The Best 3D Printing Services of 2023
- Sculpteo: Best for Instant Quotes
- SD3D: Best for Fast Printing
- Xometry: Best for Free Shipping
- makexyz: Best for Local Printing
- Hubs: Best for High-Quality Prints
- 3D Printing Ally: Best for Prototyping
- Autotiv: Best for Small Orders
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Best for Instant Quotes
Sculpteo
4.7
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
API
Yes
E-Commerce Integrations
Yes
3D Model Direct Upload
Yes
API
Yes
E-Commerce Integrations
Yes
3D Model Direct Upload
Yes
Why We Picked It
Sculpteo is one of the leading providers of 3D printing services. It offers a wide range of materials and technologies to choose from, making it a solid choice for those looking to create prototypes or end-use parts. The company has a strong focus on cutting-edge products with its professional operators producing high-quality parts.
Sculpteo also offers e-commerce integration and 3D model direct upload. This makes it easy to get started with your 3D printing project. To get started, simply upload your 3D file and select the material and finishing options you need. Your parts will be shipped from the company’s 3D printing facilities in either Paris or San Francisco.
Who should use it:
Sculpteo is ideal for those who need high-quality 3D printed parts.
Pros & Cons
- Receive a quote in minutes
- Print locations in San Francisco and Paris
- Wide range of materials and technologies
- Customer service isn’t great
- Some users complain of lengthy wait times for their shipments
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Best for Fast Printing
SD3D
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
API
Yes
E-Commerce Integrations
Yes
3D Model Direct Upload
Yes
API
Yes
E-Commerce Integrations
Yes
3D Model Direct Upload
Yes
Why We Picked It
SD3D is a 3D printing service that offers fast printing times and a variety of printing technologies to choose from. It has a full in-house design staff to implement your project and is geographically distributed to serve local areas quickly. Its automated direct-to-machine 3D printing network allows for quick turnaround times on large part orders.
In addition to 3D printing, it offers cast urethane production capabilities and mass production options. With this technology, it can take a mold of a 3D print and cast it in urethane, allowing for duplicating parts with a much faster turnaround time.
Who should use it:
SD3D is ideal for those who need fast 3D printing services.
Pros & Cons
- Cast urethane production capabilities
- Mass production options
- It will beat any 3D print quote from competitors
- More complex prints may require a custom quote
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Best for Free Shipping
Xometry
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
API
Yes
E-Commerce Integrations
No
3D Model Direct Upload
Yes
API
Yes
E-Commerce Integrations
No
3D Model Direct Upload
Yes
Why We Picked It
Xometry is a 3D printing service that offers a variety of high-quality 3D printing processes and materials. It uses innovative additive manufacturing technology to create cost-effective functional components out of more than 60 different materials. It also offers a variety of flame-retardant polymers that are perfect for aviation and aerospace uses.
Xometry is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485 and AS9100D certified and backs every part it ships with the Xometry Quality Guarantee. It also offers free shipping from one of its many locations in the U.S. and Germany.
Who should use it:
Xometry is ideal for those who need 3D printed parts that are high quality and backed by a guarantee.
Pros & Cons
- Has an option for flame-retardant polymers
- Ships for free
- Offers its Go Green initiative to offset carbon
- Some customers complain about delays with their orders
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Best for Local Printing
makexyz
4.4
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
API
Yes
E-Commerce Integrations
No
3D Model Direct Upload
Yes
API
Yes
E-Commerce Integrations
No
3D Model Direct Upload
Yes
Why We Picked It
The 3D printing service, makexyz, operates a little differently compared to others on this list. It pairs customers with 3D printers and CAD designers in hundreds of cities across the world. This allows you to potentially get your parts as soon as overnight. Think of it as Uber or Airbnb—you’re someone who needs a 3D printer, and makexyz can pair you with one.
It offers a variety of services, such as CAD designers, 3D scanners, CNCs and printing tools, and even offers discounts for universities. It uses materials such as PLA, ABS, nylon, TPU and high-detail resin. Soon, you can even order a chocolate 3D print.
