posted 02-02-2021 04:20 PM
Have just bought a 3D printer. Can anyone advise where I can find high-quality STL files of factual space hardware and models that I can print? This is for my own use to include in my collection.
posted 02-02-2021 05:27 PM
I second NASA's models. I also suggest you take a look at the models published by the user NecroBones on thingiverse. Quality rocket models.
Liembo Member
Posts: 706 From: Bothell, WA Registered: Jan 2013
posted 02-02-2021 07:13 PM
thingiverse.com has many models or shapes that can be converted to 3D-printable models.
Retro Rocket Member
Posts: 454 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
posted 02-02-2021 10:47 PM
Most of the available models on the NASA site are either low detail printable STL files or higher detail mesh models that require a lot of work to make watertight.
Most free 3D models are low detail and not that accurate. A good, accurate 3D model takes a good deal of work and very few people give their work away for free.
One exception is Vincent Meens and his LEM CAD models that are printable and beautifully done.
If you're looking for something specific Facebook has a few groups with good printable real space models. I have a few: X-15, Saturn V and S-IVB, Explorer and a few others.
press4meco Member
Posts: 49 From: Renton, WA, USA Registered: Jul 2001
Some are free, others are at cost, but reasonable costs for what you get.
holcombeyates Member
Posts: 276 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010
posted 02-04-2021 01:16 AM
Thanks everyone, this is really helpful.
holcombeyates Member
Posts: 276 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010
posted 02-10-2021 05:48 PM
Quick question: Vincent Meens models look amazing but I may have misunderstood — the only way to get 3D prints is to purchase them? They can't be downloaded and printed at home?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 45757 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-12-2021 12:53 PM
Vincent Meens' models, such as his 1/48 Lunar Roving Vehicle, can be printed at home, but the files to do so are not free. Given the work that Vincent puts into creating each of his models, I would say he deserves the compensation.
holcombeyates Member
Posts: 276 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010
posted 02-12-2021 06:00 PM
Thanks for the link Robert. Only too happy to pay for items of such a high standard.
Lazerman101 New Member
Posts: 1 From: United Kingdom Registered: Mar 2014
posted 03-03-2021 02:15 AM
Not sure if you're still 3D printing space models? I've started putting models on grabcad's free download website as of last year.
At the moment I put on a 1:18 Orion Crew Module, but am about to update it to the Artemis-1 variant due to the changes I noticed on recent photos. I will post more info for general users of this site with pictures.
I will work on other models of the SLS and Orion spacecraft for printing soon.
You may want to have a look at this YouTube promo I did for a bit of fun so you can see what models I'm am working on. — Mark
holcombeyates Member
Posts: 276 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010
posted 03-06-2021 06:38 AM
Mark, many thanks. These models look amazing and beautifully presented! Please let me know when more models come available. Thanks — Mark
posted 02-02-2021 04:20 PM
advertisement