The Ultimate 2021 Guide to Comparing 3D Printing Services

Whether you're a hobbyist, entrepreneur, or educator, the world of 3D printing offers endless possibilities. Choosing the best 3D printing service can seem daunting, but with this comprehensive breakdown, we aim to make your decision-making process easier. Here, we have compiled and analyzed the key features of today's top 3D printing services to help you determine the best fit for your needs.

Shapeways Vs. Sculpteo Vs. i.materialise

Material Selection

One of the first considerations in choosing a 3D printing service is the variety of materials available.

Shapewaysoffers various materials, including plastics (Nylon PA12, TPU), metals (Brass, Bronze, Aluminum, Gold, Silver), and ceramics. Shapeways provides one of the broadest selections available, catering to many different project requirements.

Sculpteooffers a more limited selection in comparison but still covers the essentials. Materials available include plastics (Nylon PA12, TPU), resins (PolyJet, SLA), metals (Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Silver), and more.

i.materialisehas a wide range of materials to choose from: plastics (Nylon PA12, TPU, Alumide), metals (Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium), ceramics, and even wood-like materials (hardscape).

Pricing

Pricing is an important factor when comparing 3D printing services.

Shapewaysis known for its competitive pricing, offering affordable solutions for both small-scale and large-scale projects.

Sculpteoprovides competitive pricing as well but is generally more expensive than Shapeways, especially for larger orders.

i.materialisetends to be more costly than its competitors; however, it can be justified by their material selection and available finishes.

Print Quality

Print quality is essential for a professional and polished final product.

Shapewaysis known for consistently delivering high-quality prints, with customers satisfied with the company's accuracy, surface finish, and reliability.

Sculpteodelivers good print quality as well, with comparable results to Shapeways.

i.materialiseoffers exceptional print quality, with many users praising the detail and surface finish.

Production and Shipping Times

When working on a time-sensitive project, it is crucial to choose a 3D printing service that can meet your deadlines.

Shapewaystypically provides fast and reliable turnaround times, with estimated production times ranging from 3 to 10 business days.

Sculpteooffers an express production option for quicker turnarounds; however, this comes at an additional cost.

i.materialisehas longer production times in comparison, ranging from 5 to 20 business days.

User-Friendly Interface and Customer Support

An easy-to-use interface and responsive customer support are essential aspects of a positive user experience.

Shapewaysoffers an intuitive, user-friendly platform for uploading files and selecting print options. Their customer support is highly responsive, providing users with the necessary assistance in a timely manner.

Sculpteoalso has an intuitive interface, along with live chat support and comprehensive resources for new users.

i.materialisefeatures an easy-to-use website with various tutorials and guides for users. Their customer support is helpful and available through email, phone, or live chat.

As seen above, each 3D printing service has its strengths and weaknesses. Carefully consider your priorities, such as material selection, print quality, turnaround time, and budget, among others, to decide the best fit for your unique project.

Ultimately, the 3D printing service you choose will depend on your specific needs. The good news is that there are plenty of options out there, so explore this innovative field, and bring your creative vision to life!