3DBenchy

3DBenchy
The single-material 3DBenchy model
The multi-material 3DBenchy model (exploded view illustration)
Classification3D model
Used with3D printers
InventorCreative Tools

The 3DBenchy is a 3D computer model specifically designed for testing the accuracy and capabilities of 3D printers. Its creators, Daniel Norée and Paulo Kiefe, described it as "the jolly 3D printing torture-test". It was released in STL format in April 2015, with a multi-part, multi-color model released in July 2015.

Due to its status as a common benchmark, it is believed to be the world's most 3D printed object. The popular 3D printing website Thingiverse (where the model was originally uploaded) has the 3DBenchy marked as its most popular model of all time. The model itself is a tugboat design.

The original license of the model (CC-BY-ND) allowed its use and distribution, but prohibited modifications and the publication of derivative works; however, in February 2025, it was moved into the public domain (CC0 License).

This was due to Benchy remixes being removed from Printables due to a complaint, apparently claiming that their presence was incompatible with the original licensing terms, initially assumed to have been made by NTI (purchaser of the original designer Creative Tools), who subsequently denied it. This unfounded complaint caused NTI, Daniel Norée, and Paulo Kiefe to transition the 3DBenchy model into the public domain.

Geometric feature assessment

3D model of 3DBenchy

3DBenchy's unique geometric features have made it the most comprehensive calibration print readily available to the public. These geometric features provide users with visual benchmarks to assess a large variety of 3D printing capabilities. Visual assessments can be made using the geometric characteristics listed below.

Nominal dimensions

The nominal dimensions provide a measurable baseline to accurately assess variation. The dimensions can easily be measured with a caliper. The nominal dimensions, using a 1:1 scale, are listed below.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Why the 3D Benchy is the greatest 3D model ever made (and why you might be using it wrong), 28 October 2022, retrieved 2022-10-28
  2. ↑ "New dual- & multi-part color version of #3DBenchy test print released". Retrieved 2016-07-29.
  3. ↑ "Test and calibrate your 3D printer's capacities with the #3DBenchy test project". Retrieved 2016-07-29.
  4. ↑ "Creative Tools Release #3DBenchy - The Coolest 3D Printer Calibration & Benchmarking Tool Yet". 3DPrint.com. 2015-04-10. Retrieved 2016-07-29.
  5. ↑ Sarah Anderson Goehrke (November 2017). "#3DBenchy: A Little 3D Printed Boat Making Big Waves as the Most-Printed Object". Retrieved 2020-11-21.
  6. ↑ Thingiverse.com. "Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects". www.thingiverse.com. Retrieved 2023-10-26.
  7. ↑ "The 3DBenchy is Back". Tom's Hardware. 15 February 2025. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  8. ↑ "The Iconic 3DBenchy Enters the Public Domain". NTI Group. Archived from the original on 6 August 2025. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
  9. ↑ CreativeTools. "#3DBenchy - the Tool to Calibrate and Test Your 3D Printer". Instructables. AUTODESK. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
  10. ↑ Pollen AM. "Torture Test Analysis". Pollen AM Tortue Test - Analysis. Pollen AM. Retrieved 22 February 2024.