Thingiverse
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| Thingiverse | |
|---|---|
 MakerBot Industries · Public domain · source | |
| Name | Thingiverse |
| Owner | MakerBot |
| Launch date | 2008 |
| Current status | Active |
Thingiverse is a 3D printing platform and online community that allows users to share and download 3D models, with a wide range of designs available from NASA to MIT Media Lab. The platform is owned by MakerBot, a company founded by Bre Pettis, Adam Mayer, and Zach Smith, and has become a popular destination for DIY enthusiasts and makers from New York University to Stanford University. With its vast collection of user-generated 3D models, Thingiverse has collaborated with Microsoft, Google, and Autodesk to provide a comprehensive platform for 3D printing and design. The platform has also been used by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Harvard University, and University of California, Berkeley to share and develop 3D models for various applications.
Introduction
Thingiverse is a web-based platform that allows users to share, download, and 3D print 3D models, with a focus on open-source and collaborative design, similar to GitHub and Wikipedia. The platform has a large collection of user-generated 3D models, including designs from NASA, MIT, and Stanford University, as well as independent designers like Janne Kyttanen and Joshua Harker. With its user-friendly interface and extensive library of 3D models, Thingiverse has become a popular destination for DIY enthusiasts, makers, and educators from New York City to Silicon Valley. The platform has also been used by companies like Microsoft, Google, and Autodesk to promote 3D printing and design.
History
The history of Thingiverse dates back to 2008, when it was founded by MakerBot, a company that specializes in 3D printing and digital manufacturing, with the help of Bre Pettis, Adam Mayer, and Zach Smith. Initially, the platform was designed to provide a space for makers and DIY enthusiasts to share and collaborate on 3D printing projects, similar to Instructables and Adafruit. Over time, Thingiverse has evolved to include a wide range of features and tools, including 3D modeling software and printing services, with partnerships with companies like Stratasys and 3D Systems. Today, Thingiverse is one of the largest and most popular 3D printing platforms in the world, with a community of users from Harvard University to University of Oxford.
Features
Thingiverse offers a range of features that make it a popular destination for 3D printing enthusiasts, including a vast library of user-generated 3D models, with designs from NASA to MIT Media Lab. The platform also includes tools for 3D modeling and design, such as Tinkercad and Fusion 360, which are similar to Blender and SketchUp. Additionally, Thingiverse provides a range of printing services, including 3D printing and laser cutting, with partnerships with companies like Shapeways and Ponoko. The platform also includes a forum and blog for users to share their projects and connect with other makers and DIY enthusiasts, similar to Reddit and Stack Overflow.
Community
The Thingiverse community is a vibrant and active group of makers, DIY enthusiasts, and educators from New York University to Stanford University. The platform provides a range of tools and features that allow users to collaborate and share their projects, including forums, blogs, and groups, similar to Discord and Slack. The community is also supported by a range of events and workshops, including Maker Faire and World Maker Faire, which are organized by Maker Media and MakerBot. With its focus on open-source and collaborative design, the Thingiverse community has become a hub for innovation and creativity, with users from Harvard University to University of California, Berkeley.
Impact
The impact of Thingiverse has been significant, with the platform playing a key role in the development of the 3D printing industry, similar to GitHub and Wikipedia. The platform has also had a major impact on education, with many schools and universities using Thingiverse to teach 3D printing and design, including MIT, Stanford University, and Harvard University. Additionally, Thingiverse has been used by a range of companies and organizations, including NASA, Microsoft, and Autodesk, to promote 3D printing and design, with partnerships with companies like Stratasys and 3D Systems. With its focus on open-source and collaborative design, Thingiverse has become a model for innovation and creativity in the digital age, similar to Linux and Apache.