Hi there, I'm thinking about finishing up my sculpting, printing, and going traditional from there. I was planning on using Shapeways, but I'm finding them to be kinda difficult to use (first I had too many vertices, now I have too few, etc). So mainly, I'm wondering does anyone have experience with other 3d printing websites? Do you have a favorite?
I've used Shapeways a lot. I have my own resin printer, but use them for certain things. It can be frustrating to get the right specs for Shapeways but their quality control is pretty strict for a reason and my prints always come out great. If you wouldn't mind sharing a screenshot of the issues I could help! It also depends on the program you're using, I'm most familiar with ZBrush and I've been finding that some things in blender are things I can't help with as much! But I'll try!
I've used 3dhubs for work related stuff, and the prints came out beautifully and were a fast turn around time (about 1 week). Also, per print it's cheaper through 3dhubs than Shapeways (there is a minimum cost per print type with 3dhubs though, so depends on the volume you intend to print). Also, because my prints tend to be unusual or push the limits of my own printer, I tend to ring them directly and talk to them about what is feasible and how my print will come out. They've been really helpful so far! So they're definitely my favourite print service so far.
Thank you! I've been sticking my sculpt I've been working on in shape ways periodically, just see how it fairs, so this was the most recent attempt and... .."wow, demolished" was my reaction the lips lost most of their definition, but the most confusing part to me was the lips are off center? And I contacted them and they were like "there's not enough vertices in the lips". It just confuses me cause I had to reduce the number of vertices to get my file to upload several times. I've changed the sculpt since, but like. It still confuses me. Thank you! I'd never heard of them, I'll keep them in mind!
I haven't used them myself but I have seen Synthetic Ephemera on Instagram. Unsure of cost but because they are a BJD maker/owner themselves they might be a good choice if you want someone familiar with what you are doing.
Hey! I'm in the same boat. I'm looking at SLS Nylon for a print material and I was wondering if anyone has experience/input on that. I believe Shapeways calls it their "Strong and Flexible" plastic. From what I'm reading about SLS Nylon is that its well rated for joints and durability. It's also got a 'rough' finish. I'm also noticing that 3DHubs offers sandblasting, dyeing and resin coating for SLS prints... which sounds interesting to me? Almost like... you could use it as a final product? But perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself. EDIT: For those who are curious. 3DHubs told me they cannot do resin coating. I did order from Shapeways and really liked the Nylon material, however it IS rough to the touch and not like resin! I posted more on my Instagram @doll.technician