Finding a 3D printing service is not as difficult as it may appear. Many online 3D printing services produce precise results and printing in practically any imaginable material. However, you need to research and compare the delivery times and prices. Enjoy a stress-free research process by taking advantage of this guide to the best online 3D printing services.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is the simple process of converting a file from a modeling computer into a three-dimensional physical object. A 3D printed object is designed from additive manufacturing technologies, which means it is built layer by layer.
Firms can use 3D printing services to produce prototypes or limited quantities of products. Compared to the traditional manufacturing methods, additive 3D printing has a lot of advantages, such as the capacity to make small batches of customized goods and shorter lead times.
Here are the best online 3D printing services of all time.
1. Sculpteo
One of the industry's top 3D printing services, Sculpteo, offers 75 different material combinations to choose from when printing, including a carbon fiber 3D printing service.
Sculpteo teamed with Staples in 2015. As a result, you can pick up your purchase from a few manufacturing facilities in France or California, the US, and other locations.
2. Hubs
Hubs, which was initially centered on 3D printing supported by local enthusiasts and experts, has shifted its focus to providing a wide range of manufacturing processes.
It does this by recommending the best way of production on a part-by-part basis and handing it off to a partner that also is conveniently located for manufacturing.
3. Shapeways
Shapeways, one of the world's most well-known online 3D printing companies, offers two main services.
On the consumer side, you can pick from various products that have been expertly created, personalize them, and have them printed as per your requirements. It also provides storefronts for designers to sell their models.
4. Xometry
Despite having only been operational for about five years, Xometry has already demonstrated remarkable ambition by being one of the first services to adopt cutting-edge new 3D printing techniques like HP's MultiJet Fusion and Carbon's new DLS / CLIP technologies.
Xometry quality guarantee is also unmatched. The company currently provides more 3D printing service options than many other businesses we looked into. It also offers free shipping from US and Germany.
5. i.materialise
In addition to a wide range of 3D file formats that are compatible, i.materialise offers over 20 different print kinds, including 3D metal printing.
Their turnaround time ranges from 2 to 12 days, depending on the method and material used. Despite having a base in Belgium, the business ships worldwide.
6. Fictiv
Fictiv offers a cheap 3D printing service with seven different types of material. Along with 3D printed parts, they also offer CNC machining, injection molding, urethane casting, and CNC machine finishing, enabling you to create stunning finished goods in addition to subtractive 3D prints.
7. Protolabs
Another 3D printing company with a long history in manufacturing is Protolabs, which Larry Lukis established in 1999. Protolabs was founded to provide inexpensive injection molding and CNC machining, and it started providing 3D printing services in 2014. SLA, SLS, DMLS, MJF, and PolyJet technologies are available for plastic, resin, and metal items.
8. Materialise
Materialise offers a variety of 3D printing services, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), 3D metal printing, stereolithography (resin), and PolyJet.
Almost all of the materials they use have a lead time for shipping products of 10 days or less, except for vacuum casting materials, which have a lead time of 15 days.
9. Stratasys Direct
Stratasys offers a stunning variety of materials, all of which are thoroughly described on their website. Professionals in engineering, medical, and industrial design are the target audience. Another cool feature is the option to develop and update styles you can use for subsequent projects.
10. FacFox
FacFox is one of China's top on-demand print providers, providing a wide range of manufacturing services. You can rapidly upload models using a straightforward online interface, which the company will examine for printability before being billed.
A great addition is live tracking of the print's progress and reasonable international shipping rates.
11. Fast Radius
Fast Radius is a Chicago-based digital manufacturing company founded in 2015 and provides a wide range of additive and conventional manufacturing solutions.
It provides both modern 3d printing technology and conventional manufacturing techniques like CNC machining and injection molding. It boasts a global presence because of its ongoing cooperation with UPS and can ship within 24 hours.
12. Treatstock
Treatstock allows anyone, from individuals to full 3D printing manufacturers, to get printing done rather than handling customers' orders themselves.
As a result, you can easily register as a business, tell customers what products and technology you provide, set your rates, and begin taking orders from them. Treatstock also offers laser cutting, laser leveling, and CNC services.
13. Voodoo Manufacturing
Voodoo Manufacturing provides high-volume 3D printing with small-batch manufacturing. It provides a bridge between prototype and mass production. The company provides 3D design, direct print, volume printing, and print API.
They have collaborated with several well-known firms, like Autodesk, Syfy, Intel, Universal, and Microsoft, so you can be sure that their work will be of the highest caliber.
14. American Additive Manufacturing
We recommend American Additive if you're seeking professional 3D printing services. The supplier can construct your 3D printed models using a variety of 3D printers, including FDM, MJF, SLA, and SLS. The business can assist you with 3D printing industrial prototypes, casting patterns, medical projects, and more.
15. Beamler
Beamler, a 3D printing service based in the Netherlands, employs a global network of additive manufacturing service providers. It directs customers to the best AM technique and project materials.
The company specializes in 3D printing metals, including tungsten, tungsten-carbide, and copper, as well as silicone, technical ceramics, composites, and ceramics.
16. SD3D
With the help of experts with backgrounds in engineering, design, business, and economics, SD3D intends to be the one-stop shop for 3D printing services in San Diego, California.
This company has an automated system that provides one of the most cost-effective manufacturing and prototyping options available in the 3D printing market.
17. 3D Experience
3DExperience is another business that offers on-demand 3D printing. We noted that instant quotes are provided by this 3D printing service, depending on the files you give.
Popular file formats like STL, OBJ, 3DS, and others are supported. You can access various building materials for your projects, such as ABS, PLA, HIPS, PET, TPU, resin, nylon, gold, silver, steel, zinc, and platinum.
