3D Hubs began life as a community site where thousands of individual members, often hobbyists with a single machine at hand, offered 3D printing services. It was searchable by location, permitting users to source relatively cheap prints locally. With growth came a need to serve the needs of frequent users for whom price was less of a factor than turn-around, reliability and quality control. 3D Hubs consolidated to include only vendors of a certain production and service capability.

While some may miss the community vibes the service now is undeniably aligned with meeting the demands of firms and companies seeking reliable 3D printing across a variety of materials and processes.

"We worked with these guys a few years ago on a content series at Core77 featuring their expertise, it is still a useful reference now, and their services have only expanded since."

Eric Ludlum

Design & Editorial, Core77