Research Guides: 3D Printing @ Pendergrass : 3D Printing Links

3D Printing Links

Thingiverse
Find free models ready to 3D print
Printables by Josef Prusa
Find free models ready to 3D print
Youmagine
Free 3D models ready to print
NIH 3D
NIH 3D is an open, community-driven portal to download, share, and create bioscientific and medical 3D models for 3D printing and interactive 3D visualization, including virtual and augmented reality.
MyMiniFactory
Miniatures and more
Grabcad
Access to thousands of free CAD projects

Blender
FreeCAD
MeshLab the open source system for processing and editing 3D triangular meshes. It provides a set of tools for editing, cleaning, healing, inspecting, rendering, texturing and converting meshes. It offers features for processing raw data produced by 3D digitization tools/devices and for preparing models for 3D printing.
Mesh Mixer Meshmixer is state-of-the-art software for working with triangle meshes. Do you need to clean up a 3D scan, do some 3D printing, or design an object that fits something else? Meshmixer can help. Think of it as a sort of "Swiss Army Knife" for 3D meshes.
MiniMagics MiniMagics, our free STL viewer, allows you to import and save .STL, .magics or .mgx files; compress .STL files; view parts as well as rotate, pan or zoom; and detect bad edges and flipped triangles. If you are interested in downloading MiniMagics, complete the form below and then click on the link at the bottom. Once you have submitted your request, you will immediately receive a download link. Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us at: software@materialise.be
Netfabb Netfabb® additive manufacturing software has tools that help streamline your additive workflow and quickly get from a 3D model to successfully printed parts.
OpenSCAD
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About OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is software for creating solid 3D CAD models. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, Windows and Mac OS X. Unlike most free software for creating 3D models (such as Blender) it does not focus on the artistic aspects of 3D modelling but instead on the CAD aspects. Thus it might be the application you are looking for when you are planning to create 3D models of machine parts but pretty sure is not what you are looking for when you are more interested in creating computer-animated movies.

OpenSCAD is not an interactive modeller. Instead it is something like a 3D-compiler that reads in a script file that describes the object and renders the 3D model from this script file. This gives you (the designer) full control over the modelling process and enables you to easily change any step in the modelling process or make designs that are defined by configurable parameters.

OpenSCAD provides two main modelling techniques: First there is constructive solid geometry (aka CSG) and second there is extrusion of 2D outlines. Autocad DXF files can be used as the data exchange format for such 2D outlines. In addition to 2D paths for extrusion it is also possible to read design parameters from DXF files. Besides DXF files OpenSCAD can read and create 3D models in the STL and OFF file formats.
Rhino
SketchUp
Solidworks
Thingiverse Customizer
Tinkercad

Slicers or G-code generators convert your .stl model file into the code that 3D printers use to create your objects.

Cura Our software prepares your files in the blink of an eye whilst intelligently assessing any areas that need attention. Powerful 3D virtual previews allow you to fly in and around your design, ensuring everything is as you’d like it to be.
Prusa Slicer
Slic3r Slic3r is the tool you need to convert a digital 3D model into printing instructions for your 3D printer. It cuts the model into horizontal slices (layers), generates toolpaths to fill them and calculates the amount of material to be extruded. The project was started in 2011 from scratch: the code and the algorithms are not based on any other previous work. Readability and maintainability of the code are among the design goals. Slic3r is bundled with the most important host software packages: Pronterface, Repetier-Host, ReplicatorG and has been supported/funded by almost all the main 3D printing companies in the world. There's serious work ongoing on this software to keep it up-to-date and implement all the necessary features to get a flawless and high-quality printing experience for everyone.
KISSlicer KISSlicer is a fast, easy-to-use, cross-platform program that takes 3D files (STL) and generates path information (G-code) for a 3D Printer. The FREE version has all the features needed for the hobbyist who uses a single-head machine. The PRO version essentially adds multi-head and multi-model printing.

