Compare Shapeways and Sketchfab Comparison
Shapeways Shapeways is the #1 online 3D printing service company. Working with over a million customers since 2007 - Get 3D products and parts delivered to over 100 countries. Find out more Try Shapeways	Sketchfab With a community of over one million creators, we are the world’s largest platform to publish, share, and discover 3D content on web, mobile, AR, and VR. Find out more Try Sketchfab
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Shapeways

Shapeways: The Ultimate 3D Printing Service for Everyone

Summary

Shapeways is an online marketplace that allows users to create, buy, and sell 3D printed products.

The platform offers a wide range of materials and printing technologies, making it a versatile option for both personal and professional use.

Who Should Use Shapeways?

• Individuals looking to create custom products for personal use
• Small businesses looking to create prototypes or small production runs
• Designers looking to sell their creations to a wider audience

Key Benefits and Features

• Wide range of materials and printing technologies
• Easy-to-use design tools for creating custom products
• Ability to sell your designs in the Shapeways marketplace
• Fast and reliable production and shipping
• Excellent customer support

Competitors

Shapeways' main competitors include:

• i.materialise
• Sculpteo
• Proto Labs
• 3D Hubs

While these competitors offer similar services, Shapeways stands out due to its user-friendly platform, wide range of materials and printing technologies, and excellent customer support.

Help & Support

What is the cost of 3D printing on Shapeways?

The cost of 3D printing on Shapeways depends on the material, the size of the object, and other factors. Prices can vary widely.

What is the return policy for 3D printed products on Shapeways?

Shapeways has a 30-day return policy for 3D printed products. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund.

How do I create a design for 3D printing on Shapeways?

You can create a design using 3D modeling software, or you can use Shapeways' own design tools to create a design from scratch.

How long does it take to receive a 3D printed product from Shapeways?

The time it takes to receive a 3D printed product from Shapeways depends on the material and the shipping method chosen. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Can I sell my own designs on Shapeways?

Yes, you can sell your own designs on Shapeways and earn a commission on each sale.

What is the maximum size of a 3D printed product that can be ordered on Shapeways?

The maximum size of a 3D printed product that can be ordered on Shapeways depends on the material chosen and the capabilities of the 3D printer. Some materials have size limitations, while others can print larger objects.

What is the resolution of 3D printing on Shapeways?

The resolution of 3D printing on Shapeways depends on the material and the capabilities of the 3D printer. Some materials can print at higher resolutions than others.

What is Shapeways?

Shapeways is a 3D printing service and marketplace that allows users to create and sell their own 3D printed designs.

What types of materials can be used for 3D printing on Shapeways?

Shapeways offers a variety of materials for 3D printing, including plastic, metal, ceramic, and more.

Sketchfab

Sketchfab: The Ultimate 3D Content Platform

Summary

Sketchfab is a 3D content platform that allows users to upload, share, and embed 3D models and scenes.

It is a popular platform used by professionals and enthusiasts in various industries such as gaming, architecture, engineering, and education.

Who Should Use It?

• 3D artists and designers
• Architects and engineers
• Gaming developers
• Education and training professionals
• Marketing and advertising agencies

Key Benefits and Features

• Easy to use interface for uploading, managing, and sharing 3D content
• Supports a wide range of 3D file formats
• Allows for customization of 3D models with annotations, textures, and animations
• Offers a marketplace for buying and selling 3D models
• Provides a VR mode for immersive 3D experiences
• Embeddable 3D viewer for websites and social media platforms
• Analytics and tracking for measuring engagement and performance

Competitors

• Unity
• Unreal Engine
• Adobe Dimension
• Blender
• Cesium

While there are several 3D content platforms available, Sketchfab stands out for its user-friendly interface, wide range of features, and compatibility with various file formats.

Its marketplace and VR mode are also unique features that set it apart from its competitors.

Help & Support

What is Sketchfab?

Sketchfab is a web service to publish, share and discover 3D content online. It provides a viewer based on the WebGL and WebVR technologies that allows users to display 3D models on the web, to be viewed on any device, without any plug-in.

What kind of 3D models can be uploaded to Sketchfab?

Sketchfab supports a wide range of 3D file formats, including OBJ, FBX, STL, PLY, glTF, 3DS, and more. You can find the full list of supported formats on the Sketchfab website.

How do I upload a 3D model to Sketchfab?

To upload a 3D model to Sketchfab, you need to create an account on the Sketchfab website, then click on the 'Upload' button and follow the instructions. You can upload files up to 500 MB in size for free, or up to 2 GB if you have a paid account.

Can I sell my 3D models on Sketchfab?

Yes, you can sell your 3D models on Sketchfab using the Sketchfab Store. You'll need to apply to become a seller, and once approved, you can set your own prices and earn a commission on each sale.

Is Sketchfab free to use?

Sketchfab offers both free and paid plans. The free plan allows you to upload and share 3D models, while the paid plans offer additional features such as more storage, private models, and the ability to sell your models on the Sketchfab Store.

What is the Sketchfab Store?

The Sketchfab Store is an online marketplace where users can buy and sell 3D models. It's integrated with the Sketchfab platform, so you can easily upload and sell your models directly from your Sketchfab account.

What is the Sketchfab Viewer API?

The Sketchfab Viewer API is a JavaScript API that allows developers to embed Sketchfab's 3D viewer into their own websites or applications. It provides a range of customization options and can be used to create interactive 3D experiences.