Third Party 3D Printing Services

3D Printing Services for Educational Projects

Overview

This article provides information on 3D printing services that can be used for educational projects. It includes details on service providers, their offerings, and considerations for choosing the right service.

Recommended 3D Printing Services

1. CraftCloud

• Website: CraftCloud

• Description: CraftCloud is an online marketplace that connects you with various 3D printing service providers worldwide. It offers competitive pricing and a wide range of materials.

• Pros:

  • Competitive pricing

  • Variety of material options

  • Global shipping

• Cons:

  • Potential longer shipping times

  • Customs delays

2. DMM.make 3D Printing

• Website: DMM.make

• Description: DMM.make is a well-known Japanese service offering high-quality 3D printing with a wide range of materials and finishes. Ideal for local projects needing reliable and quick service.

• Pros:

  • Local service

  • High-quality prints

  • Reliable shipping within Japan

• Cons:

  • Higher cost compared to some international options

3. SOLIZE

• Website: SOLIZE

• Description: SOLIZE specializes in both high-precision and cost-effective 3D printing solutions. They offer various printing methods, including DLP and powder molding.

• Pros:

  • High-quality prints

  • Various printing methods

  • Quick turnaround times

• Cons:

  • Can be expensive, especially for high-precision outputs

4. Shapeways Japan

• Website: Shapeways

• Description: Shapeways provides 3D printing services with a wide range of materials and finishes. They operate globally, including Japan.

• Pros:

  • Wide range of materials

  • Reliable service

  • Global shipping

• Cons:

  • Potential shipping delays similar to CraftCloud

Considerations for Choosing a Service

When selecting a 3D printing service, consider the following factors:

• Budget: Determine your budget for the project, including shipping costs.

• Quality: Assess the quality requirements of your prints. High-precision methods may cost more but yield better results.

• Turnaround Time: Ensure the service can meet your project's deadline. Local services typically offer faster turnaround times.

• Material: Choose a service that offers the materials you need for your project. Different materials have varying properties that may impact the final product.

Case Study: 5th Grade Project

For a recent project involving 5th grade students, two services were considered:

1. CraftCloud: Selected for its competitive pricing. Extra units could be ordered to account for potential breakage during shipping.

2. DMM.make: Recommended for high-quality prints with quicker delivery times within Japan.

CraftCloud	DMM.make

As we can see from the above images, CraftCloud is quoting $38 for 14 prints, while DMM will charge around 2400JPY. Although material and other aspects should be considered, the price gap is vast. It should be noted that DMM does also go above and beyond by priding heat graphs to indicate brittle areas not covered by their less than 1mm guarantee policy.

Conclusion

Selecting the right 3D printing service can impact the success of your project. Be sure to consider budget, quality, turnaround time, and material options when selecting which service.

For further assistance or to share your experience with a 3D printing service, please contact the ICT department.