Designing for 3D printing

Original designs must adhere to the UP! Mini’s print range (120mm x 120mm x 120mm) and must be in .STL file format. Note that larger or more dense objects take longer print.

Vertical designs may require supports. These are automatically printed by the UP!ware used to send print jobs to the UP! Mini 3D printers and are meant to uphold the structure during the print. The supports can easily be removed from the final print.

Design resources

We recommend Tinkercad, a free, web based 3D design tool, for beginner designers that includes lessons or short tutorials to learn the many features available to users. A valid email address is required to sign up. BOOMbox classes will reference Tinkercad and will use pre-made accounts for those who do not create an account of their own.

Other free resources include SketchUp and Autodesk 123D. Both require downloading the free software.

Free .STL files

You can also get free designs from Thingiverse, an online community for 3D printing. Search by keyword, or browse collections and categories for a design of your interest. The .STL file is available for download.