3D Printing

Here are some recommendations for:

• Websites with free, downloadable 3D design files, created and shared by others 
• Free slicing software that allows you to prepare a 3D design file for 3D printing 
• Free design software that allows you to create original designs or customize existing designs 

Find Designs Created by Others

You can find free designs created and shared by others on websites such as:

• Thingiverse
• Instructables
• Yeggi.com (search engine)
• STL Finder (search engine)

Slicing Software 

Slicing software analyzes your design, slices it into layers, and modifies the design so it can be 3D printed. You can set parameters such as the number of layers, dimensions, and how much material to use inside the 3D object. 

Note: When you send a file to the Library service to be 3D printed, we will slice it for you. You do not need to use slicing software, but you may wish to try different settings and preview print times, amount of filament used, etc. 

Examples of slicing software:

• Cura (by Ultimaker): Free download. Although owned by Ultimaker, Cura can be used with different 3D printers and is a good choice for those who are new to using slicing software. 
• OrcaSlicer: Free download. Open source. 
• Bambu Studio: Free download. 
• PrusaSlicer: Free download. 

Design Software

For beginners and beyond:

You can find an excellent introduction to basic 3D design, along with step-by-step tutorials, on the Tinkercad website. You do not need any special 3D software, as the site contains a free online tool for generating designs.

• Tinkercad: Free, no download required. Sign up for a personal account.
  • Tinkercad Tutorials

Once you have learned the basics, you can go on to explore other free 3D design software such as:

• Blender: Free download.
• Meshmixer: No longer updated by Autodesk, but still a free download. 
• OnShape: Free download for students and educators.
• Autodesk Fusion: Paid product, but you can use a limited version for free by signing up for a personal account.

Students in some programs may have access to commercial design software that can be used to create 3D models. 

Some content from this page has been adapted from 3D Printing at the Sandbox by Seneca College (CC BY-NC) and 3D Printing by College Libraries Ontario’s The Learning Portal (CC BY-NC).