- MyMiniFactory Acquires Thingiverse to Restore Reliability and Protect Human-Created 3D Designs
- Thingiverse’s eight million users now join a curated, creator-focused ecosystem under new management.
- Thousands of designers trust MyMiniFactory to monetize human-created 3D digital models
As AI-generated content continues to spread rapidly around the world, the livelihoods of countless human creators in the 3D printing community are threatened.
To counter this, MyMiniFactory stepped in and took control of Thingiverse, the largest and oldest repository for 3D printing files.
The platform now has more than eight million users and 2.5 million digital designs under new management.
From MakerBot to UltiMaker and MyMiniFactory
Thingiverse was originally launched in 2008 by MakerBot as an open platform for sharing printable files between different 3D printers, regardless of manufacturer.
Over time, control passed through corporate acquisitions and ultimately landed with UltiMaker before this latest transfer of ownership.
The scale of the file alone explains why the agreement is important within the 3D printing community, as Thingiverse has served as a vast public library of user-generated designs, ranging from simple calibration tools to complex mechanical assemblies.
Its open nature has helped creators gain visibility and build audiences for their human-made 3D models, although occasional technical issues and management changes sometimes create minor friction for users.
Rees Calder, Thingiverse’s recently appointed chief marketing officer, said the platform will join MyMiniFactory as a “SoulCrafted” company while remaining operationally independent.
SoulCrafted, launched by MyMiniFactory in 2025, emphasizes human-made designs, curated content, and economic sustainability for digital creators.
Calder acknowledged that Thingiverse contains many obsolete files and abandoned accounts, which will need careful cleaning over time.
However, the platform will continue to advertise, although future sponsorships are expected to be more relevant rather than relying exclusively on automated ad networks.
The company does not intend to turn Thingiverse into a fully paid platform right away, although infrastructure upgrades will precede any monetization features.
“It’s 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,” said Romain Kidd, the new CEO of Thingiverse.
“We know from the launch of SoulCrafted that there is a real demand for spaces where human labor is valued and protected. Thingiverse will be one of those spaces. Thingiverse belongs to the people who use it. We want them to participate in what happens next.”
MyMiniFactory reports having distributed over $100 million directly to creators through paid model sales, supporting thousands of independent designers and nearly 1 million paid users.
Unlike manufacturer-operated repositories that primarily function as ecosystem add-ons, MyMiniFactory has focused on curation and verified printability.
Each uploaded file undergoes human review before publication, an approach the company says strengthens trustworthiness and compensation to creators.
Many designers have used Thingiverse primarily to promote paid offers hosted elsewhere, reflecting limitations in their economic structure.
Via Toms Hardware
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