Project Overview

MyMiniFactory.com, which launched in July 2013, is an on-line file sharing platform for 3D printable objects and products. Unlike other 3D object platforms, all of the models uploaded to MyMiniFactory are subject to a strict validation process to assure their printability before being shared with others. Designs are submitted by members of the community as well as created by a team of in-house designers who specialise in designing for 3D printing. The categories cover everything from toys and figurines to gadgets and fashion accessories. Design-on-demand and Print-on-demand services are also offered.

Organisation

iMakr Ltd

Team

Romain Kidd - CEO

Eva Sbaraini - Community Manager

Wei Lui - Chief buyer

Rees Calder - Marketing Manager

Elliot Viles - Lead designer

Project Brief

MyMiniFactory.com foundations are based on having grown a strong team of internal designers to be at the forefront of the platform, leading innovation that inspires others to contribute and be part of the evolving community.

These designers have full creative freedom to design the biggest, best 3D printed products, with access to the latest desktop FDM machines and materials. Through always sharing this content on-line, in a free to access environment, the advances generated in-house at MyMiniFactory are then quickly shared and developed upon by the 'user-community' of the site worldwide.

MyMiniFactory has worked on many collaborations. We have assisted in the launch of numerous Kickstarter campaigns centred around 3D printing - most recently Pi-Top, the first 3D printed laptop.

MyMiniFactory also boasts the largest digital archive of sculptures in the world which has been developed using 3D scanning and 3D printing technologies in the form of "Scan The World".

Project Innovation/Need

MyMiniFactory test prints every file that is uploaded to the platform, meaning every accepted submission is of the highest possible quality for the eventual consumer. This type of approach is the first of its kind, and is an invaluable resource for 3D printer owners and as such MyMiniFactory prides itself on being the go-to online platform for 3D files that are guaranteed to print.

MyMiniFactory focuses on fostering the desktop 3D printing community wherever possible, building and developing a platform for both designers and makers alike. Providing 3D designers with a platform to showcase their work is a core aspect, and as such numerous high profile designers have chosen MyMiniFactory as a place to host their "printable portfolio".

With new technology, must come new ways of creating, storing and sharing content, MyMiniFactory aims to provide all the tools for this new community to grow.

Design Challenge

One of MyMiniFactorys challenges is making the everyday consumer aware that 3D printing is rapidly becoming a viable way of producing products.

The way MyMiniFactory goes about this is through our designers exchange, This is where designers have the opportunity to answer design briefs drafted by our in-house team, this allows designers to generate content for their portfolios as well as help them expand their knowledge of designing for 3D printing while being paid.

Another way of doing this is by reaching out into communities who haven't thought of applying 3D printing to their everyday, this is done by looking at communities such as Zbrush modellers or hobbyists who are creative thinking and helping them channel their creativity towards 3D printing.

Then the next step is get designers and creative's to actively engage on our platform with regular uploads to help build and grow the community.

Future Impact

We provide free .stl files for our users to print, edit or remix. All of the content on our web based platform can be re-imagined and customised.

We give users support and feedback to enhance their knowledge, walking new users through the process of getting their 3D models ready for printing. We test print these newly uploaded models for our users in house, applying our wide skill set for the evaluation of the test prints, allowing for an unrivalled feedback process.

We hold events at the iMakr Stores in London and New York to foster real world collaboration, with talks from designers, engineers, artists, hobbyists and 3D printing enthusiasts.