Stratasys Direct The Advanced Manufacturing Solutions Leader You need innovative 3D printing solutions, dependable materials and novel applications - that’s what Stratasys delivers. At Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, we make your parts with a wide suite of manufacturing technologies. Our team of 3D printing and manufacturing experts is dedicated to finding tailored solutions for our customers. Whether it’s a quick-turn prototype ordered online or a large project with defined requirements, we have the quality management system, engineering experience and collaborative approach to deliver the job quickly.
Shapeways Shapeways is the leading 3D printing marketplace and community, empowering designers to bring amazing products to life. By giving anyone the ability to quickly and affordably turn ideas from digital designs into real products, Shapeways is fundamentally changing how products are made and by whom. Through Shapeways, designers gain access to the best industrial 3D printing technology, capable of manufacturing products with complex designs in a wide range of high-quality materials. 3D printing turns raw materials into original products, from wedding rings to rocketships, model trains to iPhone cases, and prototypes to industrial engineering parts. The Shapeways community can sell their products, share ideas, and get feedback from creative consumers and other designers around the world. Headquartered in New York, Shapeways has factories and offices in Eindhoven, Queens, and Seattle. Shapeways is a spin-out of the lifestyle incubator of Royal Philips Electronics.
Ponoko Make, buy and sell 3D printed products
CNC King Formerly under the brands of WoodMarvels.com and 3DMarvels.com - whether you have a CNC table router, 3D printer, laser cutter, plasma cutter or any other type of CNC machine, we have files here that allow you to quickly create amazing projects! All our projects come with a 3D assembly animation and some with a recorded video of the founder, Jon Cantin, producing the very projects you are interested in.
3D Warehouse
TurboSquid Welcome to TurboSquid, the world's source for professional 3D models. TurboSquid models are used by game developers, news agencies, architects, visual effects studios, advertisers, and creative professionals around the world. Whether you're a 3D artist or not, you've probably seen TurboSquid models hundreds of times and didn't know it - which is fine with us! Our goal is to save artists the time of making a great model, and instead let them add their own personality to their creations. Our customers tell us they save 27 hours per model purchased, which can be a lifesaver in a time crunch. TurboSquid's secondary mission is to focus the creativity of artists around the world to continually improve our library of models, while helping the artists who supply those models build a career as professional 3D modelers.
Sculpteo Sculpteo helps people and businesses buy, sell and 3D print ideas as solid objects.
Fab@home Fab@Home will change the way we live. It is a platform of printers and programs which can produce functional 3D objects. It is designed to fit on your desktop and within your budget. Fab@Home is supported by a global, open-source community of professionals and hobbyists, innovating tomorrow, today. Join us, and Make Anything.

3D Printing for Beginners Are you interested in 3D printing but not sure where to start? 3Dprintingforbeginners.com is here to help. We are the One Stop Shop for information and resources to get you started in 3D printing today. No hype or guru talk, just plain hands-on advice!
100k Garages Got an idea? Get it made. 100kGarages connects you with Fabbers who can turn your thoughts into things. 100kGarages.com is a place for people who have designs, or just ideas for things they want to make, to connect with digital fabricators ("Fabbers") who can help make these ideas become real. Our participating Fabbers work with 2-D or 3-D digital fabrication tools to cut, machine, drill, sculpt, or "print" in 3-D. Our "matchmaking" service can help you find a Fabber near you, and it's free
Kisslicer Talk A forum to talk about KISSlicer
www.3ders.org 3ders.org is the biggest 3D printing news site in the world. We are based in the Netherlands. Innovation and practice are the ultimate driving force of evolution and development, 3ders.org focuses on 3D printing field and its latest technology trends. We are committed to the aggregation and dissemination of the innovative ideas, good design, as well as valuable Know-how and to become the best partner and staunchest supporters of those products that is changing people's lives. Are you looking for the latest news and updates on 3D printing, additive manufacturing, 3D printers and all innovations in the area? We have several ways to stay up to date, simply select your favorite social media, Twitter, Google+, Facebook, or our daily news.

Links to suppliers of parts and accessories for makers.

