3D Design Tools

For a part to be 3D printed, there needs to be a digital 3D model. 3D models can be created using 3D modeling software (also known as Computer-Aided Design/Drawing or CAD software), or downloaded from digital source parts libraries. While 3D digital models are typically saved in STL (stereolithography, a format which describes complex shapes as a series of triangles), most 3D design software also has exporting capabilities which allow a design to be exported with 2-dimensional descriptions such as SVG or DXF, for cutting and engraving applications. 

Finding 3D Models to Print

3D models can be created from scratch using a 3D CAD program, but makers can also find a vast selection of community-created 3D models to download from various repositories on the internet. Those downloaded models can then be modified with a CAD program or just sliced and printed as-is. Grabbing a ready-made model can be a great way to introduce students to 3D printing.​​

Thingiverse

Run by Makerbot, Thingiverse is the largest and most popular source for 3D printable models. While there are countless models available, not all of them are well designed or even made to be 3D printed.
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YouMagine

YouMagine, loosely affiliated with 3D printer manufacturer Ultimaker, is another repository for community shared models.

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MyMiniFactory

MyMiniFactory is a well-curated collection of models that are all printable. This is good source for educational content, including collections of 3D scanned fine art and famous buildings. While there are plenty of free models available, many files require payment. 

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NASA

NASA shares their collection of 3D models of space-related technologies and discoveries. While not all models are printable, there is a filter that will limit the collection for 3D printing.
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pinshape

SLA 3D printer manufacturer Formlabs runs this platform for 3D model sharing. There are a mix of models that are good for SLA and FFF/FDM printing. Convenient tags on the model thumbnail indicate if a model can be printed with an FFF/FDM printer.

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ALL3DP 

Not a repository or collection, 3D printing magazine ALL3DP regularly posts lists and articles about cool printable files.

Creating 3D Models to Print

 

Downloading existing designs to print can be a fun introduction to 3D printing, but to truly enable students to express themselves or design a solution to a problem, they need access to a 3D CAD program. There are many options, ranging from  free beginner platforms found online to expensive advanced professional CAD suites.

Things to Consider When Choosing 3D Design Software

​Each software has its strengths and quirks, but it's easy to choose the appropriate software given certain considerations:

+

Ease of Learning

Some modeling packages
are intuitive and easy to
learn. The cost, usually, is
a lack of certain features,
but this makes these programs a great
​introductory tool.

+

Background Knowledge

Does the user need to be
familiar with mechanical or
artistic design to use this
software?

+

Cost

3D modeling software
packages range from free
online to downloadable to
several thousand dollar
​subscriptions.

+

Operating System/
​Platform

Some packages are designed
on Windows machines and
will not run on Macintosh
unless using a virtual Windows system. Some packages run in a browser, making them suitable for platforms like Chromebooks.

+

Capability

Can the package create
models at the level of sophistication and complexity
​for the desired outcome?

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Portability and Output

Consider whether models created in one package can be imported into another for further development.

Free 3D CAD Software

Tinkercad

Platform: Browser-based (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc)
Difficulty: Beginner
​
Easy to learn (and master) 3D modelling platform from Autodesk. Tinkercad also includes circuit simulation and codeblock-based 3D modeling.

Morphi (iPad only)

Platform: iPad Only, In-App purchases up to $9.99
Difficulty: Beginner
​
Popular iPad-based 3D design tool. New version is in development that will work in web browsers as well. While free, features may be limited without purchase. 

Fusion 360

Platform: Windows, MacOS
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced

Professional-level design software with powerful features that Autodesk offers for free to education or hobbyist users. Tinkercad includes ​a "send to Fusion 360" feature that expands creative potential.

Leopoly Makers

Platform: Browser-based (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc)
​Difficulty: Beginner

Easy to use platform with several ways to model: clay-like sculpting, lego-like block-based building, and lots of preset base models for customizing.

ScupltGL

Platform: Browser-based (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc)
​Difficulty: Intermediate

Web-based scuplting program for creating expressive models. Tools can be difficult to understand and creating a detailed model takes time and effort, but it can be fun to jump in and mess around with digital clay.

 SketchUp Free

Platform: Browser-based (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc)
​Difficulty: Intermediate

SketchUp is great for creating architectural models and designs for woodworking. It can be used to create designs for 3D printing, but has a bit of a learning curve compared to other programs.
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Onshape

Platform: Browser-based (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc)
​Difficulty: Advanced

Similar to Fusion 360, Onshape is a full-fledged 3D CAD product development environment. The free version is browser-based, and while there is a learning curve, the tools and features are easily accessible.