FAQs

Explicit sexual content and weaponry look models are not accepted on Shapeways, neither private, nor public. Any file containing such content will be removed without further notice. We are allowed to make an exception for miniature weaponry (maximum size 10cm).

Nope.

Since it costs us exactly the same, per model, to produce one version of your model or a thousand versions of your model we are not able to give volume discounts.

Yes, even though we are a Netherlands based country all the information on our website is in English for we deliver orders world wide

Our order process and our communication to you will also be in English.

We have the ability to build even the tiniest details. Since we use a digital process, our output will essentially be an exact physical representation of your digital model at whatever size you choose. The quality of the details does depend on the material, so do check out the material pages.

The maximum level of detail is 0.2 mm (0.008th of an Inch).

At the moment the maximum size of any model(also known as maximum build volume) can be 49x39x20cm(at least 19X15x7inches). The maximum size does depend on the machine and material though.
On ourmaterials page you can check out the different sizes.

We have prepared a number oftutorials for you. If you can't find an answer, please post your question in theforum.

The price of a model depends on the volume of material you use and includes shipping. So the actual volume of your finished object not the volume of the bounding box. The model detail page has the pricing of each model on it. All prices include shipping and handling. Depending on your country, tax will be added.

We try to get the model to you within 10 working days for the plastics and 14 working days for the metal models. We count from the moment we receive your payment. This means within 10 or 14 working days if you pay directly by credit card or Paypal. If you pay with an E-check on Paypal it takes 3-5 working days for your check to get cleared. You need to add these to the standard working days for the material that you order.

We have a dedicated forum topic where you can ask Shapeways community members to model something for you: http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=thread&frm_id=92 If you would like to learn how to 3D model there are a lot of 3D modeling packages out there. Depending on what you want to make or what type of person you are, one or more of these packages could be more suited for you. We can recommend the following tools: Blender, an open source free 3D animation package. Rhino is a versatile commercial tool that exports directly to STL. Maya is a powerful high end commercial modeling, animation and visual effects tool(think Hollywood). 3ds Max is a more accesible modeling tool made by Autodesk the same company that makes Maya. Solidworks is a 3D CAD tool that works well with Shapeways. It will be quite an investment of time on your part before you can quickly and accurately 3D model with any of the above tools. The ability to imagine anything, design it and then turn it into a physical object is a powerful and wonderful experience, however. If you can make the time and have the talent, we hope you invest it in 3D modeling!

In order for you to be able to order your model, you have to have it set to "allow ordering." Click on the model, this will bring you to the model detail page. In the right hand column under model availability, select "allow ordering." Now you can order your model.

If a model can be uploaded successfully it is automatically checked on some critical issues. But when a model is ordered for the first time a manual check will be done to make sure the object is printable. Sometimes models for sale (Whether it is your own or not) can be uploaded but turn out not to be printable

Here is a little tutorial explaining how you can add photographs or renderings of your models to that model so that we can show them on the main page: http://www.shapeways.com/tutorials/uploadpictures

If you have an error with the Creator(Light Poem, Ring Poem or Fruit Confession) you can solve it by going here: http://www.shapeways.com/support/java_problems

The materials we support are waterproof. Except Grey Robust and White Strong and Flexible (including the Black, Terracotta, Limestone & Blue Jeans colors). However we do not recommend that you drink from it.

In our gallery we use a rendering to show you your model. This rendering has lighting effects and sometimes makes your model look quite smooth. If this is the case your model will look differently in Shapeways than it does look in your 3D modeling application. We are working on improving our rendering technology. In the meantime however, no worries. We did not change your actual model, it is simply the rendering of your model that is different. It will print out and look as it has in your 3D modeling application.

You can upload STL, VRML2/97, COLLADA or X3D files to Shapeways. Many modeling applications support these file formats. If you need to convert to them we recommend Accutrans or Meshlab. http://www.shapeways.com/tutorials/converting-with-accutrans-3d

On this page you can upload your own models. Add favorites, monitor the status of your orders and more. You can view it as "your place" on the Shapeways portal.

It's your account number with Shapeways, you can find it on your invoice

The model state indicates whether you or the owner of the model thinks it is finished or work in progress. If the state is 'allow ordering' the model is shown in the gallery, otherwise it goes in the work in progress area.

Have you ever wanted to turn your 3D designs into reality? Enter Shapeways! Just upload your design, we print it and ship it to you - it's easy. Within ten working days you'll hold your own design in your hands. There's more information about us in the 'About Us' section.

Here you find all models, which are uploaded by our users. For models to be visible here by others, you have to make them public, otherwise you are the only one that can see them. If you indicate that the models are not done yet, they will appear in "work in progress"

Here you can see models, that are not quite finished yet according to the owner.

Pay Pal
We support payments through PayPal. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also use your credit card for a one-time payment. To see if PayPal is supported in your country, check the overview on their site. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also use your credit card for a one-time payment. To prevent fraud Pay Pal does not accept payments from unverified credit cards higher than the equivalent of 1000 Euro / $ 1,488 per individual payment. Pay Pal does not accept accumulated payments of 1300 Euro / $1,935 per year on one specific not verified credit card. To pay more than 1300 Euro / $1,935 per year through Pay Pal, you can open an account and get your credit card verified.

Bank transfer
We also support payments through bank transfer. You will receive an invoice by e-mail with your order when you check the ‘ payment by bank transfer’ box. Please transfer your payment to: Shapeways at:

International bank account number (IBAN):NL22RABO0102384711
Bank account holder name: Shapeways
Bank name: Rabobank Eindhoven-Veldhoven
Swift number: RaboNL2U

For payments within the Netherlands in Euro's (use the rate of the European Bank)

Rabobank: 102384711 atn: Shapeways State your invoice number and account number with your payment.

Please be aware that when you pay via Bank transfer and you are not from the Netherlands You have to pay a fee to the bank to make this international bank transfer. Within Europe everything is streamlined and costs are zero or really low (like 15 euro cents). However banks in other parts of the world might charge you with substantial transfer costs.

From the moment we receive your payment, your model will go into production and in ten working days you will receive your plastic models by UPS. Metal models take fourteen working days to arrive.

When you choose bank transfer you can also pay in Euro's. The exchange rate we handle is the same as the European Central Bank

Our Customer Service strives to reply within 24 hours at your e-mails. However, we are situated in the Netherlands. This is GMT +1 so many of the American days are European evenings and Asian days are very early European mornings!

We're continually adding new materials. For an up-to-date overview, see our Materials Information.