Read concise notes on DfAM, material choice, finishing, inspection, and when a printed part should move to another process.
Five years and roughly $400K in custom manufacturing orders taught me that the cheapest quote isn't the cheapest part. Here's how I choose between Shapeways 3D printing, CNC machining, and DIY printing with a Raspberry Pi—using total cost, not sticker price.
Continue ReadingA product designer shares hard-won lessons from 47 failed manufacturing orders—covering Shapeways 3D printing service design rules, Fanuc vs. China CNC laser cutting machine HX3040 comparisons, and the rake angle mistake that cost $2,300.
Continue ReadingA production lead with 200+ orders through Shapeways shares hard-earned lessons about the 3D printing service in 2025. Learn about injection molding coating mistakes, turnaround certainty, and how 3D printers help sea turtles.
Continue ReadingA procurement manager explains why the lowest manufacturing quote is rarely the lowest total cost. Lessons from CNC machining, 3D printing filaments, and a CO2 laser search in Savannah, GA—and why the Shapeways shop now fits the buying process.
Continue ReadingA procurement manager's take on why low quotes for 3D printing, CNC machining, and sheet metal fabrication often lead to higher total costs—and how a TCO mindset helps you avoid the trap.
Continue ReadingA procurement manager compares Shapeways 3D printing, CNC Swiss machining in Dallas TX, and laser cutting vs waterjet cutting for a reamer PVC body and blade. A story about total cost and transparent quotes.
Continue ReadingA designer's story about prototyping with Shapeways 3D printing service, learning what hybrid reamers can and can't do, and why the industrial laser welding machine price almost fooled me.
Continue ReadingA production coordinator with 200+ rush jobs explains why quick-turn parts still fail, what Shapeways 3D printing service 2025 taught me, and how to fix the file, quote, and material decisions before the deadline.
Continue ReadingShapeways shop FAQ covering instant quotes, rush turnaround times, custom VMC mooneye jigs, and what the platform can't do. From a coordinator with 200+ rush orders experience.
Continue ReadingA cost controller explains why Shapeways 3D printing service and CNC machining part factory options work for small-batch parts, with notes on additive manufacturing ceramics news and total cost of ownership.
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