The 3D printing industry is growing rapidly, with the use of metal materials on track for a CAGR of 24% through 2030. Parallel to this growth is the US metal casting market, expected to reach around $23 million by 2025. This expansion continues to drive demand for 3D printed molds in applications ranging from automotive to custom jewelry. With the launch of our new cast metal finishes, Shapeways is excited to deepen our commitment to providing our customers with an expansive material and finish offering. Shapeways’ metal casting technology (also known as wax casting) combines the speed of 3D p ..read more

In today’s complex manufacturing environment, delivering the right parts–at the right time and price–is a constant challenge. And during injection molding, the cooling stage is typically the longest time period in the process. During this stage, the part must reach a low enough temperature so that the physical properties of the material and the dimensional integrity of the molded part are realized. Lengthy cooling times can be frustrating, and present a major impact on the capacity of your machines. It can also be especially challenging to reduce cooling and cycle times when mass-producing co ..read more

Industrial manufacturing is experiencing rapid growth and transformation with the use of advanced technologies like conformal cooling and additive manufacturing. Learn how conformal cooling works in injection molding and how it is transforming industrial manufacturing. What is Conformal Cooling? Conformal Cooling is a manufacturing technique that involves creating cooling channels or passages within a tool or mold that conform to the shape of the part being manufactured. Conformal cooling is most often used in plastic injection molding to reduce cycle times and improve part quality. How Does C ..read more

Improving Injection Molding Efficiency with Conformal Cooling Founded in 2007, Eastern Rail Corporation built a reputation on designing sustainable, high-quality solutions for the Metro Rail infrastructure in the US. For a specific component—an insulator that isolates the electrified third rail in underground subway systems–Eastern Rail needed to update the material to meet safety standards. A switch to Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) subsequently required a reevaluation of the existing mold. To tackle this issue, Eastern Rail approached Linear AMS, a Shapeways Company, seeking partnership in crea ..read more

Celebrate this Cyber Monday and Tuesday with up to *20% off AND *free shipping!  Act now and take *15% off orders $50-$199, with code 15CYBER2023. If you spend over $200, take *20% off your order with code 20CYBER2023.  In addition to our Cyber discounts, we are offering *free standard shipping for orders over $100 on our Marketplace and orders over $250 on our Self Serve Platform. You will have the option to apply free shipping at checkout if your order qualifies. Shop our Marketplace or upload and print your 3D file today to take advantage of these limited time promotions!  *T ..read more

The holiday season is here, and it’s time to start thinking about those special gifts that will make this year unforgettable. To help with your holiday planning, we’ve created holiday cutoff calendars to ensure your order arrives in time for the festivities. Our holiday cutoff calendars, segmented by region, specify the deadline for placing your 3D printed order based on chosen material, to ensure delivery by December 24th. In addition to the material, the size of your print and shipping speed also play a role in determining critical order dates.  As you upload your models and browse our ..read more

We’re excited to introduce the first annual Shapeways Manufacturing Week (SWM Week), taking place from October 2-6, 2023. SWM Week offers an action-packed schedule of learning for engineers, designers, and manufacturing professionals.  Interact with thought leaders, gain valuable insight to help redefine your approach to manufacturing, and take advantage of exclusive promotions. Shapeways brands MFG and Linear AMS will also share expertise on business evolution and innovative applications for additive manufacturing.  Whether you’re an independent manufacturer, designer, or an industr ..read more

As summer winds down and school looms on the horizon, college students (and their parents) are searching for the perfect items to furnish their dorm rooms and apartments. From essentials and accessories like tablets and phone stands, to wall art, interior decorations, and catch-all trays, the list of products to buy can be extensive. The Shapeways Marketplace is a popular platform with an eclectic mix of goods for the student who really wants to stand out with their collegiate decor.  The Shapeways Marketplace allows creators to upload their original work. Many own their own business and ..read more

Precision is a key element for Shapeways designers. 3D design and 3D printing are centered around innovation, creativity, and the ability to create complex geometries which were previously impossible—but to achieve success in manufacturing, 3D printing tolerance rules (note: these really aren’t just suggestions!) must be followed. 3D printing is all about the details, and that’s especially true when it comes to tolerances. Defined as the acceptable amount of deviation in a 3D printed object’s dimensions, tolerances must be set correctly for success in additive manufacturing. Shapeways design g ..read more

The grand opening of our Livonia facility served not only as the celebration of a new manufacturing site but also as a symbol of Shapeways’ unwavering commitment to excellence in the digital manufacturing industry. On April 23, 2023, Shapeways unveiled a new facility in Livonia, MI, marking an important step in expanding traditional and additive manufacturing solutions. The grand opening event made digital manufacturing news, highlighting Shapeways’ dedication to innovation and excellence, with a focus on industrial applications like aerospace, automotive, and medical. The addition of the Liv ..read more