The general process of ordering prints online applies to most services, but we’ll use Craftcloud as an example. Craftcloud is All3DP’s on-demand online 3D printing marketplace, which compares prices across dozens of trusted service partners in order to help you find the best deal for you. Despite not 3D printing parts itself, using Craftcloud is much the same as using a regular service. The main difference is that you’re able to choose the best manufacturer and offer for your project.

The Craftcloud platform is easy to navigate and offers help in multiple languages via a chat feature (under the “Need Help?” tab). And thanks to it being a marketplace, you have access to the full spectrum of technologies, materials, and finishes.

Once you have a model in mind, whether you’ve designed it yourself or found it on one of many 3D model repositories, you can begin! And for those who just have a design idea for a model, Craftcloud, in partnership with CADmore, offers a 3D design service to help bring your ideas to life.

Step 1: Upload Your Model

Usually, the 3D printing service will request that you first upload your parts to their platform.

Craftcloud supports over 35 file formats, including STL, STEP, and OBJ. You can upload a model either by dragging and dropping it into the browser or selecting it from your computer. After uploading your file, you’ll be able to see the measurement details and an option to scale it if necessary. You can also create copies.

Step 2: Choose the Material

Once your design is uploaded, select the material you’d like it to be 3D printed in. Towards that end, you’ll see a list of the available materials and the pricing for each.

Craftcloud, for example, supports PLA, PETG, ABS, resin, titanium, and many others (see their Material Guide). You can filter materials based on pricing, alphabetical order, and popularity. There’s even a search feature to help you quickly find your desired material.

In addition to these options, you can specify your model’s color and finish.

Step 3: Select an Offer & Pay

After you’ve specified the material, color, and finish, you’ll need to select the most suitable price and delivery time. Then, it’s time to provide your information and pay.

Using Craftcloud, you’ll already have been asked to indicate where in the world you’re living. However, at this stage, you’ll need to provide the standard slate of details, like your name, address, and contact information. Payment options will depend on where you live, but they’ll typically include Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal.

Step 4: Receive Your Parts

This is the final step when ordering 3D prints online: waiting! Once you’ve specified the shipping address and processed the payment, you’ll be able to see exactly how long it should take to receive your parts.

Sculpteo is an online 3D printing service located in Vellejuif, France. It was founded in 2009 by Eric Carreel, Jacques Lewiner, and Clement Moreau before being purchased in 2019 by BASF 3D Printing Solutions. They offer FDM, SLA, DLP, DMS, and binder jetting 3D printing technologies, as well as wax casting and laser cutting.

To get your quote, you’ll need to first create an account. Once you’ve uploaded your parts to the system and chosen the material, finish, and other details, you’ll be able to see an instant quote. Sculpteo supports 30+ file formats, but they recommend sticking to STL and OBJ.

Sculpteo has three production lead times, including economy, standard, and express. The express option has a quick lead time of around two days, but it’ll cost you about 50% more than standard. In standard, your parts are placed in a normal workflow with a 2 to 15 day lead time. The economy option is up to 30% less expensive, but the lead time typically takes longer. The exact pricing and delivery time depend on the materials and other specifications, and the shipping estimation is provided at checkout.

i.materialise is an online 3D printing service based in Leuven, Belgium. It was founded in 2009 and has branches worldwide. They offer FDM, SLA, MJF, metal 3D printing, and lost wax casting. i.materialise also hosts shops for designers.

i.materialise supports most of the common 3D printing file formats, including STL, OBJ, DAE, WRL, X3D, and many others. Once you’ve uploaded your parts, you’ll be able to choose from their 20 or so materials and see an instant quote. If your model has some issues, it’ll be automatically repaired and you’ll see an option just beside the cost section to accept or undo the repair. Once you’ve accepted any changes, you can then proceed to check out and see the expected shipment date.

i.materialise’s 3D printing service can also be accessed via Craftcloud.

Shapeways is a 3D printing service headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, with manufacturing facilities in Michigan and the Netherlands. By working with a global network of partners, they have facilities worldwide.

Founded in 2007, it offers additive and traditional manufacturing services, personalized production, rapid prototyping, and design services, among others. The 3D printing services on offer include SLA, SLS, SLM, MJF, BJT, and MJT. You can get instant quotes for these services after creating an account.

Once you’re in the system, you can order prints by uploading models. You’ll first specify material, color, and finishing options, then you’ll need to input your shipping details. Payment is simple, as Shapeways accepts credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. If you’re not sure about which material is the best for your project, you can order a sample kit.

Xometry is an online manufacturing service that offers 3D printing services, along with subtractive manufacturing and tooling services. It works with a large supplier network of over 10,000 partners across the globe.

The online platform utilizes AI in order to match buyers and suppliers and to provide accurate quotations, considering their unique prices and lead times. Xometry has platforms in North America, Europe, and Asia, and ships internationally.

After you upload your 3D model, you’ll need to fill out your contact information. When ordering a 3D printed project, you can choose from FDM, SLA, SLS, Carbon DLS, DMLS, MJF, and PolyJet printing technologies, as well as a variety of materials and colors. There are slicer setting options, including infill percentages (ultralight, light, and solid) and layer thickness (100µm, 200µm, and 300µm). You can also add notes to the engineer or manufacturer.

Treatstock offers 3D printing solutions, as well as cutting, painting, and 3D design services. They’re partnered with a wide network of manufacturers, including small businesses, shops, and freelancers. The main feature of the website is that you can quickly locate a manufacturer near you.

The available 3D printing technologies include FDM, SLA, DLP, DUP, DMLS, SLS, CJP, PolyJet and PolyJetMatrix. You’ll also find 3D scanning, mold making, and numerous traditional manufacturing services among their service offerings.

Instant quoting is offered by each individual vendor. You’ll simply need to upload your model and set the quantity, size, material, color, and infill percentage. Then, a list of suggested manufacturers will be presented with their respective prices. You can filter the list by proximity to your location, price, and rating.

Treatstock also offers a marketplace, where you can buy finished 3D printed objects, including toys and jewelry from makers.