Michael -

Speaking from my own experience, there have been times I've wanted to 3D print a free model from Thingiverse.com. Usually the only file format that is published is STL. Often I want to modify the model to fit my own requirements, so I end up creating my own model in MoI. I'm talking about models that are mechanical in nature rather than organic shapes. It's difficult because you have to somehow derive all the dimensions from a picture. If the STL can be brought into MoI it can at least serve as an accurate guide for drawing new curves and constructing the model with NURBS.

Ed Ferguson