Downloads from LayerTrove: Make 3D Printing Disappointment a Thing of the Past—From the Space Shuttle to the Hulk

The world of design is vibrant and vast, and ever growing in this futuristic 3D age. It is, however, undeniably overshadowed in many cases by the intrinsic and powerful magic of 3D printing. As with many processes, the end product receives all the credit, and understandably so, as that is what we see before us. And very often, that’s just all we want.

The simple—and sometimes brutal—truth, though, is that not everyone is a 3D designer. We don’t all have an internal artist forever eager to bust out, but we do most likely have a variety of other interests and needs. So, while you were focused on figuring out just how that new 3D printer works, Scotland’s LayerTrove stepped in, taking notes on the heels of success by sister company, Design Share Make—a company we too reported on just last year, highlighting their designs and niche platform. Both offer users the opportunity to download high-quality models for 3D printing, but the key is in ‘trouble-free.’ That might sound like something we hear in many marketing ploys, but in the world of 3D printing it means everything. No one wants to purchase and download a file that has issues. So, with a good grip on the needs of their target market, the LayerTrove team founded their company in 2013 and just recently launched their new model platform, fueled with the vision that ‘personal 3D printing is going to be massive.’

“Tired of failed prints? Sick of blocked nozzles? Make disappointments a thing of the past,” says the team on their website. “Our designs have been tested rigorously, saving you both time and money.”

You can download models like the Hulk for $9.99.

Aware that you might not be a designer or in possession of a high-end 3D printer, LayerTrove gives you the opportunity to download and print ‘shop quality models.’ With limitations for technology in mind spanning a variety of hardware, however, they promise you can look forward to a streamlined experience that offers clean printing, free of worrisome support issues.

Their choices are curated with care for their current community of 5,000+ users (so far), all ready to welcome many more. Designer Bridgette Orozco has created each of their 3D models, which are then optimized for the desktop and put through rigorous digital testing.

“With roughly 1,000 desktop 3D printers sold every day, the demand for 3D printing models is growing rapidly,” said LayerTrove CEO Ross Maddox. “Whilst there are millions of models available for free, many of these are low quality with some not even printable. Our customers love LayerTrove’s tried and tested content, which saves them a lot of wasted plastic and disappointment.”

The Steam Engine can be downloaded for just $4.99. It prints in just over six hours, and features 34 parts that are easily assembled.

They are continuing to add to their collection of 3D models, well aware that many would rather just hurry up and print out something cool and ready-made for the printer rather than attempting to design from scratch. And while this is a service geared toward their users, the LayerTrove team also likes the idea that they are helping the progress of 3D technology move forward with every quality print made.

We think you’ll find yourself quite busy with what LayerTrove is currently offering, including categories such as:

Marvel Avengers – here you can download your favorite Avengers, including Black Widow, Thor, Captain America and the Hulk.

Space Exploration – if you are a space fan, you’ll really enjoy this section, with models such as the Space Shuttle and the Saturn V Rocket.

The Simpsons – undoubtedly, these models are very popular, allowing you to print your own member of the Simpson family, from Homer chowing down on a donut to Lisa jamming on the sax.

Steam Train – train fanatics have multiple models to choose from here, including the opportunity to download and print a set of tracks.

The Sensational Six – this category so far features the lovely Daisy Duck.

The 3D models range in size, as well as printing time, which might be anywhere from two hours and forty-five minutes (Bart Simpson at $4.99) to eleven hours (the Space Shuttle at $4.99) or more. Most parts have multiple files and pieces, and they are joined with printed inserts and glue.

The Space Shuttle

Take time out to peruse the LayerTrove collection for yourself, and enjoy a free sample to see if you like their work. Also, be sure to check out their blogs on desktop 3D printing for pointers and ideas on topics such as the best websites, 3D printing ideas, slicing software, 3D tools, filament, and more. Which of their categories of 3D models interests you? Discuss further in the LayerTrove 3D Models forum over at 3DPB.com.