Best 6 Effective & Affordable Online 3D Printing Solutions in 2021
If you’re a hobbyist and you want to build a 3D printing setup, you might want to consider a 3D printing service. These services allow you to create your own design and you can send it to them for printing. You can also buy all your 3D printing needs like scanners, printers, and more.
If you don’t want to build a 3D printer since you won’t be using it often, you can opt for a 3D printing service to help you out. If you just need a few parts, you can rely on them for this. We listed down some of the best service providers that you can consider in the market.
3D Printing Service Solutions
1. Sculpteo
This company was originally based in France and was founded back in 2009. However, it has now expanded and you can find offices around San Francisco. This particular company provides 3D printing and additive manufacturing services.
You have a wide range of options when it comes to 3D printing as they offer Carbon 3D’s CLIP, Binder Jetting, SLS, DMLS, and PolyJet. The process is quite simple. You just need to have a 3D scanner to scan the part that you want to create. As long as you have created a file for this, you can send it to Sculpteo for printing.
If you’re in a rush and you need your 3D models printed as soon as possible, Sculpteo is definitely the best option that you have.
2. Protolabs
As one of the oldest 3D printing service providers, Protolabs is one of the most popular choices of hobbyists as they have been in this industry for a long time. It has been operating since 1999 when Larry Lukis founded the company.
This company is made to provide low-cost injection molding as well as CNC machining. In 2014, Protolabs expanded and they started offering 3D printing services. Like many other service providers, they offer SLA, DMLS, SLS, MJF, and Polyjet technologies. You can print resin, plastic, and metal 3D parts.
When it comes to speed and quality, this company is one of the best. If you need your 3D part right away, you can just send the design to Protolabs and they will handle the rest.
3. Treatstock
Treatstock is a bit different compared with the other 3D printing solutions on this list. Instead of offering 3D printing services, he allows people and other merchants to set up their own printing companies. The site acts as a platform to allow you to showcase your services.
If you are only here to print your 3D design, you will find a wide range of vendors and companies on the site. You can make comparisons based on the prices that they offer so you can get the best deal. You can compare the technologies, price, and materials so it will be much easier to get a printing service that can provide your specific needs.
Aside from 3D printing, you can also find companies that offer laser cutting and CNC services. If you don’t have the skills to create your own design, you can always hire a designer from the site to create or edit your CAD files. You can even buy pre-made models.
4. 3D Junkies
Aside from 3D printing services, we also included a popular site that will allow you to build your dream 3D printing setup. With 3D Junkies, you can have access to a wide range of products. There are scanners, printers, and other accessories that you can buy depending on your budget.
3D Junkies is like a one-stop shop when it comes to 3D printing. They have laser cutters, vacuum formers, and more. You can even choose from the type of filament and material.
5. Xometry
Xometry is a pretty new company and a new competitor. It was only founded in 2014, but it has continued to break its limits and offer new technologies to its customers. Although it is a new company, it is one of the first ones to include an innovative 3D printing processes just like Carbon’s new DLS/CLIP and HP’s MultiJet Fusion technologies.
The company is also offering the widest variety of 3D printing solutions compared to others in the market. They even offer CNC services and injection molding. If you need a one-stop-shop when it comes to 3D printing and you don’t care about the age of the company, then Xometry is your best pick.
If you want to try something out of the norm and you want to explore other possibilities that 3D printing can offer, then you should consider Xometry.
6. 3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing
3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing is considered the oldest company on the list and also the first one to offer 3D printing services in the market. They have a rich history and experience when it comes to additive manufacturing and they are considered experts when it comes to 3D printing. They even have more than 100 application engineers that would help you anytime.
3D Systems is more focused on industrial clients. It means that they cater to large businesses that want to manufacture multiple parts. Although they handle small orders, they are known in the industry for their fast and efficient service, which is why businesses that don’t have a 3D printing setup always consider their services.
They offer rapid prototyping, functional prototyping, creating appearance models, and low-volume production.
You can also check our article on the Types of 3D Printing Explained.
Conclusion
There’s always a specific 3D printing service provider that can give you what you need. There is 3D Junkies where you can find 3D equipment like scanners and printers and you have Xometry for innovative services. We have Protolabs and Sculpteo if you want to print your 3D design and you can go to Treatstock if you need more options. 3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing will always be available to help you get your 3D parts on time.
You have so many options available so if you are planning to start a business or you just want to see your designs come to life, a 3D printing service is definitely your best choice.