Twelve months ago, we returned to a new management team including two of our original founders. This wasn’t in order to turn back the clock, but to reorientate toward the future. While we have long supported B2B manufacturing needs, the relaunch sharpened our focus: helping digital-native hardware teams bring next-generation devices to market, without the friction and limitations of traditional manufacturing. These teams are often rich in ideas, software talent and drive but light on production expertise. In this situation, we offer more than parts. We’re a partner in design, prototyping, production and lifecycle management.

A year of focused progress

In the past year, we’ve executed on a bold, founder-driven plan, starting with buying back the company’s Dutch and US assets. The job of rebuilding from bankruptcy and adding the Thangs platform to our family of companies came next. Each step was intentional and pre-planned, undertaken not just to restore what existed, but to build something more fit for purpose and resilient.

With that foundation in place, we now operate as a focused B2B partner, while Thangs serves a separate but connected purpose: empowering creators to share, sell and manufacture their 3D designs in the consumer space.

Built for fast-moving teams

The ‘new’ Shapeways isn’t a departure from our roots but rather it’s a doubling down on what we do best. We’re now purpose-built to support fast-moving, innovation-focused teams building devices that don’t fit traditional manufacturing playbooks.

These are teams building all conceivable types of devices designed for real-world impact in niche, fast-growing markets. The products are often part of a software/hardware bundle where the teams are digital natives, with deep UX and product-market fit expertise, but little or no in-house manufacturing experience.

Their challenges are consistent:

• They need fast, iterative prototyping.
• They need short-run production without high MOQs.
• They need finishing and light assembly that meets final-use standards.
• They need support throughout the lifecycle — including spare parts and digital inventory.

That’s where we come in, providing high-quality, small-batch manufacturing with design input, finishing options and digital tools to keep pace with the product’s evolution.

From prototype to product and beyond

For the teams we now support, the product lifecycle doesn’t look like it used to. Devices ship faster, iterate more often and scale differently. There’s no capacity to build tooling for a first-gen product that may be updated in six months. And spare parts need to be on-demand, accurate to spec and available years later.

Our platform is designed around those realities:

• Digital warehousing and lifecycle tools – keeping track of every product version, so customers get the right spare parts, every time.
• Prototyping and design feedback – to get to manufacturable, testable parts faster.
• Short-run production – batch sizes from 10 to 5,000, with finishing options like spray painting, vapor smoothing, heat inserts, and light assembly.

What’s next in the plan?

As demand grows, so does our ambition. Over the next year, we plan to expand both our digital toolset and our production capabilities. That includes:

• New digital solutions for file management, collaboration, and lifecycle tracking.
• Additional on-demand production technologies, beyond 3D printing.
• More post-processing and value-added services, including light electronics integration.

The goal is clear: to reduce friction at every stage of hardware development — from early design to last-mile delivery.

Ready to build?

For any team building a next-gen product and struggling to find a manufacturing partner that moves as fast as they do, we’re ready. Whether you’re scaling production or just trying to get your first working prototype in hand, our team is here to help.

The post A year of progress, a purpose refined appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

Now, more than a decade— and several business ventures — later the two companies are reconnecting. Today, S&S Machine is a modern precision machining company serving a select group of customers in pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and defense. And as S&S looks to expand its capabilities and deepen those customer relationships, additive manufacturing is back on the table and powered by Shapeways.

“We always had a strong and trusted relationship with Marleen,” says Tim. “So when we decided to expand into AM again, Shapeways was our first call.”

A new chapter built on trust

S&S isn’t chasing scale for scale’s sake. The team’s philosophy is deliberate: fewer customers, deeper relationships, broader capability.

That’s where Shapeways fits in. The idea isn’t to overhaul how S&S works — it’s to add an invisible layer of capability that helps them say ‘yes’ more often.

“We’ve got the ability to machine and waterjet and assemble,” says Tim. “Now we want to be able to say, ‘Yes, we can do additive too.’”

Their first test jobs with Shapeways are some 3D printed plastic components for a medical device customer. But the opportunity goes further. S&S is exploring ways to integrate additive into its quoting, prototyping and early production offerings.

