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Exploring the Top 3D Printing Services of 2018: A Comprehensive Review

In the landscape of technology, nothing seems as revolutionary as the inception of 3D printing. The year 2018 saw a significant boom in the industry, with several service providers offering remarkable 3D printing solutions across various sectors. This article looks at some of the best 3D printing services that made waves in 2018.

Shapeways

Leading the way in 2018 was Shapeways, a platform renowned for its user-friendly nature and wide range of materials. Their principal focus is helping creatives bring their ideas to life by providing the tools to create and sell their designs. The service was popular for its competitive pricing and impressive detail-level in 3D prints. Shapeways employed SLS technology, which is known for its excellent detail resolution, allowing 3D prints to take a spec-perfect form.

Sculpteo

Another prominent player in 2018 was Sculpteo. This France-based company was admired for its strong emphasis on customer relations and service. They had a blend of standard and unique materials such as plastic, multicolor, brass, alumide, to name a few. The distinctive feature of Sculpteo's service was their online analysis tool, which gave detailed feedback about the printability of uploaded designs and suggested improvements where needed.

i.materialise

i.materialise was another 3D printing service that caught the tech world's attention. Their unique selling point was the vast array of materials and finishes they offered. With i.materialise, customers could order prints in precious metals like gold or silver, a unique offering in the market at that time. They were also appreciated for their quick turnaround time, which is crucial in the fast-paced world of 3D printing.

3D Hubs

3D Hubs made it possible for people worldwide to connect with local 3D printer owners, making 3D printing technology more accessible. They served as an online platform where orders were routed to the nearest 3D print service provider. It was particularly popular for its immediate quotation service, allowing clients to receive instant pricing on their designs.

Protolabs

Protolabs emerged as a solid choice for the commercial sector in 2018, known for its rapid prototyping and low-volume production capabilities. They turned around orders incredibly fast, typically within three business days. Moreover, Protolabs provided various post-production services, such as painting and secondary machining, making it a robust solution for businesses.

To recap, 2018 was a stellar year for 3D printing services. Each of these noteworthy services had its unique offerings and innovations making the year a revolutionary one in the world of 3D printing. Although new players continuously enter this space, it＊s important to remember the pioneers who paved the way and set benchmarks for quality and service in the industry.

Looking back at 2018 helps us understand the evolution of 3D printing services over the years. It's fascinating to see these service providers' growth and their contribution to shaping the industry as we know it today. As 3D printing continues to grow and transform, we can only anticipate what future developments will bring in this exciting field.

Remember, the best 3D printing services isn't merely about the transaction of printing a 3D model out. It's about the overall experience, from the quality of the print, customer service, available materials, and, of course, price. Indeed, the world of 3D printing continues to evolve, and the stage is set for even more exciting progress in the coming years.

best 3d printing services 2018

3D printing process

Different 3D printing processes have their own advantages and applicable scenarios, Sigma provides SLA process for Visual prototyping and SLS process for Functional prototyping.

3D printing materials

Plastics

One of the most commonly used 3D printing materials. These materials include ABS, PLA, PETG, TPU, PEEK, etc. Each material has different physical and chemical properties and can be suitable for different application scenarios.

Metal

Metal 3D printing materials include titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, nickel alloy, etc. Metal 3D printing can produce complex components and molds, with advantages such as high strength and high wear resistance.

Ceramic

Ceramic 3D printing materials include alumina, zirconia, silicate, etc. Ceramic 3D printing can produce high-precision ceramic products, such as ceramic parts, ceramic sculptures, etc.

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About Us

What can we do?

Sigma Technik Limited, as a prototype production company and rapid manufacturer focusing on rapid prototyping and low volume production of plastic and metal parts, has advanced manufacturing technology, one-stop service, diversified manufacturing methods, on-demand manufacturing services and efficient manufacturing processes, which can provide customers with high-quality, efficient and customized product manufacturing services and help customers improve product quality and market competitiveness.

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3D Printing FAQs

Poor printing quality may be caused by improper printer adjustment, material issues, or design issues. The solution includes adjusting printer settings, replacing materials, or redesigning the model.

The printing speed may be slow due to issues with the mechanical structure or control system of the printer. The solution includes upgrading printer hardware or adjusting printer settings

Possible poor adhesion of the printing bed due to surface or material issues. The solution includes replacing the surface of the printing bed, using a bottom coating, or replacing materials.

The printer may malfunction due to hardware or software issues. The solution includes checking and repairing printer hardware, updating printer software, or reinstalling drivers.