For those who don’t have a 3D printer, there are a plethora of online and local platforms that specialize in turning digital designs into printed objects. The process is relatively simple – you upload the file, choose your desired material and size, and the printed object gets shipped to your door. This enables people without access to a 3D printer to get in on the action and hold their creations for the first time.
The cost of 3D printing services varies widely based on the complexity and size of your design, as well as the materials chosen. For example, standard plastics such as PLA and ABS are cheaper than specialized resins and metal-infused filaments. In addition, higher resolution prints tend to be more expensive than lower-resolution prints.
Another factor to consider is whether your printed model requires support structures, which need to be printed separately and add to the overall print cost. Finally, a number of printing services charge for finishing and post-processing (sanding, painting, dying, etc.), which also increase the total price.
With so many options out there, it can be difficult to find the best 3d printing service that fits your needs. In this article, we’ve done the work for you by compiling a list of the top providers and exploring what they specialize in, which printing technologies they use, and how their prices are calculated. We’ve also provided some tips and tricks for picking the right service for your project.
The most popular and reliable 3d printing services provide a complete, end-to-end solution for consumers to quickly turn their ideas into physical products. This can include everything from the CAD software to the engineering guidance and the physical fabrication. It can help companies move faster and shorten the innovation cycle by enabling them to create and test prototypes in days instead of months, while saving money on the costs of traditional manufacturing.
Some of the most popular 3D printing services are Stratasys, Shapeways, and Treatstock. These providers offer a broad range of industrial-grade 3D printing materials and are renowned for their quality. They are trusted by engineers, medical professionals, and industry leaders to help them achieve their production goals.
These leading providers all offer an online quoting page that lets you select the materials and size of your desired print, then receive quotes from multiple printers in one place. They are also able to offer volume discounts on some of their most popular materials.
Other notable providers include Ponoko and Sculpteo. Ponoko offers a streamlined starting to finish service, and its website allows users to upload their files and see prices and shipping estimates for a wide range of printing services in just a few clicks. Sculpteo, on the other hand, provides a more flexible and customizable experience.
While many of the top 3D printing services have similar pricing models, it’s worth doing some comparison shopping to see which one is a good fit for your unique project. There are also a few services that operate as hubs, allowing you to upload your file once and view quotes from the top print services in one spot.
