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3D Printing Templates: Over 40 Free 3D Models to Download
3D printing templates are ready-made 3D models that you can download and have manufactured without designing anything yourself. PROTIQ offers over 40 of its own 3D models as free downloads; you can find more templates on platforms such as Printables, Thingiverse or GrabCAD.
Before you have a third-party template manufactured, it is worth checking two things: what does the licence allow – and does the model suit the chosen process? We explain both on this page.
Free 3D models
Over 40 Free 3D Models to Download
You can download all 3D models on this page and try them out free of charge – no registration required. Upload a model to the configurator, choose material and process, and compare prices and production times. Ordering is optional.
The models are closed STL files in millimetres, each in a ZIP archive with a short description (in German). They range from basic machine elements and lightweight lattice structures to parts that come out of the printer fully assembled and movable.
- Basic Machine Elements (5)
- Lightweight Design and Lattice Structures (7)
- Print-in-Place Moving Parts (10)
- Copper, Heat and Electrical (7)
- Jigs, Fixtures and Industry (6)
- Everyday Items, Size References and Showcase (10)
- More models (3)
Basic Machine Elements
Simple machine elements for comparing materials, dimensional accuracy and prices – from spacer sleeves to a DIN rail adapter. All dimensions are nominal.
Spacer Sleeve Set
M4, M6 and M10 · each 10, 20 and 30 mm long · 9 files
Nine spacer sleeves with outer diameters of 8, 12 and 20 mm, chamfered inside and out.
Download STL ZIP, 0.2 MB
Flanged Plain Bearing Bushing
d 12 × D 18 × 15 mm
With a 24 mm flange, three axial lubrication grooves in the bore and lead-in chamfers.
Download STL ZIP, < 0.1 MB
M6 Knurled Nut with Collar
D 16 × 9 mm
With a printed M6 internal thread and collar – re-tap the thread if required.
Download STL ZIP, 2.0 MB
Pipe Reducer D 40 to D 25
D 45 × 60 mm
Push-fit socket with stop for pipes with 40 and 25 mm outer diameter.
Download STL ZIP, < 0.1 MB
TS35 DIN Rail Adapter
20 × 38 × 16 mm
Snaps onto a TS35 DIN rail, with two core holes for screw fastening.
Download STL ZIP, 0.5 MBLightweight Design and Lattice Structures
Gyroids, honeycombs and trusses show how much material 3D printing can save. All lattices are open so that the powder can be removed after printing.
Gyroid Cube
30 × 30 × 30 mm
Gyroid shell structure with 1 mm wall thickness – only 29% of the volume of a solid cube.
Download STL ZIP, 7.4 MB
Gyroid Cylinder
D 40 × 40 mm
Closed outer wall with a gyroid structure inside: 55% less volume than a solid part.
Download STL ZIP, 8.4 MB
TPMS Trio: Gyroid, Diamond, Schwarz P
3 cubes of 25 mm · 3 files
Three lattice structures with the same cell size and wall thickness – directly comparable.
Download STL ZIP, 9.9 MB
Honeycomb Sandwich Panel
80 × 60 × 12 mm
Honeycomb core between two skins, with depowdering openings: 63% less volume than a solid part.
Download STL ZIP, 2.8 MB
Voronoi Lattice Sphere
D 50 mm
Spherical shell with irregular Voronoi cells – a showcase of design freedom.
Download STL ZIP, 3.8 MB
Lever: Solid and Lightweight
122 × 26 × 10 mm · 2 files
Same contour and interfaces, once solid and once with a truss structure (41% less volume). Tip: upload both and compare the prices.
Download STL ZIP, 1.9 MB
BCC Lattice Pad
approx. 50 × 50 × 16 mm
Body-centred cubic lattice between two face plates – shows how lattice structure and material determine stiffness.
Download STL ZIP, 7.8 MBPrint-in-Place Moving Parts
These models come out of the printer fully assembled and movable: all individual parts are in one file, with a 0.5 mm gap between them. They are intended for powder-based plastic processes such as SLS. After printing, depowder thoroughly and carefully free the parts.
