Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Shapeways VS Prototype Hubs

Compare Shapeways VS Prototype Hubs and see what are their differences

Shapeways logo Shapeways

Shapeways - 3D Printing Service and Marketplace

Prototype Hubs logo Prototype Hubs

Prototype Hubs is an online service that provides professional 3D printing and CNC laser, plasma, and waterjet cutting services for on-demand production of prototypes, individual products, and mass production parts.
  • Shapeways Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-10
  • Prototype Hubs Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-15

Shapeways features and specs

  • Variety of Materials
    Shapeways offers a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, and more, allowing for versatile design and production options.
  • Expertise in 3D Printing
    With years of experience in 3D printing, Shapeways provides high-quality services and reliable production processes, benefiting both beginners and advanced users.
  • Easy-to-Use Platform
    The Shapeways website is user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to upload models, choose materials, and order prints without complex procedures.
  • Global Reach
    Shapeways serves a worldwide customer base, offering international shipping and allowing designers to reach a broad audience.
  • Community and Marketplace
    Shapeways has a vibrant community and a marketplace where designers can sell their creations, providing an additional revenue stream.

Possible disadvantages of Shapeways

  • Cost
    The price of 3D printing with Shapeways can be high compared to other services, especially for larger or more complex models.
  • Lead Time
    Production and delivery times can be longer than expected, which may be a downside for customers needing quick turnarounds.
  • Limited Customization
    While they offer various materials, the finishing options can be limited, which may not meet all customer requirements for customization.
  • Complexity for Large Orders
    Managing larger or bulk orders can be more challenging and may require direct communication with Shapeways, potentially complicating the process.
  • Model Restrictions
    There are limitations on the types and sizes of models that can be printed, which may restrict certain designs from being feasible through their service.

Prototype Hubs features and specs

  • Variety of Services
    Prototype Hubs offers a wide array of prototyping services, which ensures that users can find the specific service they need, such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection molding.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing users to quickly locate the services they require and place orders efficiently.
  • Instant Quotes
    Provides instant pricing quotes for prototypes, which helps users make quick decisions about their projects and manage budgets effectively.
  • Quality Assurance
    Offers quality control measures to ensure the prototypes meet user specifications and industry standards, giving users confidence in the final product.
  • Fast Turnaround
    Prototype Hubs is known for its quick production times, enabling users to get their prototypes in a short period, thus facilitating faster product development.

Possible disadvantages of Prototype Hubs

  • Cost
    Services may be more expensive than other alternatives, especially for large or complex prototypes, which could affect budget-conscious users.
  • Limited Customization
    While offering a variety of services, there may be limitations in terms of customization options available for certain prototyping methods.
  • Dependency on Third-Party Vendors
    Since Prototype Hubs may rely on third-party vendors for some of their services, there could be potential for variability in quality and service levels.
  • Shipping and Handling Delays
    Like any online service, there might be delays in shipping or handling which can affect project timelines.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might face a slight learning curve when first using the platform, potentially delaying initial project setup.

Shapeways videos

Shapeways 3D printed Products Review

More videos:

  • Review - My Experience Ordering From Shapeways
  • Review - 3D Print Without Using a 3D Printer By Using Shapeways!

Prototype Hubs videos

Prototype Hubs

More videos:

  • Review - Carbon Rims & Prototype Hubs! - Matt Coplon BMX Bike Check!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Shapeways and Prototype Hubs)
3D Printing
72 72%
28% 28
CRM
73 73%
27% 27
Business Management
56 56%
44% 44
eCommerce
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Prototype Hubs might be a bit more popular than Shapeways. We know about 1 link to it since March 2021 and only 1 link to Shapeways. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Shapeways mentions (1)

  • How to get M0.3 plastic gears?
    You can even download a CAD model of the gear you want & scale it down to the size you're looking to use, and then get it made from shapeways.com or find an SLA printer or something. Source: over 3 years ago

Prototype Hubs mentions (1)

  • On-Demand Custom Manufacturing Marketplace Expansion
    With new payment processing technology and in preparation for our CNC machining services launch, we have been on-boarding new manufacturers from around the globe to our custom manufacturing marketplace. Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Shapeways and Prototype Hubs, you can also consider the following products

3D Hubs - Airbnb for 3D printing

i.materialise - i.materialise is an online 3D printing service, community and marketplace.

Sculpteo - An online service that provides professional online 3D printing and laser cutting services for...

Stratasys Direct Manufacturing - Custom 3D printing services.

Shop3d.io - Create & sell your own custom 3d printed White-label printing under your brand design products online with print-on-demand dropshipping. Its free to start selling custom 3d printed product under your own brand without inventory.

3DEXPERIENCE Make - A platform, created by Dassault Systèmes (Solidworks, CATIA) to connect designers with a qualified panel of manufacturers