The Five Best 3D Printing Services
It’s easier than ever to 3D print something , and there are many reasons you might want to. From simply making something special and unique to replacing broken parts, 3D printing services make things easy. This week we’ll be taking a look at the top five based on your nominations.
Even if we all don’t have 3D printers in our homes yet, 3D printing services make it easy to send schematics, scans, photographs, or items to be copied with a 3D printer and then pick them up or ship them. when it’s done. Some services allow you to go through with your item or your files, others allow you to send them and receive a new one in the mail. Last week, we asked you about the best 3D printing options if you don’t have a printer and weighed in on your favorites. Here are your top five picks, in no particular order:
Your local library
You may not know this, but many local libraries around the world are at the forefront of the 3D printing trend. After all, libraries are no longer just places to buy books (although they are still good for that). Many offer value-added services to the manufacturing community, including completely free or low-cost 3D printing for people who have items they need to print. or want to create and print their own elements, but either don’t want to or don’t have the ability to join the hacker space . You will need to check with your local library to see if they have a 3D printer or if another regional branch might have one that you can use. Likewise, each library has different rules as to whether printing is free, limited to a certain number of elements or the size of elements for each cartridge, the types of materials you can print, or something else. Even so, you’re probably still ahead of the commercial 3D printing service, so they’re worth looking into.
At least a few librarians supported the nomination and discussed 3D printing services in their libraries. The original nominator, the understandably dubbed 3dprintedlibrarian , explained that in their library, they helped people print prototypes, spare parts, original designs, and more for free. This thread is also filled with stories of people who both have similar services in their libraries, or, like me, did not know and are discovering this opportunity for the first time. Read more in the nomination thread here .
Shapeways
Shapeways has become a leader of sorts for those interested in 3D printing but don’t have the software or hardware to dive into. Their marketplace is full of pre-designed items that you can print if you want, or you can use their design services to customize your items and print them to your specifications. If you have a diagram or model that you want to print, it’s as easy as uploading a file, choosing a material, figuring out how much you want and paying for it, but if you’re more of a newbie to the whole process, the service offers a great introduction. that does not require special software to get started. Shapeways also has a huge marketplace where members of its community can sell their printed items, including items like jewelry, smartphone and tablet cases, household items, and more. Pricing varies depending on the material you want to print (Shapeways can print stainless steel, precious metals, various plastics, and more in full color or monochrome), print volume, and more, but you get instant estimates as only you upload your schematics. If you want to sell your item, you can upload your design and outline, and if the community is interested and supportive of it (with a purchase promise, obviously) Shapeways will print.
Those of you who have nominated Shapeways have highlighted their many material and customization options, as well as their flexibility for people who don’t necessarily know or want to own their own 3D printers. You highlighted the fact that Shapeways allows you to create your own online store right on the site, download the items you want to print, and other members of the community can order them directly from you. The other of you supported the nomination, indicating that you have products printed with the service (including jewelry) and are happy with the quality of the company’s products. You can read more in their nominations thread here .
MakeXYZ
MakeXYZ is not a 3D printing service in and of itself, but it fulfills a very important need: it connects people who have items to print with people who have 3D printers and are willing to print items for others – be they these printers are found in local hacking spaces, private homes, or even local businesses that have added 3D printing to their list of their own manufacturing services. You can either let MakeXYZ do all the dirty work for you and send your file to the printer and then the printer will manufacture the item and send it to you (or prepare it for you to pick up), or you can use this service to simply find businesses offering the service. 3D print in your area, and contact them directly to get the job done. Get estimates instantly by uploading your own STL (STereoLithography) file, but if you don’t have one, you can either convert any 3D file you have to STL, or get help designing your part and getting it ready for printing. MakeXYZ even supports bulk orders, so if you’re trying to start your own business, they can help. When you search their database, you’ll find printers that specialize in a wide variety of materials, so no matter what type of object you need to print, it’s likely someone in your community will be able to print it.