Planetary Gear with Crank
D 70 × 32 mm · 5 parts
Sun gear, three planets and ring gear with herringbone teeth. Hold the ring gear, turn the crank – the planets rotate.
Download STL ZIP, 8.1 MB
Ball Bearing
D 50 × 14 mm · 12 parts
Inner ring, outer ring and ten balls in a closed raceway.
Download STL ZIP, 4.5 MB
Universal Joint
Length 92 mm · 3 parts
Two forks with shafts and a cross piece, movably connected.
Download STL ZIP, 3.1 MB
Lead Screw with Nut
Length 74 mm · 2 parts
Trapezoidal thread D 20 with 6 mm pitch and a free-running hex nut.
Download STL ZIP, 4.8 MB
Telescopic Cylinder
retracted 51 mm, extended approx. 160 mm · 4 parts
Four nested tubes with stop edges and a pull handle.
Download STL ZIP, 4.7 MB
Chain Mail Fabric
49 × 49 × 6 mm · 65 parts
25 flat rings connected by 40 chain links – as flexible as fabric.
Download STL ZIP, 4.4 MB
Folding Cube
approx. 31 mm · 4 parts
Four double cubes connected by hinges – can be folded endlessly.
Download STL ZIP, 2.8 MB
Ball Joint Arm
Height 120 mm · 6 parts
Five ball joints stacked on top of each other, each one able to swivel.
Download STL ZIP, 5.5 MB
Gimbal Rings
D 60 × 8 mm · 3 parts
Three nested rings mounted on pins that rotate in all directions.
Download STL ZIP, 3.8 MBCopper, Heat and Electrical
Demonstration models that show where 3D printing plays to its strengths in heat and current conduction: internal cooling channels, lattice structures and electrically dissipative plastics.
Inductor with Cooling Channel
88 × 46 × 36 mm
Demonstration model: three turns in a hollow profile with a continuous cooling channel, in one piece without soldered or welded joints. Shows what is possible in SLM with pure copper. We design inductors for real use to suit your application.
Download STL ZIP, 3.8 MB
Pin Fin Heat Sink
60 × 60 × 29 mm
85 tapered pins in a staggered arrangement on a base plate, with mounting holes for M3. For copper or aluminium.
Download STL ZIP, 7.1 MB
Mould Core with Conformal Cooling
70 × 70 × 35 mm
Demonstration model: a spiral cooling channel follows the dome 3 mm below the surface – this is what conformal cooling channels in tool inserts look like.
Download STL ZIP, 3.2 MB
Busbar, Bent and Twisted
approx. 63 × 65 × 53 mm
Demonstration model: 20 × 5 mm cross-section with two bends and a twist in one part – printed instead of bent.
Download STL ZIP, 1.2 MB
Counterflow Heat Exchanger (Gyroid)
D 33 × 96 mm
Demonstration model: a gyroid partition wall with 1 mm wall thickness separates two channels with counterflow.
Download STL ZIP, 10.5 MB
Electronics Housing with Lid
84 × 64 × 32 mm · 2 files
With screw and PCB bosses, a hole for an M12 cable gland and ventilation slots. Intended for trying out PA11 ESD.
Download STL ZIP, 2.2 MB
ESD PCB Rack for Eurocards
140 × 112 × 35 mm
Twelve slots for 100 mm wide circuit boards. Intended for trying out the electrically dissipative PA11 ESD.
Download STL ZIP, 1.6 MBJigs, Fixtures and Industry
Grippers, gauges and fixtures as demonstration examples – they show how 3D printing makes production aids available quickly and individually. For use in your production, please design production aids to your own requirements.
Gripper Jaw with V-Groove
40 × 20 × 62 mm
Example of gripper jaws with a 90° V-groove for round parts and M5 mounting.
Download STL ZIP, 1.1 MB
Vacuum Cup Adapter
D 40 × 36 mm
Flange with centring, side hose barb and internal, curved air channel.
Download STL ZIP, 2.1 MB
Go/No-Go Plug Gauge D 20
Length 132 mm
Demonstration model with go and no-go ends and engraving – not a measuring instrument.