All3DP We Are More Than 3D Printing All3DP is the #1 magazine for the digital maker, with compelling content on 3D printing, 3D scanning, CAD, laser cutting/engraving, CNC, SBCs, and more.
BuildTak 3D Printing Made Easy We’re nixing the need to tinker with your 3D printer! 3D printing solutions that make your projects smooth as butter.
Maker Geeks So what is a "Maker Geek" anyway?? Well, urbandictionary.com defines a "MAKER" as: those who love to create things in their spare time (often electronic, often with their own hands) and "GEEK" as: one who becomes extremely excited or enthusiastic about a subject. So, put them together and we think it's the perfect term to describe all us makers out there that have become hooked on 3D printing; and if you are new to 3D printing well then you are in the right place. MakerGeeks.com has more PLA and ABS filament, all sorts of exotic material filaments, 3D printer kits and Ready to Print 3D printers alike; matter of fact best we can tell we stock more variety of 3D printing filament, 3D printers and parts than anyone else!! I'm sure you'll find what you are looking for and a bunch of stuff you didn't even know existed!!
Matterhackers Join us in our quest to give everyone the power to make anything. From software, to supplies, to printers, we are working to make the ideas people have turn into the things they use.
Mcmaster-Carr McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 700000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.
Sparkfun SparkFun is an online retail store that sells the bits and pieces to make your electronics projects possible. Whether it's a robot that can cook your breakfast or a GPS cat tracking device, our products and resources are designed to make the world of electronics more accessible to the average person. In addition to products, SparkFun also offers classes and a number of online tutorials designed to help educate individuals in the wonderful world of embedded electronics.
Pepperl+Fuchs
A pioneer and an innovator in sensor technology

3D Printing at the Univeristy of Florida Libraries
Chatt*lab We are a maker/hacker/whatever space and community workshop just getting started in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Chatt*lab logo is the asterisk. This is a representation of cross-linked resources and interests; and more importantly as a call to all makers to fill in the wildcard and make the space in your own image.
Kent State University Libraries 3D Printing
KnoxMakers If you aren’t familiar with hackerspaces, check out http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/. The rough idea is to form a collective to rent and sustain a physical space where dues-paid members are free to come together to work on gidgets, gadgets, and otherwise Earth shattering breakthrough novel science. Hackerspaces are not designed to support the development of a single specific project. Instead, they are focused around providing the right tools and environment so different people working on different projects can help and inspire each other. In addition to the communal workspace and camaraderie, hackerspaces are often able to pool resources and purchase shared expensive equipment. Knox Makers is our effort to bring this idea to the Knoxville area. We have a 1,040 square foot workshop located at 1010 Commerce Park Drive, Oak Ridge.
Maker Works Maker Works is here to help you bring your ideas to life. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, Maker Works was established in 2011 to bring a focus back to making things. In our 14,000 square foot building you'll find: a great selection of tools for wood, metal, textiles, plastic, jewelry, and electronics instruction on the safe and efficient use of these tools
Middle Tennessee State University Library
NCSU Libraries Makerspace The Hunt Library Makerspace supports students, faculty, and staff in learning about emerging technologies and bringing their creations to life. The space has two 3D printers and a laser cutter for rapid prototyping of designs. What will you make? What is the Makerspace? The Hunt Library Makerspace supports students, faculty, and staff in learning about emerging technologies and bringing their creations to life. The space has two 3D printers and a laser cutter for rapid prototyping of designs. What will you make? Access & Costs Makerspace services are available to all current NCSU students, faculty, and staff. The service costs are: uPrint 3D Printer: $10 per cubic inch of material, with a $5 minimum MakerBot 3D Printer: $0.35 per gram of material, with a $5 minimum Epilog Laser Cutter: $5 per 15 minutes of appointment time, with a $10 minimum NextEngine 3D Scanner: Free for use; to access, reserve Green Screen Production Studio (room
University of Alabama 3D Printing Studio
University of Michigan 3D Lab
University of Nevada, Reno Library 3D Printing Services from University of Nevada, Reno Library
University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Library
A² Fab Lab (University of Florida) The A² Fab Lab is a digital fabrication lab with the tools to help you mediate between digital and physical design and creation processes. The technologies housed here include three laser cutters, three 3D printers, a 3D scanner and a 3-axis CNC router!

3D printing for beginners:

3D Printing for Everyone 3D printing is becoming a staple in manufacturing worldwide. Some fear it will replace workers on the assembly lines, lead to widespread counterfeiting of name brand items, or be used to print guns. There’s even a car dealer on Market Square that’s working with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to create a 3D printed car. But what is 3D printing and what can the average person do with it?
MIT's 'Breakthrough' 3D Printer Prints 10 Different Materials Simultaneously
SUPPLEMENT: The Next Dimension: 3D Printers In his forward to The Invent To Learn Guide to 3D Printing in the Classroom: Recipes for Success,Gary Stager makes the case for this technology du jour to have a place inK-12 classrooms.
You Can Now 3-D Print at the Carnegie Library (For Free) You don’t need to buy your own 3-D printer to create sweet stuff — you just need to visit the Carnegie Library.

