‘Print’ in 3D
It started with online business card design and online t-shirt design which allowed designers and clients to go direct to production. Now Netherlands-based Shapeways has launched a site that allows you to create and then ‘print’ objects in 3D – eventually the idea is that designers will be able to share and co-create online also in true web 2.0 style.
To have your 3D design created you need to upload the design from CAD software onto the site. At the moment Shapeways prints to four kinds of plastics but other materials, like metal, are planned. Shapeways is aimed at people with 3D CAD software and will eventually offer its own online CAD tools.
The site plans to be out of private beta in a couple of months. The system looks capable of complex modelling and the applications for product prototypes, toys, figurines and other 3D designs looks promising.