Download STL ZIP, 2.9 MB
Workpiece Carrier for the Lever
150 × 60 × 16 mm
Nest with centring pins for the lever from “Lightweight Design and Lattice Structures” – best tried out together.
Download STL ZIP, 1.5 MB
System 32 Drilling Jig
150 × 55 × 28 mm
Five drill bushings on a 32 mm grid, the standard hole pattern in furniture making, with a stop bar.
Download STL ZIP, 2.0 MB
Flat Jet Nozzle
33 × 12 × 59 mm
Demonstration model: the internal channel transitions smoothly from round to a flat slot – made in one part.
Download STL ZIP, 2.8 MBEveryday Items, Size References and Showcase
From reference cubes to a vase: models for comparing sizes, surfaces and prices in a tangible way.
Reference Cube Set
10, 20 and 50 mm · 3 files
With engraved size – ideal for comparing prices and materials across part sizes.
Download STL ZIP, 2.1 MB
Texture Sample Card
85.6 × 54 × 1.5 mm
Four surface textures on a credit-card-sized card.
Download STL ZIP, 4.4 MB
Bottle Opener
99 × 38 × 3.5 mm
With a hanging hole and engraved PROTIQ lettering – for comparing metal and plastic.
Download STL ZIP, 1.2 MB
Honeycomb Key Fob
52 × 30 × 4 mm
Honeycomb lattice with 1.2 mm webs and an eyelet for the key ring.
Download STL ZIP, 1.9 MB
Smartphone Stand
80 × 76 × 86 mm
With a slot for the charging cable and a window in the backrest.
Download STL ZIP, 1.7 MB
Cable Clip Set
for cable D 4, 6 and 8 mm · 3 parts
The cable clips in; each clip has a countersunk hole for screw fastening.
Download STL ZIP, 1.8 MB
Lattice Pen Holder
D 70 × 100 mm
Diamond lattice in the 2.4 mm wall, closed base.
Download STL ZIP, 7.4 MB
Design Test Piece
112 × 50 × 18 mm
Walls from 0.4 to 2.0 mm plus pins and holes from D 0.5 to 3.0 mm, all labelled – shows which details a process can reproduce.
Download STL ZIP, 3.2 MB
Technical Vase
D 73 × 120 mm
Nine twisted ribs. Note: SLS plastic is not watertight without post-treatment.
Download STL ZIP, 6.7 MB
Impeller
D 80 × 22 mm
Demonstration model: seven backward-curved blades, hub with 8 mm D-bore.
Download STL ZIP, 3.6 MBMore Models
Our first download models – also free of charge.
“Round” Inductor
approx. 93 × 66 × 60 mm
Inductor with a helical coil – a geometry of the kind produced from copper by 3D printing.
Download STL ZIP, approx. 1.0 MB
Gear
approx. 42 × 42 × 12 mm
Spur gear as a classic machine element – good for comparing materials for functional parts.
Download STL ZIP, approx. 0.3 MB
PROTIQ Plate
approx. 99 × 54 × 5 mm
Flat plate with raised lettering – shows how finely text and edges are reproduced.
Download STL ZIP, approx. 0.2 MBHow it works
How do I have a 3D printing template manufactured?
From template to part in four steps: download, upload, choose a material, compare offers. Ordering is optional – you can also just compare prices and materials.
- Download and unzipDownload the template. Our models come as STL files in a ZIP archive, together with a short description.
- Upload to the configuratorUpload the file to the configurator. It is automatically checked whether the part fits into the build space.
- Choose material and processChoose from over 160 materials and over 12 processes.
- Compare offersYou immediately see prices and production times from over 40 providers and decide for yourself who manufactures.
Platforms
Where can I find more 3D printing templates?
On online platforms, designers offer 3D models free of charge or for a fee. For everyday and hobby objects, community platforms are the first port of call; for technical parts, CAD libraries such as GrabCAD are a better fit.
| Platform | Focus | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Printables | Community models for 3D printing, many functional and everyday parts | mostly free |
| Thingiverse | One of the oldest communities, with a very large selection | free |
| Cults | Design, decorative and functional objects | free and paid |
| MyMiniFactory | Including figures and miniatures | free and paid |
| GrabCAD | CAD models from the engineering community, often also as STEP or in native CAD formats | free, registration required |
| Manufacturer websites | CAD data of products, e.g. to design brackets or adapters that fit precisely | mostly free |
The platforms are independent services. The content, quality and licences of the models are the responsibility of the respective platform and creators.
