7 companies that have embraced 3D printing by releasing models for free

Published Oct 31, 2026, 10:01 AM EDT Tim has been covering technology for almost 20 years, in that time spanning a broad range of topics from security to product reviews. He is especially focused on the Apple ecosystem, productivity, and consumer advice. Over the years Tim has written thousands of articles, reviews, and round-ups in addition to producing video content and original photography. A graduate of journalism, he found his footing as a freelancer with a laptop and loves how he is able to work from practically anywhere. Now a Senior Editor for iPhone, Mac, and Smart Home at How-To Geek, Tim still loves to write. He can also be found crafting round-ups and productivity posts for the Zapier blog. Earlier in his career Tim spent nearly a decade as a writer and eventually Apple section editor for MakeUseOf. Tim currently lives in Brisbane, Australia. Outside of work he loves to hike and work out, play video games, and spend quality time with his wonderful partner and two cats Inka and Roger. Ever wonder why some products are so well represented on 3D printing model repositories? Popularity plays a part, but many get a helping hand from high above with official models and CAD references. Some of these are gimmicks, while others have fostered a vibrant community of model designers. Valve CAD files and a weird E-Ink faceplate Valve has fully embraced its community of tech enthusiasts by releasing CAD files for hardware like the Steam Deck, Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame. You’ll find these neatly categorized on the company’s Gitlab, with both STP and STL files available that you can use to design your own accessories for the gaming hardware. In addition, there are a few nice surprises like the Steam Machine’s inkterface, an E-Ink faceplate for the company’s console-like living room PC. The project depends on an ESP32-S3, 5.83-inch E-Ink panel, a breakout friend, battery, and some hardware for attaching it all together. There are also 3D-printable parts you can use to replace the default faceplate with your own E-Ink version. Philips Models for the OneBlade shaver Credit: Philips I first found out about the Philips OneBlade shaver on a subreddit about products you can buy for life (or that are expected to have above-average durability). Then I discovered the company has a somewhat unique approach to replacing shaver attachments with 3D printed version. Rather than spending money on replacements or buying a new shaver altogether, you can head over to the Philips Printables archive and download them for yourself. I’d recommend printing these with PETG for added durability in a humid and damp bathroom environment. Framework CAD files for laptops and more Credit: Framework Framework is a company that made a name for itself with modular laptops that can be upgraded and repaired, so is it any wonder that the company has also embraced 3D printing? Head over to the Framework GitHub page to find a selection of CAD files you can download and design around. This includes STP files for laptops like the Laptop 12, Laptop 13, and Laptop 16 complete with separate CAD files for batteries, hinges, and expansion cards. Also included are CAD files that cover the Framework Desktop and the company’s Wireless Touchpad Keyboard. Logitech CAD templates, keycaps, and add-ons Credit: Logitech Logitech makes some of the best peripherals on the market, so if there’s one criticism I have of their approach to 3D printing it’s that they haven’t gone far enough. On the Logitech Printables archive you’ll find keycaps and alternative grips for the company’s pint-sized Pebble mouse. You’ll also find some CAD reference files for keyboards like the MX keys and ERGO K860. Unfortunately, more iconic Logitech models like the MX Master and MX Ergo mice are sadly missing. Ford Print your own accessories for Ford trucks Credit: Ford The Ford Integrated Tether System, or FITS for short, was first added to the 2022 Maverick as a slot at the rear of the center console and under-seat storage bins to make it easy to add custom accessories. Ford released CAD files that designers can use as a reference point on its website. To me, this one feels like a bit of a gimmick, but to its credit Ford has stuck with the system and it now appears in the Bronco too. Noctua Fan mounting brackets Noctua, famed manufacturer of questionably brown PC fans, has also released a selection of CAD files for the purpose of mechanical integration, animations, and renderings. You can use these to get dimensionally-accurate measurements around which you can design brackets or spacers for your next PC build. These aren’t for printing clones of Noctua fans, which is understandable. One complaint I do have is that you’ll need to browse the support downloads archive for each item to find them as there is no single index to peruse. Teenage Engineering Replacement knobs and more for your pricey synthesizer Credit: Teenage Engineering Teenage Engineering is an electronics company from Sweden that is best known for hipster synthesizers, mixers, and samplers, among others. These demand a price premium and have become status symbols in the music-making world, so I was a little bit surprised to see the company releasing STL files for free on its downloads page. Models include some predictable inclusions like control knobs for the OP-Z and EP line, CAD files for the PO-10, plus accessories and a stand for the OP-1. You don’t need “official” resources to design prints, but it’s nice to see companies doing what they can do foster creativity and make their products easier to maintain, repair, and integrate. You can put this logic to use in your own home by printing your own fixes for household problems.