Spare Parts Shopping? MyMiniFactory Offers Growing Library from Vacuum Parts to IKEA Dowels

Yes, by now you know: 3D printing is on its way to transforming many industries as we know them, allowing for virtual miracles in the medical industry and rapid change in other processes, allowing for expanded customization and previously unforeseen affordability in some areas. From unbelievable strides like 3D printed noses and knees to 3D printed modern, functional architectures, big things are happening.

But what about smaller items, and what about the user working from the desktop at home? What about all these promises that we’ll be living in futuristic homes with futuristic 3D printers and materials, just running to the machine whenever something breaks or we come up with a great new design that we must get to work on immediately?

That moment is here, whether you need to something small like a new ignition switch for an appliance, or something larger which might mean perusing the list of larger 3D models. It’s a great feeling to know that when something small is required, rather than running out to purchase a new one or shopping on Amazon and paying for shipping, you can just make it at home, with quality, style, speed—and most of all: affordability.

If it wasn’t already apparent to designers around the world that they could start doing that at any time, MyMiniFactory is driving the point home with ‘A World of Spare Parts.’ This means you can download objects for popular places like, for one—IKEA. Yes, score! Also, users can download designs from Smeg, Kenwood, and more.

“We’re heading towards a future where general consumers will be able to reproduce a broken or missing part or component at home with their desktop 3D printer,” says the company in their latest press release. “MyMiniFactory’s new category moves us closer to this future by delivering hundreds of guaranteed 3D printable spare parts directly to 3D printers at the click of a button.”

Fixing a broken bracket or trying to replace a part for your vacuum cleaner on Saturday afternoon? The online platform best known for its 3D printable models will now offer you a library of spare parts, to the tune of hundreds of them—with the files sent directly to your printer.

MMF is also encouraging manufacturers to look into adding libraries to their platform, pointing out that it’s a great way to allow customers to extend the longevity of use for their favorite products—and best of all, they can cut down on the costs associated with holding on to inventories of spare parts.

“MyMiniFactory offers a unique process for guaranteeing the printability of parts submitted by product manufacturers, by working with both complex validation software and the 3D printing community,” says the company.

Manufacturers creating libraries will also have access to the enviable population there of talented 3D designers, 3D scanners and 3D printer owners, all of whom can help with making a wide range of edits and enhancements to offerings.

In libraries such as that for IKEA, users can easily track down items like:

• Allen wrenches
• Shelf pins
• Mirror mounts
• Wooden dowels

The Vacuum Cleaner Collection allows you to choose from ‘every spare part you need to fix your vacuum cleaner.’ This includes basic items like hose adaptors, nozzles, and even specific parts like the Dyson Vac-Bag adaptor.

Even dandier, every button or knob you could possibly think of is available from dishwasher dials to a new iPhone home button! You can also check out the SMEG library for specific buttons and switches.

The coolest thing is that all of these spare parts are available for free download, as one of the latest exciting services and programs available at MMF, the community platform we follow continually, from their most recent endeavor to draw in new, exclusive designers to their latest 3D printing design challenge, as well as a wide assortment of accessories available for the micro:bit. All of their 3D models are free to download, with many categories such as toys, fashion, gadgets, and drones. Are you currently looking for any small parts like this? Discuss further over in the MyMiniFactory 3D Printable Spare Parts forum over at 3DPB.com.