On Monday, October 1st, 2018, 3D Hubs completely switched their 3D printing service to the Fulfilled by 3DHubs offering.

This means that they no longer allow Hubs outside the Manufacturing Partner Program to receive orders on 3D Hubs.

So what does this mean?

Well basically unless you are running a semi-commercial 3D Printing service, you’re not on the list… While this change has pros and cons, what about the hobbyists that want to print for fun or make some money to support their hobby?

Here are a couple of websites that you can use that are closest to the 3D Hubs Platform…

3D Hubs Alternatives Overview

• Treatstock – Smart E-commerce Platform
• Print A Thing –  a crowd-sourced 3D printing service
• MakeXYZ – Local 3D Printing Services
• FacFox – On Demand Manufacturing
• Ponoko – Online Laser Cutting and Engraving (3D Printing too maybe)

Treatstock

Treatstock is the closest thing we could find as a 3D Hubs Alternative. They offer a bunch of features for suppliers like instant requests, promotional tools, advertising networks, manufacturing tools, and trading support.

Treatstock is an innovative e-commerce platform focused on providing advanced technology infrastructure for buying & supplying goods & services worldwide. It has united thousands of manufacturers worldwide, ready to produce orders in a wide range of technologies such as 3D printing and CNC machining. Upload files for instant and upfront prices or request a quote from a manufacturer of your choice. Manufacturers and designers can register for free and market and sell their products and services to the global online market.

PrintAThing

At Print a Thing they are on a mission to democratize 3D printing and make it available to everyone. Turn your printer and your passion into a money-making business. They do all the calculations for you. All you have to do is select the job you want from a list of jobs and follow the instructions on how to print and mail the items.

They want to change the world for the better through technology, and they see democratized 3d printing as a way to do it. When anyone can make completely unique physical objects at a reasonable price, without having the money or technical skills to own and operate a 3d printer of their own, a whole new creative energy will be released throughout the world. Print a Thing hopes that it would be a positive force for startups, do-it-yourselfers, and creative spirits everywhere.

makexyz

Makexyz is the next closest 3D Hubs Alternative we could find. They offer a local 3D printer network, instant pricing and free delivery. With a minimal visual approach user are able to search by zip code and also offer 3d printing as a service.

They have one goal at makexyz: to help people make stuff. They link people who need something made with 3D printers and CAD designers in their neighborhoods.

They started makexyz because we like making things. And makexyz is our opportunity to help other people make stuff in a significant way.

FacFox

FacFox formerly FF3DM is somewhat of a 3D hubs alternative. With a clean user interface, FacFox offers a full suite of rapid prototyping options. They connect users with Chinese manufacturers so this semi-qualifies for our list, maybe…

Ponoko

Ponoko offers an elegant assortment of services and also has partnered hubs. Their online laser cutting service for makers is made possible by Personal Factory technology that connects digital design tools to makers over the Internet.

Their services enable users to both make & sell their product designs online. It’s now easy, fast & low cost to turn your wild ideas into custom products. And sell them to the world.

In Summary

Yes, there are always Shapeways, Sculpteo, Protolabs, and other commercial services. In this article, however, we wanted to focus on finding websites that connect customers to hobbyist machine owners – where you can print and get paid for it right from your home.