Remember 3D Hubs? It’s gone, but now that functionality returns with 3dfabs.
3D Hubs was the original distributed printing network, formed way back in 2013. The concept then was that there were few 3D printers available, and they were very difficult to use — especially compared to today. So instead of buying a 3D printer to use yourself, you would “borrow” someone else’s 3D printer by having them print the parts for you.
3D Hubs provided a network where printer operators could join and offer services, while customers could browse the print suppliers and select one for production.
It all worked pretty well until 2021, when 3D Hubs was acquired by Proto Labs. Since then, the service has shifted focus to the industrial market, and individual 3D printer operators are more or less left out.
Now there’s a new service they can join, 3dfabs.
It seems to operate in a manner very similar to 3D Hubs: individual 3D printer operators can join and offer their services to a region, and buyers can upload 3D model files for printing.
As of this writing, 3dfabs claims there are 211 “fabs” participating, and operations take place in a dozen countries.
There is one difference from 3D Hubs here, though. It appears that there is no fee to use the service. 3dfabs explains their three-step process:
- Setup your fab profile, list your printers and materials.
- Find requests that match your fab’s capabilities and provide quotes for approval.
- If the client approves your quote, they’ll contact you to arrange payment and delivery or pickup.
In addition, their terms of service state:
“Payments and delivery arrangements happen off-platform between you and the fab.”
However, the terms also say:
“The service is provided as-is. We work hard to keep the platform reliable, but we are not liable for disputes, delays, or issues that occur between clients and fabs.”
So it seems that this is a community service being provided for general benefits for all.