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Licences
What am I allowed to do with a 3D printing template?
The creator defines this in the licence. Many free models are published under a Creative Commons licence (CC), whose abbreviations show at a glance what is allowed – for example “CC BY-NC”: attribution, non-commercial.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CC0 | The creator waives their rights as far as legally possible: the model may be used without conditions. |
| BY | Attribution: the creator must be credited. |
| SA | ShareAlike: adapted models must be shared under the same licence. |
| NC | NonCommercial: no commercial use – for example, no sale of the printed parts. |
| ND | NoDerivatives: modified versions of the model may not be shared. |
Paid models often have their own licence terms, for example for selling printed parts. Before use, check the terms of the platform and the creator – especially if you want to use the parts commercially. If in doubt, ask the creator directly.
This overview is for guidance only and does not replace legal advice.
↑ Back to overviewChecking a template
What should I check before having a template manufactured?
Many templates are designed for desktop 3D printers using the FDM process. For industrial processes such as SLS, SLA or SLM, a quick check of scale, wall thicknesses, clearances and cavities is worthwhile.
- ScaleSTL files do not contain a unit of measurement. After uploading, check that the dimensions are correct.
- Wall thicknesses and detailsMinimum values depend on process and material. PROTIQ can thicken areas that are too thin for laser sintering (SLS).
- ClearancesGaps and tolerances designed for a desktop printer do not automatically suit every process.
- Support structuresSome templates contain built-in supports for FDM printing. They are not needed in SLS – remove them before uploading.
- CavitiesIn powder-based processes such as SLS and SLM, powder remains trapped in closed cavities. Openings allow depowdering.
- ModificationsSTL files can only be edited to a limited extent. For larger changes, templates in STEP or native CAD formats are better suited.
More on printable models, software and file formats: 3D printing models
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about 3D printing templates
Where can I find free 3D printing templates?
Free templates are available on platforms such as Printables, Thingiverse, Cults, MyMiniFactory or GrabCAD. In addition, PROTIQ offers over 40 of its own 3D models as free downloads.
Do I need to register to download the PROTIQ models?
No. You can download the 3D models on this page and try them out free of charge. You only need an account if you want to place an order.
Can I use the PROTIQ models directly?
The models are demonstration and test models. They show what is possible with different processes and materials and are suitable for trying out the configurator. They have not been tested for practical use – especially not for load-bearing, pressurised, electrical or safety-relevant applications. If you need a part for a specific use, design it to your requirements or contact us.
What are print-in-place parts?
Print-in-place parts consist of several movable individual parts that are printed in one go and come out of the printer fully assembled – for example a ball bearing or a planetary gear. A small gap remains between the parts. Powder-based plastic processes such as SLS are suitable for this.
Which models are good for comparing prices?
The reference cube set with 10, 20 and 50 mm edge length and the lever pair are well suited: both levers have the same contour, one is solid and one is a lightweight design with a truss structure. Upload both and compare the prices in the configurator.
Am I allowed to have free 3D models manufactured?
That depends on the licence. Many free models are published under a Creative Commons licence that permits use – sometimes with conditions such as attribution or non-commercial use only.
Am I allowed to sell parts made from a template?
Only if the licence permits commercial use. Models marked “NC” (non-commercial) may not be used for sale. Paid models often have their own terms.
What format do 3D printing templates come in?
Most templates are available as STL files, often also as 3MF, OBJ or STEP. The PROTIQ Marketplace configurator accepts these and many other formats.
Can I modify a template?
Yes, if the licence allows modifications. STL files can only be edited to a limited extent. For larger modifications, templates in STEP or native CAD formats are better suited.
How much does it cost to have a template manufactured?
The price depends mainly on size, material, process and quantity. After uploading, you immediately see the providers’ prices in the configurator.
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