Research guides: 3D Printing Resources and Tools: Local/Online Communities and Services

Maker Communities and Services

Find maker cohorts or get access to 3D printing-related services outside of UofT, including:

3D Hubs in Toronto
Find makers in your community who will print your designs for a fee.
3Dphacktory
A full-service 3D printing and design studio located downtown.
Hacklab.to
A collective of computer programmers, web designers, and hardware hackers. The group runs a blog and meets on Tuesday nights.
Hot Pop Factory
A 3D design and printing studio, offering printing services and consultations for client projects.
MakeLab
A manufacturing studio for makers and businesses. Also run classes and events.
The Maker Bean Cafe
Coffee, tea & food, maker tools like 3D printing & laser cutting, and workshops & classes.
Maker Festival Toronto
Annual month-long summer festival that comprises over 100 events run by makerspaces and creative studios across Toronto. Includes a 2-day Maker Extravaganza at the Toronto Reference Library.
MakerKids
Programs for kids and training for adults in their Dundas West makerspace.
Toronto Tool Library Makerspace
For a monthly fee, Makerspace membership provides access to 3D printers, a laser cutter, and a full wood shop, in addition to getting to borrow over 5,000 tools from the library.

Adafruit Industries
Tutorials, community forums, and an online shop for makers and 3D printers. Also view their extensive YouTube channel!
The Art of 3D Print Failure Flickr Group
A community for sharing epic fails and learning from mistakes.
MAKE Magazine
Online resources for videos, how-tos, blog posts, and more on a wide range of maker projects.
MakerSpace
MAKE Magazine's online community for makers.
Shapeways
Sell 3D printed products in Shapeways' online marketplace.
YouMagazine
An online community of 3D print enthusiasts and tinkerers for sharing ideas.
Thingiverse Groups
This platform provided by Thingiverse allows you to find, join, and create groups around specific topics to start conversations and share things to print.
Prusa 3D
Provided by the Prusa i3 printer research group, this website contains information for design contests, maker blogs, and models.

3D Printing Industry
News and reports on new developments in 3D printing.
MakerBot Blog
The company's blog featuring tips, updates, and cool projects.
RepRap Magazine
Free online magazine including reviews, interviews, and news about 3D printing.
Tales of a 3D Printer
A middle school Maker Club blogs about their adventures in 3D printing.
Tinkercad Blogs
Tips, inspirations and stories related 3D modelling and printing shared within the Tinkercad community.
HP Tech Takes - 3D Printing Glossary
A brief glossary of relevant terms for 3D printing, hosted on the Hewlett Packard website.