Those of you who nominated MakeXYZ praised it for its easy way of connecting to local 3D printing services, and while I was initially skeptical that the directory would be mature enough to have anyone in my area, I was pleasantly surprised. when found more than a few options to choose from. Their printer catalog is easy to find, just enter your zip code and watch the results unfold before your very eyes. Of course, your experience will depend on where you live, but I found several options, as well as their ratings, the materials in which they are printed, and more. Click on any of them to see a full list of them, including their contact information, response times, examples of printed items so you can see their work, as well as their overall prices. Stop by to watch, or see the thread of their nominations here .
Ponoko
Ponoko provides 3D printing, laser etching and engraving services to anyone who needs them. Whether you need to print one item or hundreds, Ponoko can help. The company has both designers and 3D printers and robots, and prices start at $ 5 depending on what you need to print and the materials you choose. The service even offers same day delivery if you place your order at the right time, which means you can take your custom designs from a 3D file or CAD project and turn them into real products you can sell or parts that you can use for hours. The service even offers digital prototyping and conversion services if you don’t have all the files or schematics required and won’t pay until your element is prototyped and looks the way you want it to. Whether you want to bring an idea to life or just want to make personalized gifts for friends and family, this service can help you with materials that range from pressed cardboard and acrylics to bamboo and wood, to more durable materials and a variety of materials. types of plastic.
Those of you who have nominated Ponoko praised them for being extra careful with your orders to make sure everything looks right, scales right, and fits your specifications before charging you and shipping the final product to you. You’ve noticed that they don’t just print and ship – they provide you with a verification step where you can manually see and make sure everything looks right before submitting it for final print and then packing it up and sending it to you. Perhaps the most exciting thing about Ponoko is the sheer amount of materials to work with and additional services beyond 3D printing. You can check them all on the website or find out more in the nominations thread here .
You3DIt
You3DIt is another hybrid service that offers manufacturing and 3D printing, but it is aimed at people who may not be as technical or manufacturer-oriented as others. For example, you don’t have to come with ready-made files and diagrams – just an idea of what you would like to do. You work with a team of designers and site experts to then build your model based on your idea, and then, once it’s perfect and ready, it will be sent off for production. Of course, if you already have a design and you just want to have it printed or made for you, a service can help as well, but instead of running a huge factory full of printers and craftsmen who make your stuff, they’ll tie you up. with a local manufacturer or 3D printing service that will actually produce the product you have designed and developed. Again, prices vary because multiple parties are involved, but the service prides itself on its ease of use. You can see examples of some of the projects people have developed right on the home page, as well as the status of the project (like whether it’s paid or under construction) to see how the process works.
Those of you who nominated You3DIt also praised him for integrating the design process with the print and production process, which many people with ideas struggle with. After all, not everyone who needs 3D printing or an idea to create is a CAD or Google Sketchup expert, and this service helps these people connect with those who can help bring their ideas to life. Likewise, they offer other manufacturing tools in addition to 3D printers, such as laser cutters and engravers. Plus, if you’re a designer or have your own 3D printer, you can list yourself on the site to get involved in the process (and presumably make some money). Read more in the nominations thread here .
Now that you’ve seen the top 5, it’s time to decide which one is the favorite of the Lifehacker community:
Honorable mentions
Honorable Mentions This week goes to your local UPS stores which, if you have one of the participating items near you, probably already have a 3D printer installed and are waiting in their offices when you walk in. The next time you need to submit a package, you can come up with a Google Sketchup file or other supported file (you will need to check the relevant information pages to see which is acceptable) and ask for your item to be printed. They’ll get to work and let you know when everything is ready so you can come back, pay for it, and walk away with your freshly unsealed piece or personal belongings.
Do you have anything to say about one of the applicants? Want to substantiate your personal favorite even if it wasn’t on the list? Remember, the Top 5 is based on your most popular nominations from the Call for Applicants thread earlier this week . Don’t just complain about the top 5, let us know which option you prefer and justify it in the discussions below.