Five 3D printing companies you should know – Geektime

by • July 27, 2016 • No Comments

A 3D printed toy train. Photo credit: Shapeways / YouTube
There’s no doubt that we are just beginning to understand how most ways 3D printing can be utilized. Here are 5 companies excelling in this emerging industry

&nbsp &nbsp &nbspNick Rojas56 mins ago

The most opportunities now on the market with the advent of three-dimensional printing are truly awe-inspiring, amazing and innovating. For engineers, 3D printing is a way to examine a piece of machinery preceding paying for the manufacture of a one-of-a-kind die-cut part. For entrepreneurs, it’s a way to show investors a prototype or a comprehensive model. And for artists or createers, it’s a creative method to cast a one-of-a-kind piece for a client or themselves.
For a advantageous understanding of the possibilities of 3D printing, consider a few of these businesses and products that are producing their mark in the early days of this innovative application.
1. A flexible forerunner in Shapeways

Shapeways is an organization that can turn it into the 3D model of your dreams in metal, plastic and most other types of materials. Flexibility is the key for this NYC-based company. They contribute a community of createers for individuals with an thought but no artistic capacity or access to a 3D printing device for next artists to bring their designs to life.
The company “prints,” or technically produces, objects in fifty materials, of platinum and gold to porcelain and plastic: actually sandstone. It in addition contributes apps for individuals who want to turn it into their own cookie cutters, key chains or personalized jewelry.
2. Formlabs’ sensible solution

Whilst Shapeways can print in 3D for you, Formlabs can do your own 3D printing at your home, shop or studio. Formlabs, based in Massachusetts, contributes a computer desktop 3D printing device with assist and software for under $3,500.
Make Magazine named their printing device, the Form 2, the “Best SLA Printer,” due to its sizeable printing area, Wi-Fi connectivity and capabilities handling resin. SLA stands for stereolithography, in addition called Rapid Prototyping. Whatever it’s called, this machine builds up an thought into a solid and in this case, it’s a solid made of resin. Formlabs contributes technical assist and chat rooms to assist individuals discover details and refine their skills.
3. Ultimate 3D producings with Ultimanufacturer

Similar to Formlabs, Ultimanufacturer, based in the Netherlands, contributes a series of powerful 3D printing devices, the newest of that is the Ultimanufacturer 2+. The award-winning company has prices that are comparable to those contributeed by Shapeways and others. Ultimanufacturer’s website in addition contributes inspiring videos that tell stories of the ways their products are being utilized throughout the world.
4. Global printing with 3D Hubs
Photo credit: 3D Hubs
Start with a little bit of an online networking community, add a pinch of learning and sharing and 3D Hubs hopes to attain a fewthing much like to what Uber and Lyft are contributeing: matching individuals who own a device with others who wish to use one. Founded in 2013 by a pair of Dutch createers, pretty than contributeing hardware and products, they thrive on understandledge sharing and giving individuals global access to 3D printing devices.
The number of 3D Hubs (places to access a 3D printing device) is expanding daily, already at over 32,000 listings of the world. From their website, you can begin a new print, list your own printing device as on the market, find a create to print or actually manufacture a production in high definition.
5. The Mattel Thingmanufacturer is reborn
Photo credit: Thingmanufacturer
Back in the sixties
, talked about toymanufacturer Mattel had a massive hit on their hands with the release of a primitive concept of a 3D printing device with a product called “The Thingmanufacturer.” The old school model allowed kids to turn it into multiple types of plastic toys and jewelry with a polymer plastic compound poured into metal molds and and so heated to completion. The updated model, sharing the same name as its predecessor, is due out in the fall of 2016.
At the inexpensive
estimated retail price of $299.99, this can put most 3D printing devices into the hands of tomorrow’s engineers. Whilst this new “toy” is rated for children thirteen years of age or older, I’m certain most parents and kids alike can be exploring this version at a much earlier age. On the other hand the product’s designs may present a choking hazard for children under the age of two, and thinking how most kids well at a lower place their teenage years are adapting to today’s innovation, this example should be no various.
There’s no doubt the myriad of various ways 3D printing can be utilized in the near next – for engineering, art, medicine, and additional – are just beginning to be explored.
The views expressed are of the author.
Geektime invites global tech and beginup professionals to share their opinions and expertise with our readers. If you may like to share your point of view, please contact us at info@geektime.com.

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Nick Rojas

About Nick Rojas
Nick Rojas is a business consultant and writer who lives in Los Angeles and Chicago. He has consulted tiny and medium-sized enterprises for over twenty years.

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