# DIY 3D Object Printing Shapeways Prints Your Creation in Metal and Other Materials By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-10-12 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-3d-object-printing References: [crunchgear](http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/08/04/the-future-of-fabrication-is-here-shapeways-announces-stainless-steel-printing/) & [crunchgear](http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/08/04/the-future-of-fabrication-is-here-shapeways-announces-stainless-steel-printing/) Shapeways is a [3D printing community](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sparlit) that allows users to upload designs and have them created in full 3D from a variety of materials. Users pay only for the actual printed items. There are also a number of ‘Creators’ on the site. Creators are ready to use object generators that are changed by end user input. Designers can open a Shapeways shop, set the price for each model and let Shapeways handle the rest. Opening a shop is free and contain an unlimited number of objects. Anyone can then[buy items](http://www.shapeways.com/shops)from the shop. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **3D Printing in Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implementing 3D printing technology in manufacturing processes can potentially revolutionize product development and increase efficiency. - **Online 3D Printing Communities:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Building online communities for 3D printing enthusiasts and designers can facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing. - **Customizable Object Generators:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing object generators that allow users to customize and personalize designs can cater to individual preferences and drive user engagement. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating 3D printing technology into the manufacturing industry can streamline production processes and reduce costs. - **E-commerce:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating online platforms for buying and selling 3D printed products can disrupt traditional retail models and offer unique custom-made items. - **Design Services:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Offering design services for 3D printing can cater to the growing demand for customized and unique products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Open 3D Printing Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zellerfeld-1.md) - [Comprehensive 3D Printing Resources](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printing-zero-to-hero.md) - [Online Creative Course Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printing-additive-manufacturing.md) - [3D-Printing Prototyping Courses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rapid-prototyping.md) - [Accessible 3D Wood Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digilab-3d20.md) - [3D-Printed Workshop Wrenches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/workshop-wrench.md) - [Unique 3D Printing Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-church.md) - [Vibrant 3D-Printed Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-design.md) - [3D Printing Materials Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braskem3d.md)