Shapeways
Shapeways is an online marketplace and community that provides users with access to 3D printing services and design tools. Founded in 2007, Shapeways has become a leading provider of 3D printing services and has been at the forefront of the democratization of 3D printing technology.
History of Shapeways
Shapeways was founded in 2007 by Peter Weijmarshausen, Robert Schouwenburg, and Marleen Vogelaar. The idea for the company came about as a result of the founders’ frustration with the limitations of traditional manufacturing processes. They believed that 3D printing technology could provide a more flexible and accessible alternative to traditional manufacturing, allowing individuals and small businesses to create their own custom products.
In its early years, Shapeways operated as a startup based in the Netherlands, offering a range of 3D printing services to customers around the world. The company quickly gained a reputation for its innovative approach to 3D printing, and it attracted a community of makers and designers who were eager to explore the possibilities of this new technology.
In 2010, Shapeways moved its headquarters to New York City, where it continued to expand its range of services and grow its user base. Today, Shapeways is one of the largest 3D printing marketplaces in the world, with millions of registered users and a vast array of products available for sale.
Founders of Shapeways
Peter Weijmarshausen, one of the co-founders of Shapeways, is a Dutch entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of the 3D printing industry for many years. Prior to founding Shapeways, Weijmarshausen was the CEO of Materialise, a leading provider of 3D printing software and services.
Robert Schouwenburg, another co-founder of Shapeways, is a Dutch software engineer and entrepreneur who has a background in both computer science and mechanical engineering. Schouwenburg previously worked as a software developer at Google before co-founding Shapeways.
Marleen Vogelaar, the third co-founder of Shapeways, is a Dutch entrepreneur and marketing expert who has worked in a range of industries over the course of her career. Vogelaar previously worked as a marketing manager for Philips before co-founding Shapeways.
Together, these three individuals brought a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and marketing savvy to the table, helping to position Shapeways as a leading player in the 3D printing industry.
Services Offered by Shapeways
Shapeways offers a range of services to users, including 3D design tools, 3D printing services, and a marketplace where users can buy and sell their 3D printed creations.
Design Tools: Shapeways provides a range of design tools to help users create their own 3D models. These tools include both free and paid options, and they are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to people with varying levels of technical expertise. Some of the design tools offered by Shapeways include Tinkercad, Sketchup, and Blender.
Printing Services: Once a user has created a 3D model, they can upload it to the Shapeways website and have it printed using a range of materials, including plastics, metals, and ceramics. Shapeways uses a variety of 3D printing technologies to produce these products, including selective laser sintering, fused deposition modeling, and stereolithography.
Marketplace: In addition to its design tools and printing services, Shapeways also operates a marketplace where users can buy and sell 3D printed products. The Shapeways marketplace offers a wide range of products, from jewelry and home decor to scientific models and medical devices.
Projects with WhiteClouds
WhiteClouds has partnered with Shapeways on many projects. One of those projects was this 8′ tall Gorilla character that was 3D printed with a requirement to look like it was built from Lego pieces. WhiteClouds 3D Printed and created the character structure. It had an internal steel structure and was filled with foam to create a very rigid internal structure. It was coated with polyurea to give a strong and durable outside finish. You can learn more about our large 3D characters here.
Impact of Shapeways on the 3D Printing Industry
Shapeways has had a significant impact on the 3D printing industry since its founding in 2007. By providing a user-friendly platform for designing and producing 3D printed products, Shapeways has helped to democratize 3D printing technology, making it more accessible to individuals and small businesses.
One of the key ways that Shapeways has contributed to the growth of the 3D printing industry is by fostering a community of makers and designers who are passionate about 3D printing. Through its online forums, events, and design challenges, Shapeways has created a space where people can share their ideas, collaborate on projects, and learn from one another.
In addition to its community-building efforts, Shapeways has also been at the forefront of developing new 3D printing technologies and materials. The company has invested heavily in research and development, and it has collaborated with a range of partners to explore new applications for 3D printing.
Perhaps most importantly, Shapeways has helped to drive down the cost of 3D printing technology, making it more accessible to a wider range of users. By providing an affordable and easy-to-use platform for designing and producing 3D printed products, Shapeways has helped to unlock the potential of this technology for individuals and small businesses around the world.
Future of Shapeways
Looking ahead, Shapeways is well-positioned to continue to drive innovation and growth in the 3D printing industry. As the technology continues to mature, it is likely that more and more people will turn to 3D printing as a way to create custom products and prototypes.
To stay ahead of the curve, Shapeways will need to continue to invest in research and development, exploring new materials and applications for 3D printing technology. The company will also need to continue to foster its community of makers and designers, providing opportunities for collaboration and learning.
Ultimately, the success of Shapeways will depend on its ability to continue to adapt and evolve in response to changing market conditions and technological advancements. With its talented team of founders and employees, and its commitment to innovation and community-building, Shapeways is well-positioned to remain a leader in the 3D printing industry for years to come.
To learn more about the latest in 3D Printing, check out our WhiteClouds Projects.