Who should use it:
The on-demand service, makexyz, is ideal for those who need 3D printed parts quickly.
Pros & Cons
- Instant quotes
- Printers in hundreds of cities around the globe
- Huge variety of materials available
- Speed of delivery depends on your printer
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Best for High-Quality Prints
Hubs
4.3
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
API
No
E-Commerce Integrations
No
3D Model Direct Upload
Yes
API
No
E-Commerce Integrations
No
3D Model Direct Upload
Yes
Why We Picked It
Hubs, previously known as 3D Hubs, used to operate similar to makexyz in that it brought home printers together with customers needing parts. However, it now connects customers with professional printers and manufacturers. Its global network means you can get prints in as little as a business day.
With Hubs, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with low-quality prints. It guarantees quality according to ISO standards (its quality process depends on which materials are used), and will either reorder the part for free, or give a full refund.
Who should use it:
Hubs is ideal for those who need 3D printed parts quickly and professionally.
Pros & Cons
- Get prints in as little as a business day
- Hundreds of 3D print manufacturers around the world
- Quality guarantees
- Its move away from a community-driven printing network angered the printers who helped build it
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Best for Prototyping
3D Printing Ally
4.3
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
API
No
E-Commerce Integrations
No
3D Model Direct Upload
Yes
API
No
E-Commerce Integrations
No
3D Model Direct Upload
Yes
Why We Picked It
3D Printing Ally is a 3D printing service that is best for rapid prototyping. It offers same-day pricing, live engineering support and fast delivery. If you’re not sure which materials or process to use, its engineers can help figure out which is best for your project.
It uses 3D printers that use stereolithography (SLA), fused deposition modeling (FDM) and selective laser sintering (SLS) to create your parts. As soon as your parts are finished, you’ll get them within 24 to 48 hours, no matter where you are in the United States. And if you’re in the Minneapolis area, you can get parts the same day.
Who should use it:
3D Printing Ally is ideal for those who need 3D printed parts quickly and need help with choosing the right materials and process.
Pros & Cons
- Staff will help you figure out which materials and process works best for your project
- Fast shipping
- Ideal for low-volume orders
- Some customers complain pricing isn’t as competitive
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Best for Small Orders
Autotiv
4.1
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
API
No
E-Commerce Integrations
No
3D Model Direct Upload
Yes
API
No
E-Commerce Integrations
No
3D Model Direct Upload
Yes
Why We Picked It
If you’re looking for 3D printing services that offer a wide variety of materials and technologies, Autotiv is a solid choice. It has a team of experienced engineers who will help you select the best 3D printing technology for your project and make sure your part is manufacturable.
It offers SLS, SLA, polyjet, FDM, DMLS, CNC machining, urethane casting and injection molding services, so it can meet all your 3D printing needs. It also provides low costs for prototyping and manufacturing work that is not expedited, so you can get high-quality parts at a fraction of the cost.
Who should use it:
Autotiv is ideal for those who need 3D printed parts quickly and want a wide variety of materials and technologies to choose from.
Pros & Cons
- Ships in as little as one business day
- Instant quotes
- Ideal for less than 50 parts
- Only one facility
Forbes Advisor Ratings
| Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | API | E-Commerce Integrations | 3D Model Direct Upload | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | 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 or not 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 simply out of your budget. It’s also worth looking at factors such as customer support and satisfaction, whether or not 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. We then 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.
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FAQs
Who is the leading 3D printing company? ›
- voxeljet AG (NASDAQ:VJET) Market Capitalization as of December 18, 2022: $18.4 million. ...
- Shapeways Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SHPW) ...
- Markforged Holding Corporation (NYSE:MKFG) ...
- Velo3D, Inc. ...
- Desktop Metal, Inc. ...
- SLM Solutions Group AG (ETR:AM3D.DE)
3D printing will be bigger, faster and cheaper.
The key for the new generation of printers, especially industrial-grade solutions, will be the ability to handle a greater range of advanced materials. This opens the door for businesses to benefit from additive manufacturing in areas where they previously could not.
