Framework, Noctua, and other brands add official 3D models to Printables

Enlarge / Printables is aiming to build a one-stop site for 3D-printed parts and accessories from brands like Noctua. (credit: Printables.com)

A number of device and accessory brands—including Adafruit, Framework Computer, Noctua, and Raspberry Pi—have started sharing free official 3D-printable models of parts, accessories, and mods on Printables, kicking off what the site hopes is a general trend toward repair-friendly parts and community mods.

Prusa Research, which shifted its PrusaPrinters site to Printables.com in March, writes that it had been "talking with a couple of giants in their respective industries" before launching a new section of the site, Brands. Giving customers the option of locally printing certain parts reduces inventory and shipping needs. By doing so, the company writes, that "makes it easier for brands to support the right-to-repair initiative"—and create some cool mods.

"We hope that in a few years, it will be the norm to release 3D-printable models to accompany the brand's products," writes Mikolas Zuza, marketing specialist at Prusa Research.