Looking for a smaller, regional 3D print service? Build List can find that for you.
I ran across a service called “Build List”, which offers the ability to connect to regional providers of various manufacturing services. They explain:
“A directory of on-demand manufacturers for your creative projects.
Each site listed has instant quotes/online ordering so you can upload your project files and immediately see how much it will cost and how long it will take to make. Most services offer international shipping.”
The site breaks down services into the following:
- 3D Printing
- Laser Cut/Engrave
- CNC Milling
- Sticker Printing
- Custom Packaging
- Book/Zine Printing
- PCB Manufacturing
- Metal Casting
These are all services that a small-time maker might need to contract out, particularly if there are quantities of parts to be produced.
The services are further broken down by continent, and some details of the service’s capabilities are listed. For example, the 3D Print section explains whether the service provides FFF, SLS, Resin, Metal materials, and finishing services. There’s data on costs of one-time setup and minimum fee, most of which are quite low.
It’s not clear how you’d get your own service onto Build List, as there doesn’t seem to be any contact information. Nevertheless, for makers it does provide a directory where services can be found.
With so many folks setting up small 3D print farms these days, directories like Build List will become increasingly important. It’s usually quite difficult to find local services without a comprehensive search.
Without any explanation provided by the site, my guess is that someone felt it necessary to put this list together for the benefit of the community. It appears to be a static site, likely managed manually.
It seems to me that if Build List provided some basic tools for visitors to add and verify new entries, the list could grow substantially longer. I’m hoping that’s what happens next at Build List.
Via Build List