“Sometimes I just don’t have the capacity to turn a part around next week, so access to AM gives me another lever to pull.”

From prototype to production selectively

While S&S can’t handle high-volume runs in-house, they’re well-positioned to manage the early stages of product development. With Shapeways in the mix, they can offer digital manufacturing from day one — without overstretching their internal resources.

“If we’re specced in to make your prototype, there’s a good chance we can help you build the first hundred parts too. Additive just extends that runway for us and offers flexibility for our clients.”

While the possibilities are almost endless, the current focus is on offering AM as a service to their core customers —many of whom don’t even realize yet that S&S has access to those capabilities.

Sharing histories and futures

The connection between the two companies has evolved with the industry. Back when Tim and Mark sold Figulo to 3D Systems, the landscape was flooded with hype. The positive and negative lessons from that era have shaped how S&S operates today.

“We’ve seen a lot in this industry. Shapeways today feels like it’s being rebuilt the right way — dependable, responsive and built for business.”

It’s early days, but the intent is clear: this isn’t just a vendor relationship. It’s a strategic alignment, built on trust and a shared understanding of where the industry is heading.

“We’re not chasing thousands of customers. We’re building deeper relationships — and additive helps us do that.”

Are you a machine shop or manufacturing service provider looking to say “yes” more often?

Join the growing network of trusted partners integrating Shapeways’ additive capabilities into their offerings quickly and without the overheads. Whether you’re expanding your prototyping services, filling capacity gaps, or building out digital workflows, we can help you add AM where it counts.
Reach out to supplychain@shapeways.com to explore what it means to become a Shapeways reseller.

The post S and S and Shapeways reunite to bring AM to new customers appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

print in metal

Here’s a rundown of some recent developments in metal 3D printing:

Most state-of-the-art racing bikes are crafted almost entirely from carbon fiber, which is light and strong. However, Chris Froome’s Tour de France-winning bicycle features 3D printed titanium handlebars. The Engineer reports that 3D printing reduced production time for the handlebars by up to 75% compared with a carbon fiber process. No molds were needed, and the custom fit eliminated any need for adjustability, saving up to 17% of the weight of a traditional handlebar assembly while reducing drag.

Ship Technology reports that the Port of Rotterdam’s Additive Manufacturing Fieldlab (RAMLAB) teamed with Autodesk to develop a 3D printed nautical propeller. Their hybrid manufacturing process combined wire and arc additive manufacturing with industrial robot arms, subtractive machining (CNC), and grinding. The new process will help the port provide quick replacement propellers for ships.

[Credit: Michael A. Parker]

Spaceships are also increasingly relying on metal 3D printing. NASA has 3D printed entire rocket engines. Scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) created a 3D printed metal fabric to protect both astronauts and spacecraft from micrometeors. As 3DPrint.com reports, the chainmail-like textile, which is printed in one piece, reflects sunlight, provides thermal insulation, is foldable, and has high tensile strength.

Facial reconstructive surgery has benefitted from 3D metal printing. According to Additive Manufacturing, 3D printed titanium can be customized to the individual patient and aid in bone regrowth and stability. 3D Printing Industry reports that British manufacturing company Renishaw partnered with Western University to create a $5 million Additive Design in Surgical Solutions (ADEISS) center in Ontario, Canada, to produce metal additive manufactured medical tools and implants.

[Credit: NASA]

The Vader Systems MK1 Experimental desktop metal 3D printer, meanwhile, uses their MagnetoJet technology to propel liquified aluminum from an electromagnetic-field-encased 1,200° C chamber through inkjet-like print nozzles. Using wire feedstock instead of powders, it reduces costs and dramatically speeds up printing. The production model launches in 2018.

Shapeways’ interlocking precious metals are perfect for creating unique jewelry. Lead times for 3D printed steel were reduced by two days so you can create functional parts quickly. With the benefits of strength, durability, beautiful finishes, and a myriad of material choices, isn’t it time you took a dip into the white-hot 3D printed metal space?

try it yourself

The post From Aerospace to Jewelry, Metal 3D Printing Is Hot appeared first on Shapeways Blog.