3Dprintede

3Dprintede is a collaborative platform and brand focused on additive manufacturing and 3D printing. It provides design resources, low-cost workflows, and a venue for sharing printable objects created with consumer 3D printers. The project emphasizes openness and education, aiming to lower barriers to entry for makers, educators, and small businesses.

Origin and development: The initiative began in the early 2010s as a community forum run by designers and engineers from maker spaces in Europe and North America. It evolved into a structured platform that hosts a public model repository, tutorials, and collaboration spaces for projects that cross disciplines such as product design, engineering, and art.

Technology and content: The repository accepts standard 3D formats such as STL, OBJ, and 3MF. It promotes permissive licenses and clear attribution, with an emphasis on open-source tools. Designers often use Blender, OpenSCAD, Fusion 360, and Cura-compatible workflows to prepare models for printing. The platform also hosts design challenges and educational resources.

Impact and reception: 3Dprintede is widely used by hobbyists, educators, and small makers pursuing rapid prototyping and hands-on learning. Advocates highlight its role in demystifying 3D printing and enabling community-driven innovation, while critics note variability in print quality and sustainability considerations in distributed manufacturing.

Related topics: 3D printing, open source hardware, makerspaces, additive manufacturing.