Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Component Search Engine VS Thingiverse

Compare Component Search Engine VS Thingiverse and see what are their differences

Component Search Engine logo Component Search Engine

Search to find and download PCB footprints and schematic symbols for direct use in compatible ECAD tools.

Thingiverse logo Thingiverse

Thingiverse.com is the place to share digital designs for fabricating real, physical objects.
  • Component Search Engine Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-09
  • Thingiverse Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-09

Component Search Engine features and specs

  • Comprehensive Database
    Component Search Engine offers an extensive database of electronic components, which makes it easier for users to find the specific parts they need.
  • Advanced Search Filters
    The platform provides advanced filtering options that help users refine search results based on specific criteria such as manufacturer, part number, and specifications.
  • Cross-referencing
    Component Search Engine supports cross-referencing, allowing users to find equivalent parts from different manufacturers, which is useful for finding alternatives.
  • Free Access
    The service is offered for free, allowing users to access a vast repository of components without any subscription fee, which is beneficial for individuals and startups with limited budgets.
  • User-friendly Interface
    The platform has an intuitive and user-friendly interface that allows for easy navigation and efficient searches, even for users who may not be technically savvy.

Possible disadvantages of Component Search Engine

  • Limited to Electronic Components
    The platform mainly focuses on electronic components, which can be limiting for users looking for other types of industrial parts or non-electrical components.
  • Potential Outdated Information
    Some users might encounter outdated stock information or discontinued parts not promptly updated, requiring verification from suppliers.
  • No Direct Purchasing
    The website provides information about components but does not facilitate direct purchasing, requiring users to contact suppliers or distributors independently.
  • Dependency on Supplier Listings
    The accuracy and comprehensiveness of the search results depend on supplier participation and data accuracy, which can vary.
  • Advertising Presence
    The presence of advertisements could potentially affect user experience by causing distractions or cluttering the interface.

Thingiverse features and specs

  • Large User Community
    Thingiverse boasts a large and active user community, which ensures a steady influx of new designs and models. This can be beneficial for users looking for a variety of 3D printable objects.
  • Free to Use
    Thingiverse is free to use, which makes it accessible for hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike, without any subscription fees or costs tied to downloads.
  • Extensive Library
    The platform offers a vast library of 3D models across various categories, making it easy to find designs that meet your specific needs or interests.
  • Search and Filter Options
    Thingiverse provides comprehensive search and filtering options, enabling users to quickly find designs based on popularity, date added, category, and other criteria.
  • Community Engagement
    Users can engage with the community through features such as comments, likes, and collections, fostering a collaborative environment where feedback and improvements are common.

Possible disadvantages of Thingiverse

  • Quality Variability
    Due to the open nature of the platform, the quality of designs can vary dramatically. Some models may require significant modifications or may not be printable at all.
  • Slow Website Performance
    Some users report that the website can be slow or experience downtime, which can be frustrating when looking for files or uploading new designs.
  • Intellectual Property Concerns
    There have been instances of intellectual property violations, where users upload designs without proper attribution or permission from the original creators.
  • Limited File Formats
    Thingiverse primarily supports STL files, and while it does support other formats to some extent, the emphasis on STL can be limiting for users who prefer other formats.
  • User Interface
    The user interface can be somewhat outdated and clunky, making it less intuitive for new users to navigate and find the resources they need.

Component Search Engine videos

Electronic Component Search Engine

More videos:

  • Review - SamacSys Component Search Engine
  • Review - Electronic Component Search Engine | Loadparts Professional

Thingiverse videos

3D Printing A Coin Sorter! [Thingiverse Print Review]

More videos:

  • Review - 3D Printing A Crossbow! [Thingiverse Print Review]
  • Review - 3D Printed Working Wrench! [Thingiverse Print Review]

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Component Search Engine and Thingiverse)
Business & Commerce
100 100%
0% 0
3D Modeling
7 7%
93% 93
Online Services
15 15%
85% 85
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Component Search Engine and Thingiverse

Component Search Engine Reviews

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Thingiverse Reviews

Top 10 3D Model Databases: The Best Sites to Download 3D Models for 3D Printing
Thingiverse is probably one of the biggest and most popular databases. It has a very active maker community behind it and offers free-to-use STL files only. You don’t even need to open an account in order to download a 3D model from their site. Sometimes the database can seem slightly less organized than the cleaner and simpler design of sites like Pinshape and Cults.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Thingiverse seems to be a lot more popular than Component Search Engine. While we know about 227 links to Thingiverse, we've tracked only 3 mentions of Component Search Engine. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Component Search Engine mentions (3)

  • Why are the output pins always HIGH? [proteus]
    You could download the arduino files from https://componentsearchengine.com/ and then import it into proteus libraries. Don't know if that works with proteus 7 though. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Where's the best place to get symbols/footprints for various devices? Where should I share ones I've created back to?
    I agree, but you could verify the dimensions, and get a 3D model, with https://www.snapeda.com/ and https://componentsearchengine.com/. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Suggestions on how to export STEP files from LCSC?
    I've found https://componentsearchengine.com/ to be useful for finding 3D models for kicad, it seemed to be pretty complete too IIRC. Pretty sure it's free, but maybe needs an account (?). Source: over 2 years ago

Thingiverse mentions (227)

  • How can I improve the sound?
    Since I don't live in the forest, the instrument's high volume was always a big problem, it came with a bundle of standard wooden reeds (2.5). I did some research and found that with a softer and thinner reed you need less air to create the vibration and therefore can play at a lower volume. I found “full range alto saxophone reed” on thingiverse.com and printed a (1.5) reed with PETG. It really worked, the volume... Source: over 1 year ago
  • Ender 3 printer for my 13 yr old?
    There are millions of free designs on printables.com and thingiverse.com and other sites. There is certainly no need to buy models. Commercial models do exist but they are usually highly elaborate decorative pieces. Source: over 1 year ago
  • How I made a cool T-Rex Carving - workflow
    I found a 3D model of a T-Rex on thingiverse.com that I liked. I used The T-Rex Skull by MakerBot - Thingiverse. This method lets you use any 3D model. Source: over 1 year ago
  • How i keep my kaico from committing workn't
    This is the solution that worked for me. I found a bracket on thingiverse.com and printed it at work. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Suddenly tech support for dad
    Then, head over to a site that hosts 3D print files like thingiverse.com or printables.com to download .STL files.You'll want something super simple at first, like a low poly model. Nothing complicated. Source: almost 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Component Search Engine and Thingiverse, you can also consider the following products

Octopart - A simple wrapper for the Octopart V3 API for Node. Contribute to octopart/octopart-node development by creating an account on GitHub.

Cults 3D - Cults is a marketplace that connects designers and people who want to 3D print some objects.

Findchips - Findchips is a database for searching electronic parts and components and provide datasheet and bill of materials from multiple distributors and manufacturers.

MyMiniFactory - MyMiniFactory is the world’s leading curated platform for 3D printable objects.

Partstack - Partstack is a next-generation marketplace platform for semiconductor buyers & traders. Buy, sell, and discover electronic components from the manufacturers you love. Get datasheets, tech specs, and more for 1 billion+ parts.

Thangs3D - Thangs3D is an online community for engineers and visual designers that provides unlimited downloads of 3D models and CAD designs.