Home3D PrintingWe Compared Online 3D Printing Services

We Compared Online 3D Printing Services

Hello Machine Bros!
Today we compared the 3 of the most interesting 3D printing services we found online: Shapeways, JLCPCB, and PCBWay.

We evaluated each service based on a range of factors, including a range of materials, technologies, pricing, and delivery fees.

We know that the 3 online 3D printing services selected offer different features. So, it will be difficult to have exactly the same options in terms of materials, finishes, colors, etc. Therefore, we will select always the cheapest option using a plastic material, no special finishes, the recommended color, which is generally white, and the cheapest shipping option.

We will also use an address located in Florida for the shipping options.

3D Model Used

In order to see the different options offered by the three 3D printing services, we have decided to select a basic and easy-to-print 3D model, in this case, a 20mm Cube.

3D Model Cube

You can download it for free here.

JLCPCB

JLCPCB

JLCPCB (Shenzhen JIALICHUANG Electronic Technology Development Co.,Ltd.), is the largest PCB prototype enterprise in China and now they are offering very interesting online 3D printing services that we are going to check now.

Purchasing Process

Click here, to access JLPCB’s online 3D printing services. 

JLPCB Purchasing Proces

And click Get Instant Quote to start the purchasing process.

Once we upload the 3D model, we will find the following:

JLPCB 3D Printing Services
MaterialsPrices
SLA
LEDO 6060 Resin$1.15
9000R Resin$1.00
8000 Resin$1.36
8228 Resin$1.04
Black Resin$1.67
8111X Resin$1.00
MJF
PA 12-HP Nylon$3.96
PAC-HP Nylon$27.46
FDM
ABS$4.48
SLS
3201PA-F$2.6
SLM (Metal)
316L Stainless Steel$27.52

In this case, we will choose 9000R Resin (SLA).

Delivery Fees and Times

We will choose the most basic option and no additional features:

3D Printing Technology: SLA

Material: 9000R Resin

Color: Natural White

Sanding: Yes

Quantity: 1

Once these options are selected and provided the shipping address, we get the order summary:

JLPCB 3D Printing Prices

We have finally the price of $20.64 including the delivery.

Shapeways

Shapeways 3D Printing Service

Founded in the Netherlands in 2007, Shapeways has become one of the big players in global 3D printing and has sold more than 20 million objects as of 2021.

Purchasing Process

Click here to access the online 3D printing service and click on Get a Quote, where you can upload the 3D model.

Once the 3D model is loaded, we have a list of materials and prices to choose from.

Shapeways Purchasing Process
MaterialPrice
SLS
PA12 Versatile plastic$6.94
PA11$14.67
TPE$9.16
Polipropylene$13.97
TPU$15.02
MJF
PA12 GB$11.00
PA12$7.69
TPU$10.00
Polipropylene$8.83
Full Color Nylon 12Model needs textures
SLA
Accura Resin (SLA)$44.96
BJT
Sandstone$17.38
Other
Fine Detail Plastic$17.79
High-Definition Full ColorModel needs textures
Metal
420i steel/bronze (BJT)$62.01
Stainless Steel 17-4PH (BJT)$54.75
316L SS (BJT)$149.13
Aluminum (L-PBF)$102.84
Brass$206.00
Bronze$206.00
Silver$527.36
Gold$5,358.98
Gold Plated Brass$304.88
Rhodium Plated Brass$327.28
Cooper$288.40
Platinum$13,147.95
Other Materials
Sandstone (BJT)$17.38

We will choose PA12 (SLS) Versatile plastic.

Delivery fees and times

We will choose the most basic options they offer:

Material: PA12

Technology: SLS

Color: White

Finish: Natural

Quantity: 1

Once selected these features and providing the shipping information, we have the order summary:

Shapeways 3D printing service

Mfg. Speed is the manufacturing speed fee.

Processing is the model processing fee which is the digital and physical checks.

Shipping is the shipping service fee.

Now we have finally the price for the selected 3D model, which is $20.39 USD including the delivery.

PCBWay

PCBWay 3D Printing Service

PCBWay is another Chinese-based PCB manufacturing company that is now offering very interesting 3D printing and CNC services.

Purchasing Process

By clicking here, you will get straight to their 3D printing service section.

PCBWay Home

Once uploaded the 3D model, we can 3D print it with the following materials:

MaterialPrice
SLA (Resin)
Standard White Material (UTR 8360)$4.98
Somos LEDO$12.45
UTR-8100 (Transparent)$12.45
UTR Imagine Black$4.98
PWR Dark Black$12.45
UTR 8220$4.98
Formlabs ESD Resin$24.89
Somos Taurus$12.45
Somos PerFORM$24.89
UTR Flex$59.61
UTR Therm$12.45
UTR 3000$4.98
UTR-8100 (translucent)$4.98
Somos EvoLVe 128$24.89
DLP (Resin)
TDS EvoDent$24.89
MJF (Nylon)
HP-PA 12$12.45
SLS
PA 12 (Nylon)$12.45
Glass fiber nylon (PA12 + 35%GF)$12.45
TPU$37.34
FDM
PEEK$71.54
ABS$19.91
Stratasys ABS-ESD7$71.54
PLA$19.91
PC$19.91
PETG$19.91
ASA$19.91
SLM
Alluminium$37.34

In this case, we will choose the Standard White Material (UTR 8360).

Delivery Fees and Times

We selected the following options:

Material: Resin – Standard white material (UTR 8360)

Technology:  SLA

Quantity: 1

Color: Matte white

Threads and Tapped Holes: No

Inserts: No

Parts assembly: No

Once we select the options and features we want, press the button submit review and PCBWay is going to check how printable is the model we submitted. We will have to wait some minutes until we can proceed with the checkout.

PCBWay 3D Printing Service

Once it has been accepted and we submit the shipping information, we have the order summary:

PCBWays 3D Printing Service Cost

And finally, we have the price of the 3D printing service of $31.41.

Conclusions

It’s important to consider that this review has been done with the purpose of finding out about the different services that are offering these companies, the materials, technologies, and shipping prices.

When using these services is recommended to use them to 3D print in bulk, with specific materials and requirements. All of them have great engineering departments that will help you out with your orders.

Let’s check next the compare prices of the different services:

ItemJLCPCBShapewaysPCBWay
Material9000R ResinPA12Standard white material (UTR 8360)
TechnologySLASLSSLA
Product Price$1.00$6.94$4.98
Shipping$19.64$11.99$24.79
Additional fees$1.46$1.64
Total$20.64$20.39$31.41

We can see that JLCPCB and Shapeways have the most competitive prices, one offers a very good product price, while the other one offers a better shipping price.

JLCPCB also has a price advantage for US and EU customers and has the possibility to choose cheaper shipping options.

In conclusion, there’s a wide variety of materials and technologies depending on your needs. These companies complement themselves, they offer unique materials, with all types of specifications and are capable to produce a large number of pieces and all of this for very affordable prices.

OTHER ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular