Free 3D model marketplace and online community Spyder 3D World has announced a new 3D printer directory where users can find experienced 3D printer owners local to them who are able to provide printing services. The directory will list large scale service bureaus as well as individual 3D printer owners.
Like everything in the open source community, the Spyder 3D World 3D Printer Directory is completely free and does not charge either party a fee for the service. The cost of the print will be handled between the owner of the 3D printer and the customer directly. That means that there will be no exorbitant commission fees added to the transaction and you won’t need to share your payment information with Spyder 3D World directly. The service can be used by anyone, however it is intended to provide new designers without a printer of their own access to 3D prints of their creations.
“We continue to hear from designers who want to see their designs come to life but have yet to invest in a printer. Now if you have a printer or are a service bureau, you can provide direct, printing services to designers near you,” explained Spyder 3D World CEO Joe Bloomfield. “So many things can be made with a 3D printer, from parts to hobby items, connecting with printer owners can open a whole new world to so many people.”
The new service is clearly intended to compete with 3D printer networks like 3DHubs and 3D printing services like Shapeways, however they are applying basic open source ideology to their model. The directory will include individual 3D printer users, large 3D printing companies and will even include any UPS Store locations that have a 3D printer on its premises.
