Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
derivatives, and selling of 3D designs and models. A selective list of web sources for 3D
designs includes the following sites:
5
5
.
For a more extensive list of 3D design web resources, visit
http://reprap.org/wiki/Print-
6
.
Currently,
www.thingiverse.com
is home to the largest variety of 3D printable parts and models.
However,
www.thingiverse.com
is owned and maintained by a now closed source 3-D-printer
company, and its terms of service and ownership of models should be carefully read by any
would-be users. This company's change to closed source status was in part responsible for the
sudden boom in new 3D design repository websites in 2013.
Using Existing Designs
On any of the 3D design resource websites mentioned previously, you will find designs
coveringawiderangeofinterestsandstyles.Amongthetensofthousandsofdesignsavail-
able, you can find designs of human figures, cell phone cases, parts to repair appliances,
toys, and useful inventions.
For those individuals who are not accustomed to using free software or open hardware,
building off existing work in open source hardware design is a major advantage. When
starting a project, you should always research existing designs to identify any previously
done work that pertains to your project, in whole or in part. If you find existing work that
completely fills the needs of your project, you can use it to quickly accomplish your goal.
