{"id":4121,"date":"2025-09-15T09:13:56","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T09:13:56","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-09-29T10:41:26","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T10:41:26","slug":"best-metal-3d-printing-services-detailed-comparison","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.unionfab.com\/ja\/best-metal-3d-printing-services-detailed-comparison\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Metal 3D Printing Services [+Detailed Comparison]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Explore the best metal 3D printing service companies. Compare pricing, technologies, materials, and reviews to find the right provider for your needs.<\/p>\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n

Metal 3D printing has become a cornerstone of advanced manufacturing, enabling industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare to produce strong, lightweight, and highly customized components. With the rapid adoption of additive manufacturing, choosing the right service provider can make a significant difference in cost, quality, and turnaround time.<\/p>\n

This article compares some of the best metal 3D printing service companies worldwide, analyzing their strengths, limitations, and unique offerings. By the end, you will find a comparison table and tailored recommendations to help you select the right partner.<\/p>\n

Xometry<\/h2>\n
\"Xometry
Xometry Logo<\/em>
Source: Xometry<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Xometry is a US-based on-demand manufacturing marketplace with one of the largest global partner networks. It is widely known for its AI-powered quoting system and ability to connect customers with hundreds of suppliers worldwide.<\/p>\n

Strengths in Metal 3D Printing:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Wide technology coverage, including DMLS and Binder Jetting<\/p>\n

\u25cf Broad selection of metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium alloys<\/p>\n

\u25cf Certified partner network (ISO 9001, AS9100, ITAR)<\/p>\n

Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Relies on distributed manufacturing partners rather than in-house production, which may lead to quality variation<\/p>\n

\u25cf Pricing is generally higher compared to Asia-based providers<\/p>\n

Protolabs<\/h2>\n
\"Protolabs
Protolabs Logo<\/em>
Source: Protolabs<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Protolabs is a US-based digital manufacturer recognized for its speed and reliability. Combining its extensive in-house facilities with a partner network, it serves a wide range of industries, from aerospace to medical.<\/p>\n

Strengths in Metal 3D Printing:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Among the fastest turnaround times in the US market<\/p>\n

\u25cf Strong portfolio of metal materials, including stainless steel, titanium, and Inconel<\/p>\n

\u25cf Trusted certifications (ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485)<\/p>\n

Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Pricing tends to be premium, especially for complex parts<\/p>\n

\u25cf Primarily suited to prototyping and low-volume runs rather than large-scale production<\/p>\n

Unionfab<\/h2>\n
\"Unionfab
Unionfab Logo<\/em>
Source: Unionfab<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unionfab is a China-based global 3D printing service provider with six in-house factories and over 1,000 industrial machines. Known for its cost-effective solutions, Unionfab offers end-to-end metal 3D printing, including SLM, Binder Jetting, and CNC finishing.<\/p>\n

Strengths in Metal 3D Printing:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Large-scale in-house capacity ensuring consistency and reliability<\/p>\n

\u25cf Competitive pricing, with significantly lower sample costs compared to US and European providers<\/p>\n

\u25cf Wide selection of materials, including stainless steel, titanium, maraging steel, and Inconel<\/p>\n

\u25cf Comprehensive quality certifications (ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485)<\/p>\n

\u25cf Fast international delivery with strong Asia-Pacific coverage<\/p>\n

Shapeways<\/h2>\n
\"Shapeways
Shapeways Logo<\/em>
Source: Shapeways<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shapeways is a US-based on-demand platform best known for its role in consumer and creative markets. It operates as a marketplace, connecting individuals and businesses to production services.<\/p>\n

Strengths in Metal 3D Printing:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Flexible production options via a global supplier network<\/p>\n

\u25cf Provides access to basic metals such as stainless steel and aluminum<\/p>\n

Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Focus is less on industrial-grade quality and more on consumer products<\/p>\n

\u25cf Customer feedback highlights inconsistent quality and service reliability<\/p>\n

\u25cf Lower Trustpilot score compared to competitors<\/p>\n

Sculpteo<\/h2>\n
\"Sculpteo
Sculpteo Logo<\/em>
Source: Sculpteo<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sculpteo, based in France and owned by BASF, specializes in advanced materials and on-demand 3D printing. It is particularly strong in offering tailored solutions for design-driven and small-batch production.<\/p>\n

