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This isn’t our first article displaying a list of cool 3D printable designs (nor will it be the last). However, it is unique in the novelty it offers.
Though not practically useful, these models provide a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the past, our humanity, and the world we live in. And that’s pretty neat. After all, how else do you plan on enjoying museum-worthy artifacts in the comfort of your own home?
If you didn’t already know, the Smithsonian Institution scans a wide variety of artifacts and makes the 3D models available on their 3D Digitization platform. Not all are ideal candidates for 3D printing, but thanks to the work of others, cool models can be found.
If while perusing this collection, you happen upon something you particularly fancy but don’t have the means to produce, consider making use of a 3D printing service. Through Craftcloud, you’ll not only find the best price, you’ll also benefit from professional quality production.
Ready to explore? Let’s go!
Apollo 11 Command Module
One of the most interesting scans from the Smithsonian Institution is the Apollo 11 command module, “Columbia”. Apart from a capture of the outside of the capsule, they also have scans taken from various other perspectives, including the interior (although this would be a challenge to 3D print).
Thingiverse user Dan Lovy has uploaded a 3D printable version of the module. He also provides interesting commentary regarding the challenges he faced while printing.
Who uploaded it? Daniel lovy
Who printed it? At least four users have uploaded their Makes.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Link to the Smithsonian: Apollo 11 Command Module
Albert Einstein
If you’re looking to decorate a classroom, consider this monumental historical figure. Sure to be in anyone’s list of the three most famous scientists of all time is Albert Einstein. (Although few could probably name three of his major contributions to science…)
The Smithsonian’s original scan is of a bust created by American Sculptor Jo Davidson. In order to make it 3D printable, MyMiniFactory user 3DWP made a number of tweaks, including filling holes and adding texture. According to them, it’s an easy FDM print.
Who made it? 3DWP
Who printed it? The designer is the only confirmed make, but there are a plethora of downloads and views.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Link to the Smithsonian: Albert Einstein
Ammonite Cephalopod
Being able to reproduce a fossil from millions of years ago without risking damage to the actual artifact is a great use of 3D scanning and printing. Incidentally, such a model also makes a great decoration for the home!
This particular fossil is of the Perisphinctes Biplex (Sowerby) ammonite cephalopod, which existed during the late Jurassic period. It was found near Weymouth, England.
Who uploaded it? Marissa Dudek
Who printed it? Sketchfab doesn’t list makes, but it does show that this model has had 116 views and 24 downloads.
Where to get it? Sketchfab
Cooper Hewitt
The list of great Smithsonian 3D models wouldn’t be complete without a print of one of the institution’s actual buildings. Of the organization’s 19 museums, the Cooper Hewitt is dedicated to historical and contemporary design.
The MyMiniFactory user behind the upload (who will appear again…) declines to comment on the printing experience. However, given a high enough layer resolution, we’re guessing it shouldn’t be too hard of a print.
Who uploaded it? Smithsonianus
Who printed it? Unknown, but MyMiniFactory has recorded over 111 downloads and over 1,400 views.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Link to the Smithsonian: Carnegie Mansion: Exterior
Skeletal Mammoth Warrior
Compared to the other models in this list, this one is slightly less conventional (but still cool). Adding to his collection of miniatures, Mike Tong designed this crewless “elephant warrior” by remixing the Smithsonian’s “Mammuthus primigenius”.
Apart from optimizing it for printing, Mike also attempted to add the caricature-like flare of 28-mm figures. This one might be best printed using a resin-based machine.
Who made it? Mike Tong
Who printed it? Thingiverse has had 2 makes whilst Cults3d has recorded 894 views and 125 downloads
Where to get it? Cults or Thingiverse
Link to the Smithsonian: Mammuthus primigenius (Blumbach)
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is easily one of the most popular presidents of the United States and is well-respected around the world. Interestingly, this model comes from a life mask made before his time in office.
In order to successfully print this one, you may need to get creative with support structures.
Who uploaded it? Smithsonianus
Who printed it? Again, we can’t be sure, but the MyMiniFactory upload already has 111 downloads and over 1,700 views.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Link to the Smithsonian: Abraham Lincoln
Morse-Vail Telegraph Key
For most of us, this device will mostly be recognizeable as that thing people use to communicate in old-fashioned movies. Didn’t they know about texting?
This key scanned to produce this model is believed to have been part of the first Baltimore-Washington line. And even more impressive, it was made by a colleague of Samuel Morse himself.
This 3D printable version comes to us from Thingiverse user OldManJohnson. Note that not all parts can be printed.
Who made it? OldManJohnson
Who printed it? Based on the comments, it would seem as though at least one person (other than the creator) had success with this design.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Link to the Smithsonian: Morse-Vail Telegraph Key
The Greek Slave
For those who don’t know, The Greek Slave is a marble sculpture created in 1843-44 by Hiram Powers. Though initial reception was mixed, it has since become one of the most popular American sculptures of all time.
Thanks to scanning and printing, anyone can enjoy this famous piece of work in the comfort of their own home!
Who uploaded it? Smithsonianus
Who printed it? MyMiniFactory shows several apparently-successful community makes.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Link to the Smithsonian: Model of the Greek Slave
Key Marco Cat
The Key Marco Cat is one of over 1,000 wooden artifacts that were discovered near Marco Island, Florida. Estimated at being between 500 and 1,500 years old, it represents some of the finest art produced by prehistoric Native Americans.
This model comes from the original scan of the artifact. Thanks to its simplistic beauty, it seems to be a straightforward print.
Who uploaded it? Daniel lovy
Who printed it? Thingiverse reports two Makes (next to that of Daniel’s).
Where to get it? Thingiverse or MyMiniFactory
Link to the Smithsonian Magazine: Preserved Against the Odds
Space Shuttle Discovery
In truth, we can’t confirm that this is 3D printable, but we couldn’t resist adding this amazing scan to the list.
With 39 Earth-orbital missions, 365 days in space, and 240 million km traveled, the Space Shuttle Discovery is the most accomplished of its class. It first launched in 1984 and was retired in 2011.
Though the model does have a few small details, we’re confident that an experienced enthusiast could have it 3D printable in a jiff. If anyone out there takes on the task, let us know in the comments!
Who uploaded it? The Smithsonian Institution
Where to get it? Sketchfab
Link to the Smithsonian: Space Shuttle Discovery
Lead image source: dbarclay via Thingiverse
License: The text of "10 Best Smithsonian 3D Models to 3D Print" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.