Shapeways Scales On-Demand Manufacturing to Meet Diverse 3D Printing Applications

Over a million customers worldwide use Shapeways’ digital manufacturing solutions
Full-service platform produces more than 20 million parts across dozens of industries
Unique applications include smart beehives, rugged device mounts for off-road vehicles and hydrometer for brewing craft beer

New York, NY – February 10, 2021 – Shapeways, a leader in powering digital manufacturing, has reached important milestones in scaling its manufacturing solutions to meet diverse customer requirements worldwide. To date, the company has produced more than 20 million parts using 10 different printing technologies and 90 different materials and finishes.

Over a million customers across 160 countries have selected Shapeways to simplify and speed the production of everything from personal protective equipment (PPE) to combat COVID-19 to 3D-printed prosthetics and a growing list of unique, one-of-a-kind products. “Shapeways fosters creative freedom by removing manufacturing guesswork and complexity,” said Miko Levy, chief revenue officer of Shapeways. “Our purpose-built software, automated manufacturing workflows and quality processes are accelerating success for some truly groundbreaking products.”

Protecting Bees with 3D-Printed Smart Beehives
For BeeHero, smart hives are the key to ensuring that bees thrive while optimizing hive productivity. To that end, the company relies on sensors and data science to help beekeepers and farmers quickly predict and prevent problems. The sensors in the BeeHero smart system are housed in two 3D-printed halves produced by Shapeways using Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] material and selective laser sintering (SLS) technology for added flexibility, durability and strength.

By leveraging Shapeways’ design-for-additive, product development and digital manufacturing capabilities, BeeHero benefits from manufacturing and delivery speed, improved product quality as well as simple assembly and installation. Moreover, the materials used were accepted by the bees, which has contributed to successful deployments and promising results, as real-time pollination monitoring has proven to increase crop yields by up to 30% on average.

Industrial-Grade Manufacturing for Ruggedized Off-Road Device Mounts
When it comes to sturdy device mounts that withstand the rigors of off-roading, 67 Designs has delivered tens of thousands of quality systems all over the world. The idea for a highly durable iPad mounting device came from the realization that existing solutions were unwieldy, unrealistic and aesthetically unappealing.

67 Designs designed and Shapeways then test-printed prototype iterations, which ultimately led to the creation of the production MagMount G3. This high-end device features a magnet array for better iPad alignment and attachment during off-road adventures. The collaboration with Shapeways encompasses the use of Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] material and industrial-grade additive manufacturing to produce a top-quality solution. The teamwork also supports 67 Designs’ desire to bring a greener product to market while bolstering “made in America” goals with avenues for production in local markets.

Brewing Better Beer Requires Lightweight, Durable 3D-Printed Parts
When it comes to brewing craft beers at home or professionally, there’s a lot of different techniques, fermenters and equipment for improving quality and taste. At Tilt Hydrometer, what started as a homebrewer’s vision has evolved into a game-changing device that monitors beer gravity and temperature in real-time for instant adjustments to the fermentation process.

After experimenting with expensive plastic milling technology, the company enlisted Shapeways to produce prototypes and final parts at a 10x cost savings. Using additive manufacturing, Tilt Hydrometer successfully encased sensitive electronics in lightweight, flexible and durable plastic material available from Shapeways in a rainbow of colors for easy multiple-batch monitoring. As a result, tens of thousands of homebrew and professional brewery customers around the world now rely on the Tilt Hydrometer and its intuitive mobile app to create ideal brewing conditions.

Expediting Product Creation with End-to-End Manufacturing
Shapeways offers a complete array of manufacturing capabilities to ensure seamless on-demand production of quality parts, including self-service options and various levels of expert support. The company’s proven additive manufacturing expertise is reinforced by a global network of certified printer, materials and manufacturing partners. Shapeways’ software offers heightened flexibility, with instant price quotes, automatic file uploads, verified printability checks, quality inspections and expedited deliveries. As scaling demands intensify, Shapeways also provides customers with access to traditional manufacturing offerings, including injection molding and urethane casting services.

About Shapeways
Shapeways makes world-class, on-demand manufacturing more accessible to everyone through automation, innovation and digitization. The company’s purpose-built software, wide selection of materials and technologies, and global supply chain lower manufacturing barriers and speed delivery of quality products. Shapeways’ digital manufacturing services have empowered more than one million customers worldwide to produce more than 20 million parts using 10 different technologies and 90 different materials and finishes. Headquartered in New York City, Shapeways has ISO 9001-compliant manufacturing facilities in Long Island City, N.Y., and Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

Source: Shapeways