Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Ponoko
Objects you create can be sold on the com-
pany's gallery. Depending on your location,
objects ship in 1-5 days.
Ponoko offers 3D printing in a wide range of
materials, from plastics and ceramics to
stainless steel, gold plate, and Z Corp plas-
ters. They also offer laser cutting and CNC
routing in a huge variety of materials, so you
can supplement your 3D-printed project
with other custom parts.
Prints from Ponoko are generally very good
quality and reasonably priced, but their pric-
ing structure and system for uploading mod-
els are confusing. They do have a very good
support staff who will go above and beyond
to help you with any questions. Ponoko op-
erates several regional production facilities,
so printing and shipping times vary.
Kraftwurx
Kraftwurx is a platform that enables individ-
uals to create, buy, sell, and display 3D-
printed products. Headquarted in Houston,
TX, Kraftwurx does not own a factory but in-
stead uses a network of over 120 manufac-
turers for local on-demand production. This
distributed production model allows them
to provide 85 different materials, including
gold, sterling silver, titanium, Iconel, stain-
less steel, Platinum, plastics, and paper.
Staples (partnering with Mcor)
Sculpteo
Material choices from this France-based
company include multicolored plastic, resin,
ceramic, wax, alumide, and sterling silver.
The company sells a sample kit of materials
for $5. They offer a preview and live printa-
bility check that is very useful, and automatic
model repair inside the web interface. They
also offer many “creator” apps for you to be-
gin making right away. Shipping times vary
from 1-30 days depending on the material
(upload your files for real-time estimates).
Users may also post their objects for sale on
the company's website.
Myeasy3D is a collaboration between Sta-
ples and Mcor, the producer of the Iris full
color paper 3D printer. This service is cur-
rently only available in Europe.
Makers Producing Parts
Locally
makexyz
makexyz connects local 3D printer owners
and people who need 3D prints. If you have
a printer, registration is free and you can also
advertise design services. If you need prints
produced, you choose a listed printer near
you, upload your 3D file, configure your op-
tions, and then check out through makexyz.
The printer can either accept or decline your
order, and you can have your print shipped
or pick it up.
i.materialise
Another 3D printing service based out of the
Netherlands, i.materialise has a very clear
and easy-to-use interface. Choose from
more than 20 materials—including titani-
um!—and print objects as large as 6 feet.
