Shapeways is not a model market place. Their business model is printing stuff (with professional machines, not crappy hobbyist FDM printers). They have their own pricing model for the printing, and allow designers to set a mark up that is added on top of the cost for printing (but you're not forced to make your models available to the public at all and retain all rights). You get paid the mark up amount in full, minus 3.5% (?) transaction fee. They keep the printing cost, obviously.
Core Features of Shapeways
Based out of New York with offices around the world, Shapeways aims to give the best quality objects for the lowest prices for their customers. This is accomplished with industrial printers and the best materials. Shapeways also ships worldwide. Shapeways has been in business since 2007. They aim to build a strong community to continue the growth of the 3D printing industry.
Capabilities
Instant quotes: Shapeways offers instant quoting just like Sculpteo. You will receive pricing as soon as your model is uploaded into the system. As well, the pricing will update as you make changes to your model. Price is determined by the type and amount of material used. You will not be charged for more intricate or highly detailed parts.
Auto and manual check mesh integrity: The auto check provides instant feedback to the designers on what they can do better next time they create a model. Once the model is approved by the auto check, it then gets passed to an engineer for a manual check. The engineer will look at bounding box size, wall thickness, holes, interlocking parts, and fine details. This process ensures all models will be printed to exact specifications of the user. A better looking, higher quality object will be the end result. While the two-check system is a slower process, Shapeways stands by it as they want to ensure the best quality for the end user.
Resources: Shapeways is full of great resources to assist users of all experience levels. They offer pre-print checklist to ensure your model will be ready to go and help push it through the integrity checks. They have guides to show you how to convert your 3D model files to types that will upload into their systems. Also, they will give you tips on how to design to save money. They show you how to design differently so that in the end you use less total material. Shapeways is trying to make it easier for everyone to get involved with 3D printing.
Materials
Shapeways lets you pick from over 60 materials and finishes to bring your 3D models to life. Hope on their website to see the full list. As well, you can see pricing, estimated shipping and suggestions of which materials to use depending on your models.
The materials include:
- Plastics: strong, flexibles, nylons, frosted-detail, metallic, elastic
- Metals: steel, silver, aluminum, gold platinum, brass, bronze
- Plating: various plated metals
- Ceramics: porcelain
- Sandstone
- Wax
As well you can choose from a variety of printing types:
- SLS
- Binder Jet Steel
- Wax Casting
Cutting Edge Technologies
Manufacture high-quality products in 75 of the best materials and finishes, from plastics to metals.
BASF | Forward AM Technology
- Powders and photopolymers
- Ideally suited for functional end-use parts
- Designed for industrial applications
HP Multi-Jet Fusion
- Nylon 12 with a smooth and finished surface
- Exhibits incredible strength, durability and stiffness
- Supports complex geometries and thin features
EOS Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
- A durable versatile plastic for a range of applications
- Great for prototyping and end products
- Available in multiple colors and finishes
ExOne Binder Jetting
- Steel infused with Bronze
- Supports large parts
- Strong metal with an industrial look and feel
