- MyMiniFactory buys Thingiverse to restore reliability and protect human-made 3D designs
- Thingiverse’s eight million users now join a curated, creator-first ecosystem under new leadership
- Thousands of designers rely on MyMiniFactory to monetize human-made digital 3D 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 has stepped in and taken control of Thingiverse, the oldest and largest repository for 3D print files.
The platform now brings more than eight million users and 2.5 million digital designs under new management.
From MakerBot to UltiMaker to MyMiniFactory
Thingiverse was originally launched in 2008 by MakerBot as an open platform for sharing printable files across different 3D printers, regardless of manufacturer.
Over time, control shifted through corporate acquisitions, eventually landing with UltiMaker before this latest transfer of ownership.
The sheer scale of the archive explains why the deal matters within the 3D printing community, as Thingiverse has served as a vast public library of user-generated designs, ranging from simple calibration tools to intricate 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 less friction for users.
Rees Calder, recently appointed Chief Marketing Officer of Thingiverse, said the platform will join MyMiniFactory as a “SoulCrafted” company while remaining operationally independent.
Introduced by MyMiniFactory in 2025, SoulCrafted emphasizes human-made designs, curated content and financial sustainability for digital creators.
Calder acknowledged that Thingiverse contains many outdated files and abandoned accounts that will require careful cleanup over time.
However, the platform will continue to advertise, although future sponsorships are expected to be more relevant instead of relying solely on automated ad networks.
The company does not intend to convert Thingiverse into a fully paid platform right away, although infrastructure upgrades will precede any monetization features.
“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,” said Romain Kidd, the new CEO of Thingiverse.
“We know from the launch of SoulCrafted that there is real demand for spaces where human work is valued and protected. Thingiverse will be one of those spaces. Thingiverse belongs to the people who use it. We want them involved in what happens next.”
MyMiniFactory reports distributing more than $100 million directly to creators through paid model sales, supporting thousands of independent designers and nearly 1 million paying users.
Unlike manufacturer-driven repositories that primarily act as ecosystem additions, MyMiniFactory has focused on curation and verified printability.
Every uploaded file goes through human review before publication, an approach the company claims strengthens reliability and creator compensation.
Many designers have primarily used Thingiverse to promote paid offerings hosted elsewhere, reflecting limitations in its financial structure.
Via Tom’s Hardware
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