Shapeways Network
Own a 3D printer? Shapeways opens up its global partner network.
Shapeways is already one of the leading go-to portals for connecting designers to 3D printing, enabling them to bring their products to life by providing access to cutting edge industrial 3D printing technology.
As of this week, the company, headquarted in New York, is launching a new initiative that invites 3D printer owners keen to make parts and products for other people, to sign up to its Global Partner Network.
The goal is to expand its machine network so that Shapeways can offer better quality of products, improved delivery speed, increased material options and more affordable pricing.
The move is similar to the 3D Hubs format, whereby 3D printer owners can register their printers and take orders from designers and makers. 3D Hubs recently announced its network had grown to a colossal 10,000 printers worldwide, providing over 1 billion people with access to a 3D printer within just 10 miles from their home.
Shapeways currently shares a huge chunk of the 3D printing landscape with customers in over 130 countries, hundreds of thousands of designers in its network and over 2million products printed so far. In addition to 3D printing factories in New York and Eindhoven, Shapeways also utilises a select network of production partners that help make 3D printing more attainable for its community of users.
In a post on the Shapeways blog, it explains: “Our goal has always been to be the place for people to make their ideas come to life, and we’re excited to give our community more choice. 3D printing is changing rapidly, with new materials being tested and introduced (including our own!), and we always want to give our community first access.”
To get involved, 3D printer owners simply register their interest on the Shapeways website by supplying details or their location and how many 3D printers they have. How immediate this process will be is yet to be determined as Shapeways states that prospects will be contacted in the future if collaboration opportunities arise.
