Online Resources for 3D Scanning, Modeling, and Printing

by Dr. Franek Hasiuk, GeoFabLab, Iowa State University, franek@iastate.edu

This site is by no means the definitive resource on 3D Scanning, Modeling, and Printing. Check out these places for ideas, discussion, and camaraderie.

Discussion on Model Sites

Academic/Wiki
- RepRap Wiki Printable Part Sources
- Making Society's 37 Sources for Models
- Stanford 3D Scanning Repository
- Digimorph (more info) - This collection of 3D models of fossils is generated at the National Science Foundation's multi-user CT lab, UTCT.
- GB3D - The UK repository for digitized type fossil specimens.
- UK Natural History Museum (Such as MicroCT or NanoCT)
- Bathymetry and Topography (more info) from around the US and World from the US National Geophysical Data Center
- Smithsonian's 3D Portal
- USGS Lidar Portal
Non-Academic
- ThingiVerse (Makerbot)
- 3D Warehouse (Google/Trimble)...3D version of GeoFabLab's home (Science I Building)
- AutoDesk 123D
- Smorf.nl is a website that allows you to interactively render crystal structures on-line and buy 3D-printed models at $10/piece.
- GrabCAD (for engineers, mostly)
- TurboSquid (Stock models)
- CG Trader

On-line 3D Printing Communities

Reddit
- /r/3DPrinting...FAQ
- /r/digifab
- /r/additive
- /r/3dscanning - Turning real objects into 3D data
Communities for specific, popular 3D printer makes:
- /r/reprap - For Reprap Owners
- /r/printrbot - For Printrbot Owners
- /r/solidoodle - For SoliDoodle Owners
- /r/makerbot - For Makerbot Owners
- /r/ultimaker - For Ultimaker Owners
Part Making Communities:
- /r/reprapPIF - RepRap Parts exchange
- /r/reprapclassifieds - Get stuff printed
- /r/3dprintmything - Get more stuff printed.
- /r/additive - Additive manufacturing
- /r/resinprinting - 3D Printing using resin.
- /r/functionalprint - Functional 3D print
Blogs
- /r/3DPrinting Comparison Chart
- 3Ders (News and price/feature comparisons)
- Additive3D (Tutorials, terminology, price/feature comparisons)
- Laser Scanning Forum