In recent years, 3D printing and other digital manufacturing technologies have become increasingly popular for a wide range of applications.
One company that has been at the forefront of this revolution is 3D Hubs. With its global network of manufacturing partners and user-friendly online platform, 3D Hubs has helped countless individuals and businesses bring their ideas to life.
However, while the convenience and speed of 3D Hubs’ services are undeniable, some customers have noted that the prices can be somewhat high compared to other 3D printing and manufacturing companies.
In this article, we will explore why 3D Hubs’ services may sometimes be more expensive than other similar companies and consider whether the extra cost is worth it.
What is Hubs?
3D Hubs is an online manufacturing platform that connects businesses and individuals to a global network of manufacturing partners.
The company was founded in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in 2013, and it offers a range of manufacturing services such as 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication, among others.
With a network of over 240 manufacturing partners worldwide, 3D Hubs provides fast and reliable manufacturing services to customers globally.
The company’s online platform allows users to upload their designs, get instant quotes, and manage the entire manufacturing process from start to finish.
What is Hubs Pricing?
3D Hubs is a platform for on-demand manufacturing services such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection molding. Pricing for these services depends on a variety of factors, including type of service, materials used, complexity of design, volume, and turnaround time.
To get an accurate quote for your specific project, you can upload your design to the 3D Hubs website and receive quotes from various manufacturers. The site also has a price comparison tool that allows you to see what prices different manufacturers are offering for your particular project.
Additionally, 3D Hubs offers a Design for Manufacturability (DFM) service where they analyze your design and provide feedback to optimize it for manufacturing, which can help keep costs down.
Overall, pricing for 3D Hubs fabrication services varies based on the specific requirements of your project, and it is best to request a quote directly through their website for accurate pricing information.
Why is Hubs So Expensive? 7 Reasons You Must Know
It’s important to note that whether a 3D Hub is considered expensive is subjective and depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of service, the complexity of the design, and the quantity required. However, some possible reasons why 3D Hub might be considered expensive include:
1. Comprehensive Platform:
3D Hubs provides a comprehensive online platform that provides various manufacturing services, which are more expensive than other traditional manufacturing methods.
2. Online Business Model:
As an online platform, 3D Hubs has lower physical overhead costs than traditional manufacturing companies, but it may still require investment in additional technology and infrastructure, which will make the service more expensive.
3. Wide Selection of Products:
With a wide range of products, the materials and machinery required for each service may require higher costs.
4. Wide Selection of Materials:
Again, there is a wide variety of materials and the cost of each service may vary.
5. Brand Reputation:
3D Hubs has a reputation for providing high-quality manufacturing services, which may result in higher costs compared to competitors.
6. Outsourced Products:
By working with professional manufacturers, 3D Hubs may have to pay more for their services due to their expertise and quality of work.
7. Technology Investments:
3D Hubs makes significant investments in technology, which may result in higher costs being passed on to customers.
Overall, the cost of 3D Hubs fabrication services can be affected by a number of factors and it is recommended to request a quote directly through their website for accurate pricing information.
Pros:
- Hubs are essential for industrial applications but can be expensive.
- Online quotes make affordable and high-quality hubs accessible.
- Online quotes provide a wide selection of materials (80+ metals and plastics, 35+ surface finishes) for customized hubs.
- Instant quotes for small quantities of parts with no MOQ enable cost-effective purchasing for smaller businesses or tight budgets.
- Fast delivery times (from just 1 business day) reduce downtime and keep projects on schedule.
- Speed and efficiency ensure meeting client needs without sacrificing quality or reliability.
Cons:
- Outsourcing from different manufacturers can result in a lack of consistency and coordination between the different components of the hub.
- Quality control can be difficult to manage when relying on multiple manufacturers.
- Working with a trading company instead of a manufacturer can result in higher prices, as the trading company will need to mark up the cost to make a profit.
Where is Hubs Located, and Where Do Its Products Come From?
Hubs is headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, but they have manufacturing partners all over the world, including Europe, North America and Asia.
When a customer uploads a 3D model to Hubs, it is automatically analyzed for printability and then sent to the nearest manufacturing partner who has the equipment needed to produce the part.
This approach enables fast global delivery and offers customers access to a wide range of manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding and more.
Therefore, Hubs offers products from its worldwide network of manufacturing partners.
Is Hubs Good Quality?
The quality of parts produced through Hubs can vary based on a number of factors, including the specific manufacturing technology used, the materials selected, and the expertise and equipment of the manufacturing partner.
However, Hubs does have a system in place to ensure each partner meets certain standards and has a history of producing quality parts.
Additionally, Hubs offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and will work with customers to resolve any issues with their orders.
Overall, Hubs has a reputation for delivering quality products, although the quality may vary slightly.
Who Are Hubs Competitors?
Fictiv:
Offers fast turnaround times and high-quality prototypes. Also offers a broad range of materials and finishes.
Xometry:
Offers a wide range of manufacturing services, including CNC machining, 3D printing, and injection molding. Also offers instant quoting and design feedback.
Autodesk:
Offers a range of design and manufacturing software tools, including Fusion 360 and Netfabb. Also offers cloud-based collaboration and simulation tools.
Protolabs:
Offers a range of manufacturing services, including CNC machining, injection molding, and 3D printing. Also offers design for manufacturability feedback and rapid prototyping.
Kemal:
Offers a range of manufacturing services, including CNC machining, metal stamping, and injection molding. Also offers design and engineering services, as well as project management support.
Should I Manufacture Parts With Hubs ?
Manufacturing parts through Hubs can be a good option if you need custom parts quickly, are looking for a cost-effective solution, or don’t have the expertise or equipment to manufacture the parts in-house.
However, the quality of the parts produced through 3D Hubs can vary based on several factors.
It’s essential to do your research before selecting a manufacturing partner, read reviews, check their capabilities, and communicate your requirements clearly.
If you’re not sure whether Hubs is the right choice for you, you might consider reaching out to their customer support team or seeking advice from a knowledgeable professional.
Ultimately, the decision to use 3D Hubs or any other manufacturing service will depend on your specific needs and resources.
