Each week we feature the top models from the online 3D file marketplace 3DShare. And each week the models are different, although regular designers get featured here because they continue to have the top models downloaded from the website. There are weeks when we feature more functional models, and weeks when the models are more artistic. And there’s really no way to predict what will be most popular. This week, we offer a nice blend of artsy/functional pieces with a few figurine-type models thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!
“Castomized” is a regular 3D model designer appearing in our weekly review, and this week Castomized offers a cool desktop decorative piece that also has a purpose: it’s a holder for small plants! For some reason, small succulent plants have grown trendy, and this holder is perfect for your succulent collection or similarly small potted plants. You can modify your design by choosing colors and deciding how many pots you want on your stand. To mount it you’ll need one 8mm diameter threaded rod, and two nuts and two washers for each element. Simple enough, nice to look at, and functional all at the same time! It can be yours for a 99 cent download.
This funky chess set is also quite functional, as “roman_hegglin” presents a chess set that reflects the popular Voronoi design style. The Voronoi style is inspired by the mathematical diagram that has all points of equal distance to their nearest source points. (In case you are wondering about the origins of the Voronoi design.) Both chess set and the Voronoi design are quite popular in 3D printing, and I know I have seen more than a few; this one is especially appealing because its nicely curved pieces look easy to play with and are also attractive too. Best of all, you can print your own chess set for free with this downloaded design.
The Thin Man is a desktop character that is 2 mm thick, and this is the second version of the figure, following designer Tosh’s original Thin Man that was posted on 3D Share earlier. Thin Man part II presents the same figure, but this time it is lying down, peeking, or pushing: no supports are needed for any version of this figure. There are many fun places to stick the Thin Man — I especially like the version of him that’s squashed underneath a book. But why not print all of them (they’re free to download!) and have a little collection on your desktop, providing comic relief during your most stressful work times?
The Angry Bird game has inspired many spin-off products: so why not an egg cup too? Sticking with the functional theme, this egg cup, designed by “formbyte” and available for a 99 cent download, is the perfect addition to your 3D printed breakfast tableware. What’s not to love about a soft boiled egg breakfast featuring the ubiquitous Angry Bird icon? If you 3D print one of these, or several, you’ll certainly get some use out of them, and your smile will crack as surely as the shell of your egg sitting in that cup too!
Will you be printing any of these? Let us know how they turn out in this week’s Top 3D Share Models forum thread at 3DPB.com.
