Minarium brings AI-based search function to marketplace for 3D printable models

3D model marketplaces have been a standard tool for many users for years, but they are often cumbersome in everyday use. Registration is often required, and it is not always clear whether a model found is legally unproblematic. Searching for suitable files is considered a particular weak point, especially since the number of available models has risen sharply.

The new Minarium portal aims to address this issue. Instead of traditional keyword searches, the marketplace relies on AI-supported natural language searches. According to the company, search terms are no longer matched only with titles, tags, or descriptions. Instead, a language model groups terms together based on their similarity in content. This should lead to comparable results for different formulations with similar meanings.

Minarium focuses on 3D-printable miniature figures, which are available on many existing platforms but are often difficult to find there. CEO Robert Walczak explains that as a designer, he spent too much time describing models instead of designing them. The goal is to respond to user queries based on the “content” of their search, not just the words used. For example, someone searching for a specific fantasy character should get relevant results, even if the model description uses different wording. Minarium refers to this as “search like you think.”

In addition to the search function, Minarium integrates other technical features. A digital fingerprinting system is designed to help curb model piracy by ensuring that the original owner of a model remains identifiable on the platform. This may make unauthorized copying on Minarium more difficult, but it does not change the situation on other sites. In addition to traditional credit card payments, a blockchain solution is planned that will also allow the use of cryptocurrencies.

The service’s interface is clean, the search function is very responsive, and numerous models are already available. However, the total size of the offering remains unclear. Established platforms with millions of files have a clear advantage here.