Shapeways: 3D Printing for Pros, Hobbyists—and Really, Anyone

I first heard about Shapeways in 2008: It's a Web-based service that prints and sells user-designed 3D objects. I liked the DIY sound of it, as well as the cutting-edge-tech aspect. Not being adept in a computer design myself, I ordered one of the customizable, already-designed objects (the Lightpoem candle holder) and loved it. I wound up recommending Shapeways as a really different and creative place to find gifts.

Shapeways has come a long way since then. It's added more printable materials, full colors, many user designs, and new ways to customize objects. Tony Hoffman and I recently had a conversation with Shapeways CEO Peter Weijmarshausen to find out what's new and coming up for the site.

According to Weijmarshausen, Shapeways now boasts close to a thousand individual "shops" set up by independent designers selling their Shapeway creations (sort of a cross between Etsy and Quirky), with some making upward of $1,000 a month. "The idea is to create a community," he told us, and the Shapeways community is certainly flourishing, with an active forum and blog as well as frequent contests for designers. Also fostering that sense of community: The Co-Creator model, where buyers can team up with their choice of designer to tweak and customize a design.

The CEO was also bullish on the new printable materials, including alumide, plastic mixed with aluminum powder; milky-white matte glass, made from recycled materials; and full-color plastic. Some are only temporary, such as the gold-plated stainless steel, available just until June 15. Weijmarshausen explained that they add new materials gradually, as each type requires its own printer.