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 function allows a choose group of designers to supply bodily merchandise immediately by way of Thangs, powered by Shapeways’ industrial-grade manufacturing backend. In keeping 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 way of Thangs’ interface with no need to handle stock, manufacturing or transport. Thangs has been designed to supply designers direct buyer connection and visibility, with Shapeways delivering the manufacturing functionality behind the scenes.
“We’re actually glad to be launching the Print on Demand function inside Thangs already and make good on the ambitions we had from the very begin of the journey. We’re all the time aware that the progress we need to see will take time, and we try to place our clients first whereas driving developments forwards,” stated Marleen Vogelaar, CEO of Shapeways. “This preliminary iteration of the Print on Demand button lets us show out the system, be taught from the implementation and make sure that we efficiently attain the last word objective for this a part of the journey: to carry again the complete 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 season. The broader entry to PoD will signify the third part, with the complete relaunch of Shapeways Outlets the fourth. When this relaunch occurs, Shapeways says customers may have an ‘enhanced market expertise with trendy tooling, elevated discoverability, and seamless fulfilment.’
“Shapeways provides creators the infrastructure they should flip concepts into real-world merchandise,” stated Vogelaar. “We’re combining cutting-edge manufacturing with the dynamic neighborhood of Thangs to construct one thing actually 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 phases 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 dwelling will ‘have the house 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 with the ability to enhance set-up and lay-out, whereas photo voltaic panels might be put in to make sure Shapeways is healthier in a position to scale back the quantity of grid vitality required to fulfil buyer orders.