18. Star Rapid
Professionals and ambitious hobbyists can choose from various prototyping services Star Rapid provides. In addition to 3D printing, this 3D printing company also uses CNC machining, pressure die-casting, vacuum casting, and injection molding of plastic.
We found it a great contender if your requirements go beyond quick prototyping and low-volume production.
19. AnyShape
AnyShape is a great 3D printing service if you're looking for trendy additive manufacturing partners.
You can order three-dimensional components using any of the four available technologies, including FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), SLS (Selective Lather Sintering), Multijet printing, and Continuous Fibre Fabrication.
20. Get It Made
Get It Made is a 3D printing service that will create your products from plastic and metal materials. Small businesses and individuals can use it because the company guarantees that it can use FDM, SLA, SLM, and other 3D printing technologies to 3D print low-volume orders and recreate complex products.
21. 3D Systems
3D Systems provide another significant rapid prototyping online 3D printing service. As a reputable manufacturer of industrial 3D printers, 3D Systems uses a diverse selection of 3D printers like metal 3D printing services, Selective Laser Sintering, Stereolithography, and ColorJet 3D printers.
In addition to 3D printing, 3D Systems also provides CNC machining, investment casting patterns, die casting, and injection molding.
22. TH Industries
The French 3D printing company TH Industries has ten years of experience. You may complete your creations using the variety of finishes, 3D printing materials, and FDM 3D printers it offers. The business boasts 43 3D printers and takes pride in being Angers' (France) top 3D printing provider.
23. 3DPRINTUK
Offering high-quality SLS 3D printing with their Formiga SLS 3D printers, 3DPRINTUK is an online 3D printing service that caters to the UK and Europe. 3DPRINTUK prefers to concentrate on and become an expert in just one: selective laser sintering.
We found that they provide a generous student discount if you want a prototype created for a student project.
24. Kraftwurx
With an unbelievable 85 materials to pick from, Kraftwurx has the widest variety. However, their website might be a little challenging to use. Additionally, Kraftwurx only accepts six different types of 3D files, so if you decide to use them, be sure to develop or obtain a 3D file that they accept.
Who Needs This Service?
1. Someone Who Wants a Lesser Investment Risk
3D printers can be affordable or costly depending on the brand and model. But getting one is not always simple or practical, especially if you don't use it frequently.
Anybody who requires 3D printing may now afford it thanks to this service.
2. You Want to Save Money
Owning a machine may initially seem like it will enable you to save more money, but this also relies on how often you use it and how much the maintenance cost will be. A 3D printing service provides an affordable way to print on demand.
3. Looking for Custom Parts
Customized products or art prints are highly trendy right now. Most often, the recipient's name or a photo is now included in gifts like mugs or key chains. Many 3D printer services provide a way to try new things or modify existing tools, jigs, and fixtures.
4. You Lack Expert Technology Skills
If you run a business or frequently need to print in three dimensions for some reason, owning a high-quality 3D printer can help you save money. Only if you understand how to use it and profit from it.
The ideal choice for you is to use the services of a 3D printing firm if you don't understand how to use it or require it occasionally.
What Should You Consider When Picking the Best Online 3D Printing Services for You?
1. Production Time
Although it is hard to 3D print your order that needs to be delivered today, many 3D printing services accept last-minute orders and are pleased to help you with printing and fast delivery.
The delivery time is influenced by both your location and the location of the 3D printing provider. If you want to save coins and get your 3D prints on time, it's sometimes preferable to order from a local business than one overseas.
2. Cost
When choosing the best 3D printing service, the cost you will incur is very important. Every business has a pricing strategy that you cannot change.
Since everything relies on size, it might be challenging to determine how much 3D printing material your project needs. You can upload your 3D files to as many services as possible and request quotations. Some c
3. Materials
Each 3D printing business provides a list of the materials and tools it employs to fulfill your online orders. For example, larger firms are prepared to work with gold, wax, steel, and other materials. In contrast, smaller companies may only be able to 3D print in a small selection of materials and colors.
Consider the shape's complexity as well as your intended usage when ordering 3D prints from an online 3D printing service. Learn about various 3D printing materials, their mechanical and chemical characteristics, and guidelines for regular use.
4. Volume
The ability of these 3D print services to handle batch production will also reduce the number of helpful 3D print services you have access to. Finding a printing company with the appropriate materials is great, but it is pointless if it can't handle 1,000 copies of what you need by next week.
5. Terms, Policies, Certifications, and Confidentiality
It's possible that you won't pay great attention to these details if you are printing anything for personal use. However, it is advisable to be sure that your manufacturer won't use your designs to create your parts for someone else.
It is especially true if you need to purchase 3D printing for business purposes and are planning to upload distinctive 3D models you want to protect.
It is beneficial if a 3D printing company agrees to sign a non-disclosure agreement. However, it isn't always enough to provide the store with a non-exclusive license to print your products using 3D technology.
You may also see if the business follows ISO 9001 standards. Although it does not affect your orders or 3D prints, it demonstrates that the 3D printing service is dedicated to giving you the best quality of service and complies with strict auditing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on 3D Printing Service
1. How much does it cost to do a 3D print?
The price of 3D printing can range from $3 to thousands of dollars. Without a 3D model, it is difficult to determine the precise cost of a 3D print.
The cost of 3D prints varies depending on various elements, including labor, model complexity, and material. Services for 3D printing might occasionally be more expensive than a basic 3D printer.
2. Where can I find 3D printing services or companies near me?
Peer-to-peer 3D printing services like Freelabster and Makexyz can help you locate nearby 3D printers.
