After some time creating dioramas for 3d printing I have over 60 3d models available for download. Many are available on my Patreon exclusively, but many are also available on MyMiniFactory and Cults 3D. Most of the models aren't free but several you can download free of charge. Who doesn't like free 3d models to download and 3d print?
Selling 3d models through Patreon, MyMiniFactory or Cults 3D allows me to support my work, to offset the costs of the materials - filament, 3d printer, paints, etc but I believe I also need to give something back (besides all the benefits for Patrons) so I try and much as possible to balance the release of 3d models with free models.
Someone not long ago reached out and said: "Your store has a bug, many of your 3d models are free STL models!" Well there's no bug they are free so you can download free STL files and 3d print them. They are made to be easy to 3d print, parts are split into individual STL files and will need very basic skills to 3d print.
In both MyMiniFactory and Cults 3D, you will find around 10 free 3d model dioramas, models, and props available for download. These models have been made with the same attention, care, and dedication than those for sale but are free. You can download onto your computer and start 3d printing files in less than 10min.
For those that don't know STL, stands for "stereolithography". The .stl is a format native to the stereolithography CAD software that was created by 3D Systems (see Wikipedia for more information). Using a software know as "Slicer" you can import STL files and process these files, that represent the 3d model to be sent to the 3d printer.
Many 3d model are composed of one STL file but when models become more complex they become harder to 3d print as such I try to split my model into multiple stls files to make it easier to print but also to avoid too many supports that will damage the print surface.
If you want more information on 3D printers and 3D printing, there are great resources online and there's a great community of people ready to help. I would suggest some youtube videos to get you started.
One note on free STL files that is important to not forget, Just because its free STL files it doesn't mean you can do what you want with the files, please make sure to read the license for the file. Many of these files you can print them for your personal use, but you can't share the files, sell the files, or sell the models after 3d printing the files. Please be considerate to creators.
Like myself, many others creators offer free STL files so that you can enjoy the model and have fun 3d printing files, its always great to see that our creations are printed and that people give them their own personal touch, either by using different filaments materials, filament colours or because they finished them with some paintwork. Please share on social and other platforms your work and the artists that made these free STL files available.
Don't forget to come back and check the awesome model 3d prints made by the community members on the Community print section of my blog:
The3Dprinting - Community Prints
Here are some examples of Dioramas and models I made available for 3d printing with free STL files to use on your 3d printers.
3D printable STL file available here: MyMiniFactory and Cults3D:
