I would like to print a head badge for a bike. Naturally, the badge has to curve around the frame. Can I print a 0.5cm thick badge out of Shapeways stainless steel, then hammer it round? Think something along these lines:
I'd advise against bending Shapeways steel - it has some give but not that much and will most probably break. You'd be better off creating the model to the right shape to start off with.
I'm trying to envision whether that would work, but I can't see how the printer would be able to print the model in an arc. I suppose I could upload a model and see what they say!
Jump out of the box, anything, literally is possible with 3D printing - see http://shpws.me/3QHW A design formed into an arc is simples.
If it cant do an arc then it wouldn't be able to do rings... and I wouldn't have what I have in my hand. The thickness needs to be 3mm however!