LibGuides: 3D Printing: 3D Printing Resources

Where to Download 3D Object Files

Thingiverse
Massive library of 3D object models that are free to download
My Mini Factory
Hosts the Scan The World collection: the largest collection of 3D scanned statues and artifacts from around the globe.
Hero Forge
An online character design application that lets users create and buy customized tabletop miniatures and statuettes.

Common 3D Printing File Formats
An article explaining the pros and cons to STL, OBJ, AMF and 3MF file types.

Filament

The Idea Lab uses two types of filament PLA & PVA. PLA is environmentally friendly, biodegradable and non toxic. This is what the actual model is built from. It can also be used as support material. PLA comes in many different colors and types. View the document 3D Print Filament Options for a list of all the filaments the Idea Lab has available. If you would like to learn more about each type of PLA filament see the links below.

3D Print Filament Options
List of filament available at the Idea Lab.

PLA
Short explanation of PLA, listing Pros and Cons to this material.
Matterhackers Guide to PLA Printing
The Idea Lab uses Matterhackers filament. This article gives good tips on using PLA. We developed many of our guides and policies using this information.
Soft PLA: All You Need to Know
A detailed guide on using Soft PLA filament
Glow in the Dark PLA: All You Need to Know
A detailed guide on using glow in the dark PLA filament

The Idea Lab uses two types of filament PLA & PVA. PVA is water soluble filament used for support material.

PVA
Short explanation of PVA, listing Pros and Cons to this material.
Ultimaker PVA Explained
A short video demonstrating how PVA is used.

The Idea Lab only uses PLA & PVA filament. However, there are many other types of filament available for 3D printers. Here are some of the other common types of filament.

ABS

ABS
Short explanation of ABS, listing Pros and Cons to this material.
How to Succeed When Printing With ABS
An article explaining what ABS is and tips on how to print with it.

Nylon

Nylon
Short explanation of Nylon, listing Pros and Cons to this material.
How to Succeed When 3D Printing With Nylon
An article explaining what Nylon is and tips on how to print with it.

PETG

PETG
Short explanation of PETG, listing Pros and Cons to this material.
How to Succeed when 3D Printing with PETG Filament
An article explaining what PETG is and tips on how to print with it.

Flexible Filament

How To Succeed When Printing With Flexible Filament
An article explaining the different kinds of flexible filament. It provides tips on how to successful print with flexible filaments.

Post Processing

Tips for painting, sanding and smoothing your 3D prints.

Beginners Guide to Painting PLA and ABS
This guide covers smoothing, priming and painting your 3D print.
Post processing for FDM prints
A great overview of different finishing techniques
Basics: How to post-process your 3D prints!
A video giving tips on how to post process your prints.

Troubleshooting

Tips and tricks for fixing common 3D printing problems.

How to Design Parts for 3D Printing
When designing objects for 3D printing, you want to keep certain limitations in mind, such as tolerances, supports, overhangs, orientation and more. This article gives a nice summary of what to consider and how to approach each problem.
Print Quality Troubleshooting Guide
A guide of helpful tips to enhance your 3D prints quality. This guide troubleshoots more than 20 common problems for 3D printer.