Elegoo has launched Nexprint, their online 3D model repository.
The site offers users the ability to upload and download 3D models, as well as searching for models using a variety of methods.
The site is focused on Elegoo equipment, as you might expect, but is designed in an elegant and clear form that is very easy to use. In fact, it’s one of the cleanest designs I’ve seen for a 3D model site.
It includes all the standard features you have come to expect in online 3D model repositories, including:
- Search
- Categories
- Designers
- Follow designers
- Description
- Files
- Makes
- Comments
- Previews
- Open in slicer automatically
- Tagging
- Contests and prizes
There is also the use of an “Originality” declaration, which certifies the model as the “personally original model” of the author. That’s good, but I’m not sure how it is policed. This does not prevent “AI slop”, so that will be something else Elegoo will have to deal with.
Elegoo describes Nexprint as an “open source platform”, but this seems to mean that the models presented are themselves open source, rather than the site itself is open source.
The print profiles presented on some of the 3D models are obviously for Elegoo equipment, but that’s not unexpected. It will be quite useful for anyone using Elegoo gear, in fact.
They’ve implemented a points system that should reward good designers and generally increase use of the site. Apparently, they are also going to use the points system as a way to help decide which models are featured on the front page of Nexprint.
Currently, they’ve listed Nexprint as an “open beta”, which seems to mean that anyone can sign up and participate. Basically, this site is ready for use now, and there seems to be a large number of models already available.
This is a good move by Elegoo and puts them on par with the other major 3D printer manufacturers, which each have their own “partner” 3D model site:
- Prusa – Printables
- Ultimaker – Thingiverse
- Bambu Lab – MakerWorld
- Anycubic – Makeronline
- Formlabs – Pinshape
- Creality – Creality Cloud
Let’s add Elegoo to that list.
Via Elegoo
