MyMiniFactory Acquires Thingiverse: A Turning Point for the 3D File Ecosystem

This is major news for the entire maker community and the 3D printing market as a whole: MyMiniFactory has acquired 100% of Thingiverse. The popular free 3D file platform was previously owned by UltiMaker, following several strategic shifts between MakerBot and Stratasys—we’ll return to that shortly. Thingiverse’s 8 million users will now join the MyMiniFactory ecosystem, which has distributed more than $100 million in revenue to its creators.

This move transforms Thingiverse into a SoulCrafted platform. The SoulCrafted movement emphasizes objects designed with intention, emotion, and personalization, as opposed to standardized mass production. Driven by technologies like 3D printing, it promotes local, on-demand, and more sustainable manufacturing, strengthening the connection between users and the objects they create. The goal is to restore value to the designers who use Thingiverse and elevate their work, much like what MyMiniFactory has already implemented on its own platform.

The Thingiverse Homepage

A Look Back at the Rise of Thingiverse

This acquisition is particularly noteworthy because Thingiverse remains the largest 3D file platform on the market. To fully understand its significance, we need to go back 17 years. In 2008, MakerBot launched an open library of STL files, allowing users to share printable 3D models for free. The platform quickly expanded, becoming part of the RepRap movement, which champions collaboration and the open modification of designs.

In 2013, Stratasys acquired MakerBot, making Thingiverse an indirect asset of the manufacturer. The platform continued to grow, surpassing one million shared models. However, it also began facing certain limitations, most notably increasing competition from platforms such as Printables and Cults.

In 2022, MakerBot merged with Ultimaker, placing Thingiverse under UltiMaker’s management and giving the platform renewed momentum. Performance improvements were introduced, the interface was modernized, and integration with Cura was strengthened. But what ultimately led to this acquisition today?

MyMiniFactory’s Acquisition of Thingiverse

Over the past four years, the landscape has shifted. The development of AI has changed the game. Creators are increasingly seeking recognition for their work, aiming to put people back at the center of their craft. Romain Kidd, the new CEO of Thingiverse, explains:

This is about what kind of internet and future we want. AI-generated content is everywhere now and is a threat to the livelihoods of real creators everywhere. We know from launching SoulCrafted that there’s real demand for spaces where human work is valued and protected. Thingiverse will be one of those spaces.

By joining MyMiniFactory, Thingiverse will be able to build on a proven model: a designer-focused economy that redistributes revenue to its community. The platform offers premium STL files that can be purchased individually or through monthly creator subscriptions. This model ensures that designers are fairly compensated for their work. Today, MyMiniFactory has nearly one million paying customers.

It is also worth noting that the platform acquired YouMagine in 2024 and manages Scan the World, an open-source museum featuring thousands of culturally significant objects that have been 3D digitized.

What Does This Change?

Thingiverse’s core philosophy of sharing 3D files will remain the same. However, the acquisition will introduce new business models for creators, highlighting SoulCrafted content over AI-generated content. Arys Andreou, Thingiverse’s new Director of Technology, adds: “I hope to help Thingiverse become a valuable, reliable, and trustworthy tool for experienced engineers and beginner makers alike.”

If you’d like to learn more, MyMiniFactory and Thingiverse are hosting a live Q&A session on February 17 at 6 p.m. Register HERE. It will also be an opportunity to share your ideas and help shape the future of the platform.

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*Cover Photo: Image generated via ChapGPT based on a prompt written by 3Dnatives