Shapeways has introduced the early entry launch of Print on Demand (PoD) performance on Thangs, the 3D mannequin platform acquired by Shapeways in December 2024.
The brand new, deliberately restricted PoD characteristic permits a choose group of designers to supply bodily merchandise immediately by means of Thangs, powered by Shapeways’ industrial-grade manufacturing backend. In accordance with the corporate, a phased rollout will permit the staff to optimise onboarding and refine the person expertise earlier than opening entry to the broader design neighborhood later this yr.
Designers collaborating within the early entry program can already promote dozens of merchandise by means of Thangs’ interface without having to handle stock, manufacturing or delivery. Thangs has been designed to supply designers direct buyer connection and visibility, with Shapeways delivering the manufacturing functionality behind the scenes.
“We’re actually joyful to be launching the Print on Demand characteristic inside Thangs already and make good on the ambitions we had from the very begin of the journey. We’re at all times conscious that the progress we need to see will take time, and we try to place our clients first whereas driving developments forwards,” mentioned Marleen Vogelaar, CEO of Shapeways. “This preliminary iteration of the Print on Demand button lets us show out the system, study from the implementation and be certain that we efficiently attain the final word purpose for this a part of the journey: to convey again the total Shapeways Store expertise and strengthen the Thangs neighborhood by providing further means to monetise on their designs and merchandise.”
Shapeways’ acquisition of Thangs in December final yr was thought of to be the second part of the brand new administration groups’ relaunch technique; the primary being the acquisition of Shapeways’ property after it had filed for chapter final summer time. The broader entry to PoD will characterize the third part, with the total relaunch of Shapeways Retailers the fourth. When this relaunch occurs, Shapeways says customers could have an ‘enhanced market expertise with fashionable tooling, elevated discoverability, and seamless fulfilment.’
“Shapeways offers creators the infrastructure they should flip concepts into real-world merchandise,” mentioned Vogelaar. “We’re combining cutting-edge manufacturing with the dynamic neighborhood of Thangs to construct one thing really new for the 3D design economic system.”
The corporate is actively working with its Store Proprietor Council and the broader design neighborhood to co-develop the platform. Suggestions from these early levels will immediately inform platform enhancements, together with improved discoverability, IP safeguards, and monetisation instruments.
Shapeways launch of Thangs’ PoD has been made alongside the announcement of its relocation to a brand new facility in Eindhoven.
In late 2026, Shapeways expects to maneuver right into a newly renovated constructing that was beforehand utilized by Phillips Electronics.
Shapeways says its new residence will ‘have the area and energy wanted to develop and supply the capability to function equipment and broaden the variety of applied sciences and extra providers.’ The corporate anticipates having the ability to enhance set-up and lay-out, whereas photo voltaic panels shall be put in to make sure Shapeways is healthier capable of cut back the quantity of grid power required to fulfil buyer orders.