New 3D printing method designed by Stanford engineers promises faster printing with multiple materials. Stanford engineers have designed a method of 3D printing that is 5 to 10 times faster than the quickest high-resolution printer currently available and is capable of using multiple types of resin in a single object.
What is a good price per hour for 3D printing? ›Print Time
If the business paid $2,000 for a 3D printer with an expected life span of 2,000 print hours, they may charge around $1 per hour.
- voxeljet AG (NASDAQ:VJET) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: N/A. ...
- Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 4. ...
- Nano Dimension Ltd. (NASDAQ:NNDM) ...
- Velo3D, Inc. (NYSE:VLD) ...
- Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE:DM) ...
- Markforged Holding Corporation (NYSE:MKFG)
Critical 3D Printing Problems and Solutions
Today, however, challenges seem to vary: the cost of pre- and post-processing, the limited selection of materials and technology limitations are the biggest 3D printing challenges of 2021.
DMLS one of the most advanced technologies. A powerful laser is used in 3D printing to fuse metals and alloys on a micro scale. The main applications of DMLS include the creation of metal parts of complex geometry. Right after the 3D printing process the parts are fully functional (heat-resistant, strong and durable).
Why 3D printing is not popular? ›Using 3D printers and associated software is still too complex for the uninitiated, who prefer to continue using traditional production methods. 3D printing has qualities that are highly sought after by industry (complexity of patterns, strength of materials)... but much less so by individuals.
Is 3D printing becoming cheaper? ›Through their first decade-and-change, 3D printers have come down in price, grown easier to set up and operate, and become more reliable. And you may pay less than you expect: Many once-high-end features have migrated down to inexpensive models.
Which country is leading in 3D printing? ›| No | COUNTRY | REVENUES [mln $] |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 1,282.12 |
| 2 | USA | 1,231.51 |
| 3 | China | 1,045.94 |
| 4 | France | 489.23 |
What is the most advanced 3D printer in the world? ›
Major end-use applications of 4D printing technology are expected to arise from healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and consumer industries. However, the potential of 4D printing is expected to impact other industries as well, such as electronics, construction, industrial, etc., in the near future.
What is the cheapest 3D printing method? ›Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
FDM is the most common and inexpensive form of 3D printing. FDM consists of extruders that move back and forth on a gantry depositing layer by layer of molten plastic to build the 3D sample.
First is, of course, the printing process used. More industrial technologies, especially those using metal, are understandably more expensive. Additionally, the size of the printer build plays a large role. However, it is entirely possible to find desktop 3D printers for under $200 using either FDM or SLA processes.
How much will my electric bill go up with a 3D printer? ›Ordinary 3D printers do not use much electricity, only about 50-150 Watts while printing. This is about the same as one or two incandescent light bulbs. There are many different 3D printers and print settings available, however, so for a more accurate number you need to make some calculations or measurements.
What is the most profitable 3D printing business? ›Medical 3D printing businesses are the most profitable type of 3D printing business. This is because there is a high demand for medical prosthetics and implants, which can be produced with 3D printers.
Which company makes the best 3D printers? ›- Original Prusa MINI+ Small, affordable, and remarkable 3D printer. ...
- CEL-UK RoboxPro. Best 3D printer for commercial printing. ...
- Creality Ender-5 S1. An ideal 3D printer for any 3D print enthusiast or small business on a budget. ...
- Original PRUSA SL1S SPEED. ...
- AnyCubic Vyper. ...
- Raise3D E2. ...
- Anycubic Photon M3.
...
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Historical data | 2017 - 2019 |
| Forecast period | 2021 - 2028 |
- HP INC. World Rank (Jan-07-2022) ...
- ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION. World Rank (Jan-07-2022) ...
- CANON. World Rank (Jan-07-2022) ...
- HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY. World Rank (Jan-07-2022) ...
- OTSUKA CORPORATION. World Rank (Jan-07-2022) ...
- RICOH COMPANY. World Rank (Jan-07-2022) ...
- CHINA GREAT WALL SECURITIES. ...
- BROTHER INDUSTRIES.