The Innovative Media printers can fabricate 3D models from any 3D design software that is capable of exporting the file as a .stl, .obj, .maker, or several other 3D file formats.
File Types
Sticking with .stl and .obj files assures the widest range of uses among our 3D printers.
The files must be converted to a 3D printer build file before printing, which can be done for the Makerbot with MakerBot Desktop Software; for the Raise N2+ with ideaMaker; for the Lulzbot TAZ 5 with Cura for the Lulzbot (the software is actually more cross-compatible for advanced users, but that's an easy way to keep it straight). Several computers in Innovative Media have MakerBot Desktop programs installed. Moreover, various 3D design software packages are available including AutoDesk Maya, AutoDesk 3ds Max, and Google Sketchup Pro.
Thingiverse |
The most widely used 3D model repository in the Maker and 3D printing enthusiast community. Dedicated to sharing user-created digital design files under the GNU General Public License or Creative Commons License. | Free |
National Institutes of Health 3D Print Exchange |
3D-printable models related to biomedical science | Free |
My Mini Factory |
MyMiniFactory.com offers a large range of downloadable 3D printable objects. Each object has been test printed and comes with a how-to section that explains how to achieve the best print. | Free |
3D Warehouse |
Sketchup's searchable design library | Free |
RepRap |
A 3D printing Wiki with designs and steps to build different kinds of 3D printers | Free |
YouMagine |
Open source 3D models | Free |
Yeggi |
A search engine of available 3D printable files | Free |
NASA 3D Resources |
3D models of asteroids, landing sites, the Curiosity Rover and more | Free |
When you want to design your own objects. Computer stations at The Workshop also have more powerful commercial 3D design software, including Maya and 3ds Max.
Blender |
A powerful, free and open source 3D animation suite you can use for 3D models. Enable the 3D Printing Toolbox. | Free |
Sculptris |
Similar to Zbrush or Mudbox but easier to learn. Geometry-independent (uses dynamic tessellation) so ideal for someone with no prior experience with modeling. | Free |
Sketchup |
Originally developed by Google. Good for practical and architectural design. Free or pro versions. | Free / |
OpenSCAD |
Free software for creating solid 3D CAD models. Good application for applications like 3D models of machine parts. | Free |
Tinkercad |
Browser-based 3D design platform, now part of Autodesk (free version available). | Free / |
123D Design |
Free, powerful, yet simple 3D creation and editing tool from Autodesk | Free |
To make sure your design has the structural integrity and completeness needed for 3D printing
MeshLab |
Free | |
netfabb |
powering the cloud-based Microsoft 3D Model Repair Service | Free |
You can access the manuals for the 3D printers here:
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