The Top STL Files of 2023

As we look back on a year of impressive, helpful, wacky, and fun 3D printing experiences, we can’t help but pick out some of our favorite 2023 STLs and highlight them in our end-of-year retrospective. From giant 3D printed constructions to tiny creations, the 3D printing makers have been putting in the work to bring unique designs and reimagined 3D printed classics into reality with the help of some filament and elbow grease. We’ve made sure to stop by some of the big names in STL databases like Cults, Thingiverse, Printables, and even MakerWorld, who made their debut this year, to gather some of the most popular, most striking, and most helpful STL files of 2023 to share with you!

3D Print This Remote-Controlled Airliner

We start this year’s ranking off with a high-flyer – a fully functional CRJ Series drone! This incredible two-meter-long (6’5″) aircraft is fully 3D printed! As if the fact that it is capable of flying were not enough, it has retractable landing gear and moving flaps to improve the aircraft’s maneuverability and realism. The model we chose as part of our top STL files of 2023 is the CRJ 900, although it is possible to print the CRJ 700 with this same file simply by removing a piece of the design. That’s two drones in a single STL file! Going into more detail about the printing process, it takes a little more than 120 hours to print all the parts. Assembly is relatively straightforward and it uses about 3.3 kg (7.3 lbs) of PLA material or 2.3 kg (4.4 lbs) of LW-PLA to make the entire kit. If you want to know more about this printable jetliner or to download it for yourself, click HERE.

Customize Your Phone With This 3D Printed LEGO Case

We move on to a 2023 STL file that is both practical and unique. Check out this cellphone case that can be customized in the most creative way imaginable. This 3D printed LEGO cell phone case not only mimics the look of the classic toy, but the studs that stick out along its surface are the exact shape and size of LEGO blocks, allowing users to unleash all their creativity and attach LEGO pieces to the case to create custom designs. This specific case is designed for the iPhone 13, 13 Pro, as well as the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro. The case is printed in three separate parts and there is no need for supports, making the printing process even easier to create, assemble, and use. It is recommended to print this iPhone case with TPU, although you can also use TPE, which gives the case a nice soft feel. Download the STL file and 3D print your case at home by clicking HERE!