Shapeways vs Stratasys Direct Manufacturing

Struggling to choose between Shapeways and Stratasys Direct Manufacturing? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Shapeways is a Online Services solution with tags like 3d-printing, 3d-models, custom-printing, marketplace.

It boasts features such as 3D printing service, Online marketplace for 3D printed products, Allows users to upload 3D model designs, Prints models in various materials like plastic, metal, sandstone, Ships printed models directly to users and pros including Easy way to get 3D models printed without owning a 3D printer, Large selection of materials to choose from for printing, Marketplace allows users to sell their printed designs, Good quality 3D printing and materials, Fast turnaround time on printing orders.

On the other hand, Stratasys Direct Manufacturing is a Business & Commerce product tagged with rapid-prototyping, lowvolume-production, 3d-printing-service-bureau, fused-deposition-modeling-fdm, polyjet, stereolithography.

Its standout features include Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing, PolyJet 3D printing, Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, Functional prototyping, Low-volume production, End-use parts, Production-grade injection molds, and it shines with pros like Wide range of 3D printing technologies, Can produce functional prototypes, Capable of low-volume production runs, Can make end-use parts and injection molds.

Feature	Shapeways	Stratasys Direct Manufacturing
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Online Services	Business & Commerce

Product Overview

Shapeways

Description: Shapeways is an online 3D printing service and marketplace. Users can upload their 3D model designs and have them printed in various materials and shipped directly. Shapeways offers printing in materials like plastic, metal, and sandstone.

Stratasys Direct Manufacturing

Description: Stratasys Direct Manufacturing is a 3D printing service bureau focused on rapid prototyping and low-volume production. They offer Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), PolyJet, and Stereolithography 3D printing technologies to produce functional prototypes, end-use parts, and production-grade injection molds.

Key Features Comparison

Shapeways Features

• 3D printing service
• Online marketplace for 3D printed products
• Allows users to upload 3D model designs
• Prints models in various materials like plastic, metal, sandstone
• Ships printed models directly to users

Stratasys Direct Manufacturing Features

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing
• PolyJet 3D printing
• Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing
• Functional prototyping
• Low-volume production
• End-use parts
• Production-grade injection molds

Pros & Cons Analysis

Shapeways

Pros

• Easy way to get 3D models printed without owning a 3D printer
• Large selection of materials to choose from for printing
• Marketplace allows users to sell their printed designs
• Good quality 3D printing and materials
• Fast turnaround time on printing orders

Cons

• Can be expensive for large or high detail prints
• Limited selection of colors for some print materials
• Printed models can be fragile for some materials
• Model design errors can result in failed prints
• Marketplace takes a commission on sales

Stratasys Direct Manufacturing

Pros

• Wide range of 3D printing technologies
• Can produce functional prototypes
• Capable of low-volume production runs
• Can make end-use parts and injection molds

Cons

• Limited to service bureau model (no desktop 3D printers)
• May not be cost effective for high volume production
• Lead times can be longer than in-house 3D printing

Pricing Comparison

Shapeways

• Pay-As-You-Go

Stratasys Direct Manufacturing

• Subscription-Based
• Pay-As-You-Go