Thingiverse is a website that hosts collections of 3D models. They used to have featured “Best of the Week” collections, but then they stopped, so we started to make our own. These models are skewed toward the author’s interests which include functional prints, electronics, toys and games, etc.
What makes a good 3D model? Why do we pick the ones we do? Here are some example criteria.
- Novelty. If a model is something we haven’t seen before, then it’s worth investigating. One of the benefits of 3D Printings is that it enables creativity. We like seeing people do the new and unusual.
- Functionality. A subclass of prints are “functional prints”. These are models that can be used for a functional purpose instead of a purely aesthetic purpose. For example, various tools and brackets and stands and gadgets.
- Ease. Lots of people are new to 3D printing, and for our lists we pick out models that look like they will be relatively easy to print. That’s not to say we will avoid the support-monster-from-hell if it looks really awesome, but by and large we err on the side of things that people should be able to print without too much fuss and failure.
- Pictures. When people upload pictures of their models to Thingiverse, it not only shows the final product, but also demonstrates that they were able to successfully print it. A thingiverse page that only contains files with no pictures of a completed printed model might be more aspirational than actual.
- Toys and things for Kids. One of the great things about 3D Printing is the ability to share the hobby with your family. When we come across a toy that a child will like, it often gets our interest.