Shapetizer Launches 3D Marketplace

Yet another 3D printing company has launched an online 3D model marketplace. Earlier in September, Shapetizer announced a new online platform for its “all-inclusive range of 3D printing designs.”

Registered users can print the designs and models for free or as a paid service. They can download the design and print the source file in STL, or use a “stream print” function for producing models that are not available for download to protect their designer’s Intertexture Property Rights (IPR).

Shapetizer says that the stream print function is an effective way to protect design copyrights, because the designs can only be processed and printed via a cloud connection. According to the company’s press release:

“What we are really trying to do is to give another option, a kind of technical protection, to designers who want to prevent their design works from being distributed and changed without their author’s approval. We deeply understand that quality designs are the brainchild of designers, and should be treated as a piece of art work, exactly the same as a painting, a book, or a song. Our goal has always been to promote a win-win relationship for customers and for designers. With this in mind, we are exploring ways to protect the intellectual property rights of designers and their works.”

Shapetizer claims that what sets this particular marketplace apart is the availability of both common objects (like cups and jewelry), as well as 3D print animation characters and construction or model toys that can be assembled and painted.

“The message Shapetizer is trying to convey is that personal interest comes before 3D printing,” said designer Sophie Zhang. “Even people who are not technically minded can find their own joy and fun in this repository of ingenious designs. We actually don’t dig into and emphasize the technology part of 3D printing. We just want to let the ordinary individual find a new way to explore his or her interests by 3D printing it. During this creative process, of course, you need to use 3D printing, but it is not that 3D printing works magic on your object of interest. It is that your interests work magic on 3D printing.”

The website is compatible with open-source RepRap printers such as Ultimaker, and non-open source Makerbot printers. Support for other printers is under development.

Source: Shapetizer