Quick facts
Overview
Shapeways offers professional 3D printing services with a wide range of materials — useful for product prototypes before committing to injection molding in China.
Key features: Many materials; Quality finishes and Easy upload.
When to use Shapeways
Shapeways makes sense if you high-quality 3d printed prototypes. It's a common pick in the Product Development category for importers who need this kind of capability.
Pricing explained
Per-part pricing. For most importers, total cost depends on volume, service level and how much you negotiate. If you're comparing Shapeways against alternatives, request quotes from all of them and compare on equivalent scope — not just list price.
Pros
- Many materials
- Quality finishes
- Easy upload
Cons
- Expensive per part
- Not for mass production
Frequently asked questions
How much does Shapeways cost?
Per-part pricing
What is Shapeways best for?
High-quality 3D printed prototypes
Does Shapeways have an affiliate program?
As of our last check, Shapeways does not appear to offer a public affiliate or referral program. You can still link out to the tool from your site, but no commission is tracked.
What are the main advantages of Shapeways?
Many materials; Quality finishes; Easy upload.
How do I get started with Shapeways?
Visit www.shapeways.com and create an account. Most importers complete setup in under an hour. If the service requires a quote, expect a sales response within one business day.
Alternatives in Product Development
If Shapeways isn't the right fit, these cover similar needs.