In recent years, 3D printing has exploded in popularity as the technology has become more accessible and affordable. For consumers and businesses alike, 3D printing opens up exciting possibilities for creating customized objects on-demand. However, the process of designing 3D models and finding reputable printing services can still present challenges for many users.
That’s where CraftCloud comes in. CraftCloud operates an online 3D printing marketplace that makes it easy for users to order 3D prints and other custom manufacturing services. Keep reading to learn more about CraftCloud’s services, quality, reliability, and what users have to say about the platform.
Overview of CraftCloud’s 3D Printing Marketplace
CraftCloud brings together professional 3D print shops and customers on one platform. Users can upload 3D model files, choose materials and printing methods, and place orders for high-quality prints.
The company was founded in 2021 by 3D printing company ALL3DP and currently operates in the United States and Europe. CraftCloud’s production partners are vetted for the quality of their printing services. Customers can expect reliable lead times and competitive prices.
Once an order is placed, CraftCloud manages communication between the customer and print provider. Print shops produce the items and handle shipping directly to the customer. CraftCloud also offers customer support for any issues with orders.
This model makes it straightforward for users to order 3D printing services. Instead of contacting and vetting providers individually, everything goes through one platform.
Range of 3D Printing Services Offered
CraftCloud offers 3D printing in a wide variety of materials, including plastics, metals, ceramics, and sandstone. Here are some of the specific 3D printing services available:
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) – The most common and affordable 3D printing method, which uses melted plastic filament. Options include PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, and more.
- Resin Printing – Uses liquid photopolymer resin cured by UV light. Produces highly detailed prints.
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) – Uses a laser to fuse powdered material, like nylon, into a solid object. Good for complex designs.
- Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) – Similar to SLS, but prints metal powder like stainless steel, titanium, and nickel alloys.
- Ceramic 3D Printing – Creates intricate ceramic objects. Various clay materials available.
- Full Color Sandstone Printing – Vibrant full color 3D printed objects made of gypsum powder.
In addition to 3D printing, CraftCloud offers CNC machining services for metals and plastics. Designers can also order resin casting and urethane casting through the marketplace.
Focus on Quality and Reliability
One of the biggest benefits CraftCloud offers is reliably high-quality 3D printing services. The company carefully vets and monitors its production partners to ensure excellent results for customers.
CraftCloud starts the vetting process by reviewing portfolios and printing samples from potential partners. They evaluate the quality of sample prints across criteria like dimensional accuracy, surface smoothness, fine detail resolution, and material properties.
Only partners that meet CraftCloud’s high standards are accepted into the marketplace. Approved print shops must continue submitting example prints periodically to ensure they maintain quality over time. CraftCloud also monitors customer feedback and will remove partners that receive repeated complaints about quality issues.
This selective vetting process gives customers confidence they will receive 3D prints that match their design files’ specifications. CraftCloud stands behind the quality of service, offering money-back guarantees if prints do not meet expectations.
Ordering and Fulfillment Process
Ordering 3D prints through CraftCloud follows a straightforward process:
- Upload Design Files – Accepted file formats include STL, OBJ, STEP, IGES, and more. CraftCloud checks models for printability.
- Select Material and Printing Method – Browse materials like PLA, resin, metals, etc. and choose a printing technique.
- Customize Order – Pick colors, textures, finishes, shipping, and delivery time. Upload any supporting documents.
- Review and Place Order – See a final price quote and place the order. CraftCloud connects with a print shop.
- Communication and Production – The print shop contacts the customer directly for any details. Shop produces and ships the order.
- Delivery – Customer receives the 3D printed parts along with a quality report.
Production times range from 24 hours to 14 days for most materials and printing methods. Rush delivery as fast as same-day may be available for an additional fee.
Costs and Payment
CraftCloud showcases the starting prices for different printing methods right on their website. For small FDM prints, prices start at $5. Resin printing begins around $25, and metal printing starts around $150.
The final price for an order depends on the design, print size, materials, finishing, and other customizations. After uploading 3D files, users receive a detailed quote for their specific model.
CraftCloud accepts payment by credit card, PayPal, bank transfer, or purchase order. Volume discounts are available for bulk orders.
For businesses, CraftCloud also offers net 30 invoicing. There are no membership fees or monthly costs to use CraftCloud. The company only makes money by taking a percentage of each order’s value.
Applications Across Industries
The high-quality 3D printing services from CraftCloud appeal to a wide range of industries and applications, including:
- Product Design – Build realistic prototypes and models for form and fit testing.
- Manufacturing – Produce end-use parts, tooling, and fixtures with 3D printing.
- Architecture – Create detailed scale models of architectural designs.
- Healthcare – Manufacture custom prosthetics, implants, surgical guides.
- Education – Print hands-on learning aids and STEM teaching tools.
- Art and Fashion – Bring creative sculptures, jewelry, clothing, and accessories to life.
- Entertainment – Make replicas, miniatures, and action figures of popular characters.
Whether for business or personal use, CraftCloud makes advanced additive manufacturing accessible. Their vetted production partners can handle projects of any size and complexity.
What Customers Are Saying About CraftCloud
Overall, CraftCloud has earned very positive reviews from customers praising the quality, pricing, and reliability of the service. Here are some examples of customer feedback:
- “I’ve ordered about a dozen prints from CraftCloud so far. Every one has been delivered with excellent quality for a great price.”
- “This is the best marketplace I’ve found for getting custom 3D prints. Great selection of materials and printing methods. Orders are consistently high quality.”
- “CraftCloud’s user-friendly website makes it so easy for beginners to order 3D prints. My models came out exactly as I expected with fast turnaround.”
- “For my engineering firm, CraftCloud has become our go-to solution for professional-grade prototyping with 3D printing. We get excellent results every time.”
- “I love having access to advanced metal 3D printing through CraftCloud. I can turn my digital sculptures into intricate metal artworks.”
However, some customers have reported occasional minor issues with print quality or ship times:
- “One of my resin prints came back with some slight defects, but CraftCloud provided a refund quickly with no questions asked.”
- “A large metal part took an extra 3 days to ship out, but the print shop kept me updated on the status when I asked.”
- “Make sure to check the production time estimates before ordering if you need something rushed. Their fastest turnaround is about 24 hours.”
Still, most setbacks are handled promptly by CraftCloud’s friendly customer support team. The sheer volume of positive feedback shows CraftCloud’s commitment to a quality user experience.
Why Choose CraftCloud for Your 3D Printing Needs?
For both novice makers and professional engineers, CraftCloud provides an exceptional 3D printing service. Here are some of the key benefits this marketplace offers:
- Wide range of printing technologies and materials for any application
- Rigorous vetting of print shops to ensure high-quality results
- Simple ordering process with interactive quotes
- Fast turnaround times and rush delivery options
- Great customer support and satisfaction guarantees
- Competitive, transparent pricing with bulk discounts
As 3D printing gains mainstream adoption, CraftCloud makes it easy to harness this innovative technology to turn your digital designs into physical objects. They take care of sourcing reputable print providers so you can focus on creating.
Overall, CraftCloud’s unmatched selection and reliable printing services make them a premier choice for online 3D printing today.
