Top 3D Printing Services of 2018: Innovations and Market Leaders

In 2018, the world of 3D printing was rapidly expanding, and new and exciting innovations were being introduced to the market. Services providing 3D printing capabilities were on the rise, and enthusiasts and professionals alike were keen to explore the latest advancements. In this blog post, we'll review the top 3D printing services of 2018, highlighting their core offerings, unique features, and the value they brought to customers.

1. Shapeways

Shapeways is a renowned 3D printing service that caters to both individuals and businesses alike. In 2018, they continued to cement their status as a market leader, offering a platform where users could upload their 3D designs and have them printed with ease. With a vast range of materials to choose from, including plastics, metals, and ceramics, Shapeways delivered impressive results for many satisfied customers.

Their intuitive user interface made it easy for novice 3D designers to understand the process and create their masterpiece accordingly. Additionally, they provided educational resources, equipping users with the necessary tools to optimize their designs for 3D printing. By ensuring high-quality results and a user-friendly platform, Shapeways remained a top choice in 2018.

2. i.materialise

2018 also saw i.materialise holding a prominent position in the 3D printing industry. They catered to a wide variety of customers, including artists, designers, engineers, and hobbyists. What set i.materialise apart from competitors was their commitment to providing a comprehensive range of materials and finishes, making it easy for users to turn their ideas into reality.

Their online platform allowed for seamless file uploads and provided users with real-time pricing information based on chosen materials and finishes - eliminating guesswork and promoting transparency. Furthermore, i.materialise invested in cutting-edge technology, ensuring that the final output accurately represented the users' vision. By specializing in this extensive array of options, they demonstrated their dedication to providing customers with a top-quality experience in 2018.

3. Sculpteo

As another noteworthy 3D printing service in 2018, Sculpteo focused on providing an easy-to-use platform, catering to a wide audience of enthusiasts, designers, and businesses. Known for its versatility and quick turnaround time, Sculpteo offered users the opportunity to create high-quality 3D printed products in a matter of days, with no minimum order quantity needed.

Sculpteo's platform integrated tools that optimized and analyzed user-uploaded designs, ensuring that the 3D print was structurally sound and economically viable. Besides their wide selection of materials and finishes, they also provided expertise in laser cutting and other digital manufacturing techniques. By combining speed, quality, and innovation, Sculpteo was a preferred choice for many in the 3D printing community in 2018.

4. 3D Hubs

In 2018, 3D Hubs offered a unique approach to 3D printing services. Instead of operating their facility, 3D Hubs acted as a platform that connected customers with local 3D printing service providers. As a result, users could find the best option for their project, based on factors like the material, speed of service, and price.

This unique model provided customers with a personalized experience, as well as the opportunity to support local businesses. By simplifying the process and offering competitive pricing, 3D Hubs fostered a sense of community, setting them apart from other service providers that year.

Exploring New Frontiers: The Rise of Meshmixer

In addition to these services, 2018 also marked a significant milestone for Meshmixer, a popular 3D design software. Meshmixer positioned itself as an essential tool for 3D enthusiasts to perfect their models and designs before sending them off for printing. Its array of features catered to the needs of beginners and professionals alike, offering sculpting tools, texturing options, automatic repairs, and more.

Meshmixer's compatibility with various file formats, as well as its integration with multiple 3D printing services, contributed significantly to its popularity and success in 2018. This software continued to redefine how users approached the design phase in 3D printing, ensuring that the final product was both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.

Each of the 3D printing services and Meshmixer contributed to the growing world of 3D printing in 2018 in their unique way. They achieved excellence by focusing on quality, affordability, innovation, and user-friendliness. As we move forward, these services undoubtedly will continue to evolve and reshape the industry, allowing for more creative freedom and pushing the boundaries of what 3D printing can achieve.