If you are as intrigued by the potential of startup companies as we at SnapMunk are, one growing sector you’ll likely enjoy is the innovation happening within the 3D printing sector. Entrepreneurs are using 3D printing to create everything from rocket engines to drones. If you haven’t had time to dive into this exploding market, following is a selection of 3D printing startups to discover:
Set to launch in early 2015, Shapr3D lets you design in 3D on your iPad and then export your designs to your 3D printing tool of choice. Early access requests are currently being accepted.
UCreate3D
UCreate3D lets you create custom 3D smartphone cases for your iPhone, Nexus, or Samsung Galaxy. Create custom cases highlighting your company logo, your favorite animal, or even the skyline of your city.
Think of Concept Kicker like Kickstarter for 3D projects. Artists are able to upload their artwork and if their design receives enough backing, their uploaded design is then transformed into a 3D printing object.
Sols combines mobile app technology with 3D printing. Capture a series of images of your feet using the Sols app and then have custom orthotic insoles printed to match your feet.
Made Solid develops advanced resins for 3D printing. Current products include Vorex resin, FireCast resin, and colored MS resin.
3D Hubs offers a global community for 3D enthusiasts. Upload and share your designs, print to 3D printers within the network, and discover creations from 3D artists around the world.
Makies lets you create a custom 3D doll. Design a doll in your child’s own image or develop a design based upon your child’s input.
Pinshape offers a marketplace for 3D designers and printers. Upload and sell your designs or find 3D designs for your printer.
Matter
Matter lets you turn a photograph or uploaded design into a 3D printed project using a variety of materials including bronze, brass, and sterling silver.
MXD3D offers two servies. GamePrint lets game developers offer 3D printing to game users, enabling gamers to request 3D printed versions of their favorite character’s gaming poses. MakePrintable lets users turn their designs into a 3D model.
Zazzy
Zazzy lets you design and sell your own custom 3D printed jewelry. Available materials include sterling silver, brass with gold plating, stainless steel, and nylon.
UNYQ offers 3D printed covers for prosthetic limbs. Choose from designs like a black carbon criss-cross silhouette to fabulous and funky covers in blue, purple, or high-gloss gold.
These are just a few of the startup companies innovating within the 3D printing sector. From wearables to medical devices and prosthetics, 3D printing technology is altering how we create and manufacture a wide variety of products. As printers become even more affordable, expect this innovation to continue. Whether it is in industrial manufacturing or artisan-created products, this incredible technology is allowing us to rethink the creation process. If you consider the possibility of combining technologies like 3D printing and IoT capabilities, it is clear we are just at the very beginning of innovation within this sector.
