About 3dfabs
A marketplace for local 3D printing with fast quotes and clear expectations.
3dfabs connects people who need custom parts with nearby makers who have 3D printers ready to go. We focus on clarity: detailed fab profiles, material compatibility, and quick turnaround on quotes.
Fabs list their printers and materials. Clients upload models, describe the job, and hear back from real people with availability and lead times.
What we optimize for:
- Fast discovery of capable fabs near you.
- Transparent quoting, lead times, and delivery options.
- Minimal friction from request to finished part.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maybe we can answer your questions here.
- How do I request a print?
- Upload your model, describe the material and quantity, then wait for nearby fabs to respond with quotes.
- Which file formats do you accept?
- We support common 3D formats like STL and 3MF. If your file is larger, you can also share a link.
- How are prices and lead times set?
- Each fab sets their own pricing and delivery options, so quotes vary based on material, complexity, and timing.
- Do payments happen on 3dfabs?
- Payments and delivery are handled directly between you and the fab after you accept a quote.
- Can I communicate with the fab?
- Yes! After accepting a quote, you'll get the fab's e-mail address so you can coordinate details, ask questions, and arrange payment and delivery.
- Why can't I see all quotes on a request?
- To keep pricing realistic and fair, quote details are only visible to the requester and the fab that submitted each quote. Fabs can still see that other quotes exist, but not their exact prices or who sent them. This helps prevent bidding down to unrealistic prices that can hurt quality or lead to failed jobs.
- What if something goes wrong?
- We strive to connect you with reliable fabs, but we don't mediate disputes or guarantee outcomes. Always communicate clearly with the fab and consider starting with a small test print if you're unsure.
- Who funds 3dfabs?
- 3dfabs is funded by me, Jaime Visser.
- What does it cost to use 3dfabs?
- Using 3dfabs is free. You only pay for the prints you order from the fabs. We don't take any commission or fees from your transactions with the fabs.
The person behind 3dfabs
Built for makers, by a maker.
3dfabs is built, maintained, and funded by me, Jaime Visser, a maker and software developer based in the Netherlands. I have over 15 years of experience as a software engineer, building mobile, automotive, embedded, medical and backend applications and services.
My passion for 3D printing started with a Wanhao Duplicator i3, which was a hell of a machine to keep running. I think that thing spent more time being repaired than printing, but it was a great learning experience and got me hooked on the potential of 3D printing. I later upgraded to a Flashforge Guider II, which has been a much more reliable machine and has allowed me to take on more ambitious projects. I've printed mostly functional parts, from custom enclosures for electronics to replacement parts for household items, and I've been amazed at how much you can create with a 3D printer and some filament. 5 years later, I again upgraded to a Bambu Labs H2C, which has opened up even more possibilities with its speed, multi-material capabilities, and high-quality prints. I've been able to create complex, multi-color parts that would have been difficult or impossible on my previous printers.
If you want to reach out, have questions, or just want to chat about 3D printing, you can reach me at info@3dfabs.org, Mastodon, X or LinkedIn.