Cults3D
Not in any particular order, the first is Cults3D. Cult’s models range anywhere from a plethora of free to around 300.00 US dollars. With an open access upload, this is also just the first of many that you can sell your greatest designs on, such as this clean lowpoly pegasus. Cults3D has a minimal social interface with external link sharing, basic comment and ‘like’ mechanics, and sign in by email. Even so, most of the models are very high quality and has been covered by many press such as 3D Print Magazine and MetroNews.
YouMagine
YouMagine comes in second on this list with no ranking system because opinions are simply just that. While you can have an account to upload to YouMagine.com, you don’t need it to download. The site states that “There's something for everyone. Browse through over 12,000 open source designs that are ready to print”, and there is a relatively large selection that mostly seems to be cool 3D printer ideas such functional keychain phone stands and arduino casings. With an active community encouraging artist and designers to add to their models information like materials and methods, and additional documents like videos on the making, post process, or use of the model, as well as post print feedback. YouMagine seems to be free, but does directly connect to 3D hub services if you don’t have a printer.
Instructables
While it’s just as much instructions on using your printer or post process, Intructables does have some really neat models ready for download. Chances are if you have trouble, the one who made the instruction will give you feedback on how to finish your project. However it does seem that instructables.com requires a premium account to download, if you dont see enough of your type of project, it can always be a great way to spark inspiration for your next one. On the bright side though, Instructables.com does support social media loggin, so you wont need another password to find this quirky spoon with a head on it!
Shapeways
This is one of those that is much more of a store than a free repository, however you can look through all of the cool 3D printer ideas for days. Functionality has always been important to me, so this screwdriver ring was really impressive! If you have a little engineer or artist in you, shapeways can be a great way for your models to repay you for all the time you spent on them with your own little shop. Shapeways seem to be one of the few places that allows public upload in a sense, that best organizes your models under your name or your brand. It has more than just that though, under the community tab is a forum, blog, scheduled events, a place for designers to find work, a student's program, and 3D scanner network.
Sketchfab
Though it may be mixed between models for animators and designs for printers, Sketchfab can be summed up in the word “Quality”. As can be expected from a community that has a whole section dedicated to pros. Don’t get discouraged though, the models that are downloadable are incredible. Take this Spanish fountain for example.
TF3DM
One great thing about this massive database is the feature to search by ‘3D Printable-Ready”. This may not include commercial use only models, but it is still by no means a short supply, most of which are free and easily downloadable in most formats. With such a huge collection, you may want to learn how to properly tag any models you upload, however if you’re browsing the chances of not finding something at least close to what you’re looking for is very slim. A personal favorite was this free Iron Man model with moving parts.
Design Futures Club
If any of these and their marketing seems slightly intimidating, then a great place to start would be Design Futures.club, especially if you’re looking for a friendly community where the pros love to interact with you as it is the official Zmorph community. Available through Voxelizer software as well, the multitool 3D printer manufacturer will help you improve your printing game with easy to print aftermarket parts, and amazing models to try out. Give it a try with this mini Zmorph print.
AutoDesk 123D
A place for models you may not have thought about, could be staring you in the face quite literally. Cool 3D printer ideas bring something great into the physical world, but sometimes we need to simply make another of something. Digital models are all around you if you take the effort to convert them over. While printing may be going from digital to physical, Autodesk’s 123D Catch takes the physical into digital. Use this vintage Kodak from 1913 and try touching it up with Voxelizer to see if scanning is your new niche.
My Mini Factory
So you think you’re getting good at this 3D modeling skill? Maybe contests are for you. My Mini Factory is just the place to try new modeling and pit them against others in competition. When you’re not going for bragging rights and meeting other talented designers, you can find a wide span of categories for new models to give a try. Everything from bearing holders in accessibility and educational prints such as this complete engine and transmission, to upcycling projects. Factory contains free models, paid content, and even merchandise.
3D File Market
Finally we have the 3D File Market global community. File Market is unique in both the aspect of a global community just as much as the on site model builder. While it may not be as powerful as TinkerCad or Voxelizer, this is another amazing starting point for new print hobbyist. Including CAD files, print ready models, software, materials and uploads from each country across the globe. Once you feel ready to distribute or market your own models, this could very possibly be the widest reaching site to use. Something I’ve only seen on 3D printing File Market is model streaming.
Thingiverse really is amazing as it has become the easiest to use standard for 3D model repositories, however not everything will ever be all in one place. Which also goes to say that there are many of helpful, amazing print hobbyist exclusive to their favorite community. It can be highly beneficial to pick a few sites that best meet your needs, maybe one outside your comfort zone, and go make some accounts. Find new printing methods and tricks, meet unique hobbyist and broaden your horizons. You might even find a way for your hobby to pour funds back into itself or more.
http://blog.zmorph3d.com/where-to-look-for-cool-3d-printer-ideas
/blog.zmorph3d.com/where-to-look-for-cool-3d-printer-ideas/
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1458545
https://cults3d.com/en/art/lowpoly-pegasus
https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=3d%20print%20download&rs=typed&0=3d%7Ctyped&1=print%7Ctyped&2=download%7Ctyped
http://www.instructables.com/id/Spoonhead-123D-Catch-to-3D-Print/
https://www.youmagine.com/designs/keychain-smartphone-stand
https://sketchfab.com/models/5ec78aca5807450e9a278b51b8a56dd0
http://www.123dapp.com/catch/1913-Kodak/5322731
http://tf3dm.com/3d-model/ironman-rigged-original-model--98611.html
https://www.myminifactory.com/object/complete-working-model-4-cylinder-engine-transmission-and-transfer-case-educational-toy-14053
http://3dfilemarket.com/downloads/happy-buddha-many-ear-lobes