The 3D printing industry is valued at more than $17 billion and it is expected to more than double that by 2026. There are many useful applications for 3D builds, from toys to prosthetics. But buying a commercial 3D printer is a big investment and learning how to use it can be time-consuming. So, if you don’t want to mess with the extensive setup required of having an in-house unit and leave it to the pros, Forbes Advisor has found the best 3D printing services to suit your needs.
The Best 3D Printing Services of 2024
Forbes Advisor Ratings
Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | API | E-Commerce Integrations | 3D Model Direct Upload | LEARN MORE | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sculpteo | 4.7 | Yes | Yes | Yes | View More | ||||
SD3D | 4.5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | View More | ||||
Xometry | 4.5 | Yes | No | Yes | View More | ||||
makexyz | 4.4 | Yes | No | Yes | View More | ||||
Hubs | 4.3 | No | No | Yes | View More | ||||
3D Printing Ally | 4.3 | No | No | Yes | View More | ||||
Autotiv | 4.1 | No | No | Yes | View More |
How to Choose the Best 3D Printing Service
To choose the right 3D printing service for your business, first, consider whether the service offers the capabilities you’re looking for. Services can run the gamut from fun and trivial toys or knick-knacks to life-changing medical parts, so you need to make sure the service offers what you need and at the caliber of quality that you need.
On top of that, pricing, fees and turnaround times should also be considered. After all, it doesn’t matter how great a service is if it takes too long to produce or if it’s out of your budget. It’s also worth looking at factors, such as customer support and satisfaction, whether any guarantees are offered, professional prototyping services and the location of the 3D printing business.
For example, a foreign service provider might offer more attractive pricing. However, it may also be subject to import taxes and tariffs, higher shipping costs and time as well as potential language and cultural barriers. These factors can quickly cause the total cost to jump and potentially lend to a more challenging partnership.
Methodology
To find the best 3D printing services, we looked at a variety of factors, such as print quality, turnaround time, price and materials. We also considered whether the company offered any additional services, such as design or engineering support. To narrow down our list, we only considered companies that had a reputable presence and could 3D print in a variety of materials. Then, we ranked the companies based on our findings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is 3D printing?
The term 3D printing refers to a method of converting a digital file into a three-dimensional solid item. Additive methods are used to create a 3D-printed item, which means it’s created layer by layer.
How can a small business use a 3D printing service?
3D printing services can be used by small businesses to create prototypes or small batches of products. 3D printing services can also be used to create marketing materials, such as 3D-printed models of products.
What are the benefits of 3D printing?
3D printing offers a number of benefits over traditional manufacturing techniques, including the ability to create complex shapes, the ability to produce small batches of customized products and shorter lead times. 3D printing also offers the potential to reduce waste and save money on tooling costs.
What type of materials are used for 3D printing?
The most common materials used for 3D printing include plastic, such as polyastic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl alcohol plastic (PVA) and polycarbonate (PC); powders, such as polyamide (nylon) and alumide; resins, such as those that are paintable and transparent; metal, such as stainless steel, bronze, gold, nickel, aluminum and titanium; carbon fiber; graphite; graphene; nitinol; and paper.
What are some of the reasons to use a 3D printing service?
If you have never used a 3D printer before, don’t have the space for such a printer or are unsure you want to invest in the technology, using a 3D printing service makes a lot of sense. You can try them out with a few small projects and, depending on how the projects go, continue with the service or invest in your own printer.