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We are using Shapeways.com to turn them into metal for us and it was the option they had. Haven't tried getting it CNC'd but thinking we might need to change th

We are using Shapeways.com to turn them into metal for us and it was the option they had. Haven't tried getting it CNC'd but thinking we might need to change the model up a bit to allow the tool to get into some of the gaps that are possible. If anyone wants to try with a CNC machine then love to know what the results are like

deanclatworthy 6y ago
Why is it so hard to find companies that you give an STL file, choose material, tweak some settings, pay and give address? First thing I see on shapeways is get a quote, which means I have to go into a sales funnel by signing up and waste time instead of actually printing a 3d model.
- martinwoodward 6y ago
  I was able to create an account with Shapeways, upload a model and print out a single copy paying on my credit card without talking to a person.
- ReverseCold 6y ago
  because 3D printing arbitrary geometry, especially with arbitrary materials is Really Hard a human has to look at how it's printed- two very similar shapes might take vastly different times to print and require different amounts of support material, etc.
- jakearmitage 6y ago
  Because they could get in trouble for restricted stuff? e.g Guns
- wildpeaks 6y ago
  I used it several times and despite the name, "Get a quote" is merely a preview webapp to upload the model and see how much it would cost in each material (and directly add to cart when you're happy with the result), no talking to sales involved. They run more tests on the model after you order (to make sure it's physically possible to print it), but even then, never had to talk to anyone.
  - renewiltord 6y ago
    Fascinating. I, too, decided not to use them after the "Get a quote" button was the only CTA. Usually that means I have to wait for a call back and I really don't want to talk to people. Instead I called my friend with a 3D printer. Haha, who would have known that "Get a quote" was "Print your Design". I wonder if everyone else who wants 3D printed stuff is just better informed about this. I literally bounced off the page because of it.
  - SamBam 6y ago
    They should rename it then. A "quote" is something I avoid like the plague. It makes me think I'm going to have to talk to a hard-selling sales rep, and, further, that the prices are fudgeable and that I'd be a sucker for paying the quoted price.
- unell 6y ago
  These guys popped up on HN a little while back: https://www.jiga3d.com/ https://www.jiga3d.com/
- suifbwish 6y ago
  Accounts on everything.. the digital plague of 2021. Need to scratch your ass? Please login or signup now!

deanclatworthy 6y ago

Why is it so hard to find companies that you give an STL file, choose material, tweak some settings, pay and give address? First thing I see on shapeways is get a quote, which means I have to go into a sales funnel by signing up and waste time instead of actually printing a 3d model.

martinwoodward 6y ago
I was able to create an account with Shapeways, upload a model and print out a single copy paying on my credit card without talking to a person.
ReverseCold 6y ago
because 3D printing arbitrary geometry, especially with arbitrary materials is Really Hard a human has to look at how it's printed- two very similar shapes might take vastly different times to print and require different amounts of support material, etc.
jakearmitage 6y ago
Because they could get in trouble for restricted stuff? e.g Guns
wildpeaks 6y ago
I used it several times and despite the name, "Get a quote" is merely a preview webapp to upload the model and see how much it would cost in each material (and directly add to cart when you're happy with the result), no talking to sales involved. They run more tests on the model after you order (to make sure it's physically possible to print it), but even then, never had to talk to anyone.
- renewiltord 6y ago
  Fascinating. I, too, decided not to use them after the "Get a quote" button was the only CTA. Usually that means I have to wait for a call back and I really don't want to talk to people. Instead I called my friend with a 3D printer. Haha, who would have known that "Get a quote" was "Print your Design". I wonder if everyone else who wants 3D printed stuff is just better informed about this. I literally bounced off the page because of it.
- SamBam 6y ago
  They should rename it then. A "quote" is something I avoid like the plague. It makes me think I'm going to have to talk to a hard-selling sales rep, and, further, that the prices are fudgeable and that I'd be a sucker for paying the quoted price.
unell 6y ago
These guys popped up on HN a little while back: https://www.jiga3d.com/ https://www.jiga3d.com/
suifbwish 6y ago
Accounts on everything.. the digital plague of 2021. Need to scratch your ass? Please login or signup now!