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Libraries of 3D models for 3D printers are a great source of inspiration for many users – they are a treasure trove of ideas, curiosities and often the products of laborious calculations and sleepless nights, if we consider complex structures such as moving or modular structural elements. What is more, they are available for free, which is another advantage encouraging new makers to participate in interesting projects, and makes them even more eager to join the ranks of designers.
There are plenty of already created projects, and new ones appear every day, often featuring things no one has ever dreamed of. From majestic figures to cute miniatures, from wheels to chassis to entire vehicles, from simple toys to clever tools – there is almost no end to the possibilities.
If something is good, then why bother changing it?
The answer does not seem to carry any weight – usually if we think so, that is the end of the discussion and the issue simply stays unchanged as it was before. But at the same time it is worth asking an additional question: If it is good, can it be any better?
Apparently for the creators of the dynamically functioning 3D model library PrusaPrinters.org the time has come to ask themselves such a question. Generally speaking, nobody should find anything wrong with the service, which has managed to gather hundreds of thousands of fans and active users, but there was one rather sensitive detail. This was the name, which included the name of 3D printers, of which the founders of the service are also the manufacturer, which, with the current concept of the portal, would suggest a closed circle of recipients.
When the service was launched years ago it was obviously intentional – the focus was then on matters closer to Prusa itself, running a blog, adding various tutorials and forum discussions. With time and self-formation of the nature of the portal assumptions also began to change until the culmination, when it was decided to confidently enter a new phase of free 3D models for each user of any make and model of 3D printer. To emphasise this fact, the name is therefore changed to Printables.com.
Name change – the start of something greater?
The intention of the creators is now to open up to other users, not only native devices, and to introduce several novelties on this occasion. With the same main goal – to make it the first choice site when looking for a 3D model for yourself, without restrictions based on the type of equipment you have, in addition to the name change we will also see a modification in the way of logging into the service. Until now, this was based on the provision of a Prusa Account, but now it is joined by logging in via popular services such as Google or Facebook.
In addition to expanding the opportunities to join the ranks of makers on this site to make sense, the range of supported hardware will also expand in tandem. In addition to Prusa models, other brands and models of 3D printers are soon to be added. All of this is expected to ensure that more people joining the community coming with new ideas, lifestyles and ambitions will introduce a whole range of fresh and unique 3D models and the collection of available projects will then expand even faster than before.
What makes Printables.com different?
The previously operating website PrusaPrinters.org was obviously not the only medium of its kind offering a wide selection of 3D models. However, the creators highlight the individual character of their site, where in addition to the collection of 3D models, there are special actions such as thematic competitions for the community, which awaken the motivation and creativity of makers and provide an opportunity to have fun and even win prizes. These can also be obtained from the activity on the site itself, earning badges and points, which can then be exchanged for gifts. By paying attention to the supervision of the site to avoid duplicates of the same 3D models or several versions of the same object that differ only slightly, and by offering support for individual designers, the creators want to stand out from competing portals with a wide selection of projects.
What new awaits us?
For the intentions of the creators of Printables.com it is necessary to extend the functionality of the platform and add some new features. According to the news from Prusa, new tools and functionalities will be added to make it easier to find and organise individual models, whole groups and projects.
With a built-in 3D viewer, it will be possible to quickly view a 3D model without having to download it to your computer first – supported formats include STL, 3MF and G-code. In addition, there will be filters and sliders, reminiscent of the functionalities known from auction portals or online shops. It will also be possible to create private and public collections and to publish accounts like in social media. Ratings and comments on projects will also be introduced.
A new channel on YouTube has been opened for information and entertainment purposes, where news, developer logs and projects of the week will be posted. By the way, the creators of the Printables.com website want to reward the best 3D models, i.e. those which will significantly stand out in terms of scale, quality, aesthetics or ingenuity.
