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.
You can download it for free here.
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.
And click Get Instant Quote to start the purchasing process.
Once we upload the 3D model, we will find the following:
| Materials | Prices |
| 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:
We have finally the price of $20.64 including the delivery.
Shapeways
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.
| Material | Price |
| 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 12 | Model needs textures |
| SLA | |
| Accura Resin (SLA) | $44.96 |
| BJT | |
| Sandstone | $17.38 |
| Other | |
| Fine Detail Plastic | $17.79 |
| High-Definition Full Color | Model 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:
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 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.
Once uploaded the 3D model, we can 3D print it with the following materials:
| Material | Price |
| 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.
Once it has been accepted and we submit the shipping information, we have the order summary:
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:
| Item | JLCPCB | Shapeways | PCBWay |
| Material | 9000R Resin | PA12 | Standard white material (UTR 8360) |
| Technology | SLA | SLS | SLA |
| 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.
