best 3D slicers for FDM 3D printing
• For all software for optimal 3D printing, we also have a ranking of the best 3D printing software
• For resin 3D printing, you’ll need a slicer specialized for resin prints. Here’s our guide to the best resin 3D slicers
• If you’re interested in 3D printing, we have a ranking for the best 3D printers for beginners

Other curated article recommendations from our team:

• The best 3D animation software
• Best VFX software
• Best architecture design software
• Best product design software
• Best CAD sofware for 3D printing
• Best 3D Modeling Software For Mac
• What’s the Top Free CAD Tool for Mac?

Luckily, downloading amazing STL files for free has never been easier.

For 99% of users, the platform I’d recommend getting started with is Thingiverse. They’re the largest free STL file site in the world, with models for anything you can think of.

This community-driven platform has a straightforward and intuitive interface that makes it easy to browse STLs by category and popularity to find exactly what you need.

While Thingiverse is the best overall, I’ve also tested 15 more STL download sites, each with their own strengths for particular use cases.

I’ll be comparing the best sites for STL files across all the important criteria – library size, filtering options, ease of use – as well as any hidden benefits I’ve discovered.

So let’s work out where is best for you to get your 3D printer files!

Part 1: Sites Hosting Free STL Files

Thingiverse — Largest selection of free STL files

One of the largest free STL file sites in the world, Thingiverse was first set up by 3D printer company Makerbot back in 2008 so users could upload their 3D printer model designs for the world to download and print. The repository how hosts an incredible range of STL files that you can download for free, with no registering necessary.

Not only can you download these free 3D printer models, but you are encouraged to post your prints and edits and remixes. You will undoubtedly find dozens of great 3D printer models for you to 3D print on Thingiverse, ranging from video game or TV/film characters, 3D printed miniatures, decorative models, and STL files for holding your pens and stationery.

Instructables — Free 3D Printer files with great guides

Owned by Autodesk, Instructables is a free STL file and general project building site that encourages designers to post step-by-step instructions on how to assemble and build these intriguing projects.

With a full range of projects, not just for 3D printing but involving electronics and other projects also, Instructables focuses on the educational aspect. Simply pick a project you find interesting – such as their 3D printed CO2 canister rockets and launchpad – and print and assemble the project in steps as per the designers’ instructions. This is great for gaining experience and confidence in 3D design and printing, and general engineering and DIY skills.

Instructables is also great for families looking to build a fun project together while teaching their children about engineering, and assembling something from parts.

GrabCAD

GrabCAD is a general 3D file hosting site, catering to not only 3D printing fans, but anyone with an interest in engineering or 3D modeling.

The site includes files for parts of 3D printers for building and modifying open source 3D printers, as well as sophisticated engine designs for planes and other large feats of engineering, as well as cars, and appliances. Many are not STL files, but instead are OBJ files or other types, which are usually still fine for 3D printing (OBJ files are fine), having been designed on 3D CAD software like Fusion 360, Solidworks or Autodesk AutoCAD.

NASA — Free space-related 3D printer models

NASA have an online portal where they host some of the most iconic moments in human spacefaring history as free STL files, so fans at home can print out and enjoy them. You can download and print Apollo landing sites, the Cassini spacecraft, various well-known asteroids, the Curiosity Rover, Hubble space telescope, and many more.

A great and free way to print all your favorite space models, NASA’s free 3D printer models will inspire your children, and make for a great 3D printing project to paint so you have a mini spacecraft on your desk.

The NIH 3D Print Exchange — Free Medical 3D Printer Models

The National Institutes of Health, like NASA, offer some very important free 3D printer models for download as STL files. These are often medical models, such as STL designs of molecules related to biomedical science, as well as 3D printable hearts, 3D printed prosthetics for amputees, and a variety of face shields – especially relevant during COVID-19.

Part 2: Sites Hosting Free & Paid STL Files

Cults — Many free STL files as well as premium 3D printer models

Based in France, Cults has hosted STL files since 2014 and now hosts over 120,000 fantastic downloadable 3D printer files that receive over 17 million page views per month.

Before printing your chosen design, Cults gives you the opportunity to see exactly how it will look, as many designers include pictures of the final print, sometimes even showing how the model will look once you’ve painted it, with gifs of how the model looks in the real world. This can be really handy for visualizing the final print, especially if it involves multiple parts.

Talented 3D designers can also offer their premium 3D designs for a few dollars each, which can add up if you build a legion of fans on Cults’ platform.

Pinshape

Pinshape is a great STL file hosting site with mainly free 3D models, but also features paid-for premium 3D printer files by professional designers.

Entire families will find fun projects for creative family time, as well as a huge variety of well-known franchise characters, tabletop game characters, and complex 3D printable puzzles for collaborative fun.

Pinshape also showcase innovative 3D designers on their featured designer page. It’s always worth checking this page out, as a particular designer may create perfect 3D printer files that you love, and that you may not have known about beforehand.

Free3D

Free3D hosts 3D designs encompassing not only 3D printer files, but general 3D models for animation, as well as those designed in advanced 3D software modeling tools such as Cinema 4D and Maya for specific applications.

A selection of the downloadable tools available on Free3D include intricately designed gunships, animal character designs, 3D printable cars, and more. Free3D also offers paid downloads, usually for under $10, for premium STL files.

3DExport

Offering both free and paid STL files, 3DExport separates models into distinct and easy-to-navigate categories, so you can instantly search through files for characters for animation, or any other category you’re interested in.

You can buy and sell your models and STL files, and having been around since 2004, 3DExport is one of the first 3D file marketplaces around, with a large fanbase of visitors and sellers offering great 3D models for 3D printing and other uses.

Part 3: STL File Marketplaces

MyMiniFactory

With both free and paid 3D models to load in your 3D slicer and print, MyMiniFactory is an online STL file marketplace attracting some of the best 3D designers around.

With an easily navigable site, for example if you’re particularly looking for board games models and characters, you’ll easily find what you’re looking for, whether that be a Pokemon chess set or D&D miniature.

For any budding 3D designers, MyMiniFactory offers an avenue to some extra income. You can own your personal store and offer your STL files for download for a fee. Overall, MyMiniFactory hosts a great variety of 3D printer models for hobbyist makers.

CGTrader

CGTrader is a more professionally focused 3D printer file marketplace with professional architecture software models, interiors, and textures available for purchase.

Professional designers have their own stores and sell their models, and there is also an option for businesses and makers to publish their problems, for example if they need a model recolored, fixed or redesigned, and designers can bid for the contract.

For professional models, CGTrader may have the most extensive selection. However, those looking for free models will prefer a site like Thingiverse.

TurboSquid

Another 3D model site geared toward professionals, and at professional prices, those with deep pockets for the creation of film, animation, and video game projects, as well as any very expensive 3D printing, will find TurboSquid beneficial.

For example, TurboSquid hosts extraordinarily detailed files, including a fully designed International Space Station for $1,299, or completely designed human anatomical models – with bones, circulatory systems and all – for $1,799.

TurboSquid does also host some free 3D models, though some are less suited to 3D printing.

Sketchfab

Sketchfab has a vast library of high-quality, full-color designed 3D models for animation and film, as well as many 3D printable files. These detailed, meticulously designed files are downloadable for free if you create an account, with other files paid-for only.

Sketchfab also offers 3D visualization and design services for businesses looking to have their designs, for example for a product or building project, designed in 3D. This has benefits for showcasing your product, especially in areas such as e-commerce photos, where instead of having multiple product photos at different angles, you can just have a 3D model that visitors can rotate.

Part 4: STL File Search Engines

STLFinder — STL file search engine for searching other sites

An STL file search engine, STLFinder doesan’t host any of its own files, but allows you to search a term, for example “DnD” or “boat” and see all the 3D models from existing repositories such as Thingiverse.

STLFinder also contains some recently searched keywords for any 3D printing inspiration, and is a useful way of accessing 3D printer models quickly instead of searching each model on each site individually.

Yeggi

Another search engine similar to STLFinder, Yeggi has slightly more features available to help you find the perfect 3D printer file you’re looking for.

Featuring around 2.5 million STL files to search through, Yeggi can connect you with all your favorite models in just one search, with buttons to bring up a random model, to view the most popular models, and popular categories such as toys, RC-related designs, and more. Yeggi cuts out the middleman and helps you access the coolest 3D printer models on every site at once.

3DfindIT.com — Site for downloading industrial 3D files

3DfindIT.com functions as a free 3D model search engine which connects you to 3D CAD and similar file models from different companies’ catalogues. Not only can you custom search for your own desired part or model, but you can also search by shape, color, functionality, or check their keyword list for items like hinges, actuators, and more.

Their site will even compare the model you are currently browsing, scanning across its catalogue for other similar models and giving you a percentage similarity score. This is great for finding the ideal part for your needs. It skews more towards industrial parts and designs rather than hobbyist homemade projects, and functions very well as a search engine for freely available professional 3D models.

Other articles you might be interested in:

• STL Editors – best free and professional options
• Best 3D printer software
• Best 3D slicers
• Thingiverse alternatives
• Best 3D printer software tools.