The realm of three-dimensional printing is familiar with the 3DBenchy model, often likened to the Hello World of the 3D printing world. It is estimated to be one of the most widely printed models in the world.
Originating in 2015 by Creative Tools, a company from Sweden, the 3DBenchy model was created to test the functionality of printers and has since been widely used. Despite Creative Tools merging with NTI Group, a software company in the construction-manufacturing sector from Denmark in 2024, the 3DBenchy model continues to thrive.
Daniel Norée, the creator of the 3DBenchy model, originally released it under a Creative Commons No Derivatives license, prohibiting modifications to ensure it remains a standard benchmark for printer performance. However, the model has been altered and redistributed in various versions, with Creative Tools never enforcing the No Derivatives conditions.
In January 2025, a modified version of the 3DBenchy model was removed from the Printables website, where users could download 3D models, supposedly due to NTI enforcing No Derivatives rules. In reality, NTI did not take any action, leading to misconceptions and miscommunication.
This incident highlighted the importance of 3DBenchy in the 3D printing community, prompting Daniel Norée, Creative Tools’ CEO Paulo Kiefe, and NTI as the current owners to declare 3DBenchy as public domain. This decision ensures that the community can use 3DBenchy freely without fear of legal repercussions.
Additionally, NTI has launched the website 3dbenchy.com as a tribute to this model.
TLDR: The 3DBenchy model, a staple in the world of 3D printing, originated in 2015 and has undergone various modifications despite initial licensing restrictions. In 2025, the model was declared public domain to allow the community unrestricted use.
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