From Solidworks to Shapeways

By on June 30th, 2010 in Service, Software

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Popular 3D print service Shapeways has announced the availability of a new add-in for SolidWorks, the well-known commercial 3D modelling system. The add-in was developed by Design Solutions in a joint project with Shapeways, but is currently considered a “beta”, so expect frequent updates. Both 32 and 64 bit versions are available for download. If you test the add-in, remember to provide feedback. 
 
This is a logical step for Shapeways, who have been doing their best to integrate with the 3D world more directly. We’re not sure if it’s their goal, but to have a “Shapeways button” placed in every 3D modelling tool would certainly help their business. But if they pursue that course, how will other 3D print services react? Perhaps we’ll see a wide variety of 3D print service plug-ins appear, or even a meta-service that selects and routes between a large number of possible services? 
 

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!

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