3D printing news:

3D printing in science & medicine:

3D printed skin holds promise for burn victims and others
10 incredible prosthetics made with 3D printers
Bioengineers Create 3-D Brain-Like Tissue Bioengineers have created three-dimensional brain-like tissue that functions like and has structural features similar to tissue in the rat brain and that can be kept alive in the lab for more than two months.
Endless Forms Explore object designs by choosing those you like. Evolution produces objects in the next generation that are variants of those you choose, similar to how animals are bred and naturally evolve (more). Either further evolve an object below or start evolving from scratch.
First Ever Functioning 3D Printed Object Has Been Fabricated in Space by NASA & Made In Space
First Object Produced on 3D Printer During Earth Orbit The part, a faceplate for the printer itself, was produced on the 3D printer that is now aboard the International Space Station. The project is just the start for more plans to print things in space.
Made in Space The Zero-G Printer is the first 3D printer designed to operate in zero gravity. Launched into orbit on September 21, 2014, the printer was built under a joint partnership between NASA MSFC and Made In Space. Contracted as the “3D Printing in Zero-G Experiment,” this first version of the Zero-G printer will usher in the era of off-world manufacturing. This initial version of the Zero-G Printer will serve as a test bed for understanding the long-term effects of microgravity on 3D printing, and how it can enable the future of space exploration. It is a culmination of contracts and development dating back to 2010 including microgravity tests with NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program, R&D contracts under NASA’s SBIR Programs, and development contracts with NASA MSFC.
The mad scientists of 3D printing: How MadeSolid is remixing the formula
New 3D bioprinter to reproduce human organs, change the face of healthcare: The inside story
Photos: The robot that is going to 3D print a human heart
Printing 3-D models eases complicated veterinary surgeries As a veterinary neurosurgeon, Dr. Don Sorjonen has performed ventral atlantoaxial stabilization — a procedure to repair defects between the top two vertebrae in the neck — on more than 50 animals.
Teen Creates 3D Printed, Brain-Powered Prosthetic Arm
Will 3-D Printing Produce Human Organs Nearly from Scratch?
World’s first 3D printed vertebra implanted in 12-year-old boy

3D printing in art & architecture:

3D printed maps: 10 eye-catching examples This model of San Francisco took two months to make and cost around $20,000. It was primarily built to help a real estate developer showcase buildings and to help with city planning. It was presented by Autodesk earlier this year.
3D printer constructs 10 buildings in one day from recycled materials The 3D printers could someday be used to build skyscrapers from the recycled materials of other buildings
The British Museum Will Now Let You 3D Print Copies Of Its Artifacts
Escher for Real
Here's what a 3D-printed saxophone sounds like Can you make a 3D-printed saxophone that's a fraction as heavy as a "normal" one but sounds, to the untrained ear, virtually the same? Yes. I mean, you probably couldn't, but luthier Olaf Diegel has done exactly that. Diegel took a break from making high-end 3D-printed guitars and tried his hand at the complex key structure of an alto saxophone, producing a prototype that's made almost entirely of printed plastic. It requires a bigger, better printer than most consumers will ever own, and Diegel's still working on integrating 3D-printed springs instead of metal ones. As he admits, there are already plastic injection-molded saxophones. But that doesn't make this anything less than an impressive feat, and it opens up a world of new design possibilities. "The next one I can go a bit wilder on the aesthetics," Diegel says. "I'm thinking maybe a cornucopia-type look, or maybe a rock & roll 3D flame job..."
How to 3D Print a Map of Anywhere in the World
Smithsonian X 3D Smithsonian X 3D launches a set of use cases which apply various 3D capture methods to iconic collection objects, as well as scientific missions. These projects indicate that this new technology has the potential not only to support the Smithsonian mission, but to transform museum core functions. Researchers working in the field may not come back with specimens, but with 3D data documenting a site or a find. Curators and educators can use 3D data as the scaffolding to tell stories or send students on a quest of discovery. Conservators can benchmark today’s condition state of a collection item against a past state – a deviation analysis of 3D data will tell them exactly what changes have occurred. All of these uses cases are accessible through the Beta Smithsonian X 3D Explorer, as well as videos documenting the project. For many of the 3D models, raw data can be downloaded to support further inquiry and 3D printing.