Larissa Meek

When I first heard of Shapeways I thought, “No way… This is the coolest idea – EVER!”

Square Bear - $15

Shapeways is a shop where 3D artist’s can upload their 3D models and offer them for sale. Anyone can then print these models,  have them shipped and then do whatever they want with them.

From model trains to gadgets, Shapeways Shops allows 3D designers to sell their products in the worlds First 3D-to-reality marketplace. The Shops offer artists, designers and hobbyists alike, a unique online platform to show and sell their designs to a world-wide audience.

This new marketplace enables anyone to make money with their 3D modeling skills, bridging the gap between the digital 3D models and real tangible products.  Shop owners can price the items they are selling with their own mark up.

Vorodo - $94

Q&A – answered by Peter Weijmarshausen, CEO of Shapeways.

1. What inspired the concept for Shapeways?

The idea behind Shapeways is to enable everyone on the Internet to design and have produced custom made items using 3D printing technology. This technology already exists for 10 years but was only in use for prototyping new products for businesses. Shapeways now brings this technology in an easy, fun and affordable way to anyone on the Internet.

We were inspired by the trend of customization where users can change certain aspects of a design they buy. At Shapeways we take this a step further enabling our users to completely design their own, from co-creation to you-creation.

2. What enhancements can we expect in the future?

We will add more and more different materials as time goes on. We will also add more features making designing in 3D much more easier. At this moment we have already 3 different templates enabling anyone without 3D skills to design items that are both customized and personalized. In the future there will be many more.

I gave Shapeways a Test Run

I decided to place an order for 3 items. Because I am  partial to DIY toys, I chose Square Bear, Firefox 3 Beta Robot and Robohund in the White Strong & Flexible material (which you can paint with acrylics).  I was very pleased that it arrived incredibly fast – in a matter of days.   The packing was well done with plenty of bubble wrap, although the delicate tail on Robothund  arrived  broken -  but it’s nothing that a little superglue can’t fix.  :)  From charming characters,  intricate gadgets and extraordinary artistic shapes – you will find something to spark creativity.

This is before

A little paint!

Yay!!! I <3 Shapeways!

I’m really, really happy with my experience at Shapeways and will be back again for more.  I had a lot of fun breaking out my paints and these are little works in progress.  It’s like having a blank canvas to paint on but it’s a 3D model.   I am definitely going to keep an eye on Shapeways for new models.

Yay for innovation!

I recommend you take it for a spin.

Entry Filed under: Artworks  Elsewhere