Strengths in Metal 3D Printing:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Solid selection of metals including stainless steel and titanium<\/p>\n

\u25cf Backed by BASF\u2019s material science expertise<\/p>\n

\u25cf Competitive European option for small and medium orders<\/p>\n

Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Costs are generally higher compared to Asian providers<\/p>\n

\u25cf Limited scalability for very large production runs<\/p>\n

Materialise<\/h2>\n
\"
Materialise Logo<\/em>
Source: Materialise<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Materialise, headquartered in Belgium, is one of the pioneers of additive manufacturing and has built a strong reputation in both industrial and medical sectors. It is known for high-end applications requiring strict certifications.<\/p>\n

Strengths in Metal 3D Printing:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Wide range of metal materials supported, from stainless steel to Inconel<\/p>\n

\u25cf Expertise in aerospace and healthcare applications<\/p>\n

\u25cf Strong certifications (ISO 13485, EN9100, ISO 9001)<\/p>\n

\u25cf Trusted by global enterprises for mission-critical components<\/p>\n

Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Premium pricing<\/p>\n

\u25cf Less flexible for startups or small-scale projects<\/p>\n

Craftcloud<\/h2>\n
\"Craftcloud
Craftcloud Logo<\/em>
Source: Craftcloud<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Craftcloud, operated by All3DP, is a global aggregator that connects customers to a wide range of 3D printing suppliers. It is designed as a comparison tool for pricing and availability across different providers.<\/p>\n

Strengths in Metal 3D Printing:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Provides instant access to multiple vendors worldwide<\/p>\n

\u25cf Allows price comparison across materials and technologies<\/p>\n

\u25cf Convenient option for customers seeking the best available deal<\/p>\n

Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Does not manufacture directly, so quality and lead time depend on the selected vendor<\/p>\n

\u25cf Limited control over consistency and post-processing standardsComparison Table: Best Metal 3D Printing Service Providers<\/p>\n

Choosing the right metal 3D printing service provider often comes down to comparing key factors such as cost, technology, material availability, and certifications.<\/p>\n

To help you make an informed decision, we created a side-by-side comparison of leading companies including Xometry, Protolabs, Unionfab, Shapeways, Sculpteo, Materialise, and Craftcloud.<\/p>\n

The table below summarizes their capabilities across crucial dimensions like in-house production capacity, instant quoting platforms, supported technologies, material range, maximum build volume, certifications, sample costs, and customer trust ratings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Feature<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Xometry<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Protolabs<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Unionfab<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Shapeways<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Sculpteo<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Materialise<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Craftcloud<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Country<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/span> USA<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/span> USA<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf3<\/span> China<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/span> USA<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7<\/span> France<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/span> Belgium<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Global<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

One-line Profile<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

AI-powered marketplace with the largest global network of partners<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Digital manufacturer known for speed, combining in-house and partner network<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

China-based provider with six factories and 1,000+ machines<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Marketplace serving both creators and businesses<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

BASF-owned service with strong material science expertise<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Pioneer in industrial and certified medical 3D printing<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Aggregator platform connecting users to suppliers<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

In-House Production?<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

No (Network)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes (Primarily)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes (6 factories)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

No (Network)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Online Instant Quoting?<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Xometry<\/a><\/p>\n

Sign-up needed<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Protolabs<\/a>Sign-up needed<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Unionfab On-demand Manufacture<\/a><\/p>\n

No login required<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Auth App<\/a><\/p>\n

No login required<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Upload a file to Sculpteo<\/a><\/p>\n

No login required<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Materialise OnSite<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

3D Prototypes<\/a><\/p>\n

No login required<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Metal 3D Printing Technology<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

DMLS, Binder Jetting<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

DMLS<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

SLM\/DMLS, Binder Jetting,<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

DMLS, Binder Jetting<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

SLM\/DMLS<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

SLM, EBM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Varies by vendor<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Metal Materials Provided<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Al, SS316L, SS17-4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Al, SS316L, Ti, Inconel<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Al, SS316L, SS17-4PH, Ti, Inconel 625 & 718, Maraging Steel<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

SS316L, Al<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

SS316L, Ti<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Al, SS316L, Ti, Inconel<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Varies by vendor<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Max. Build Volume<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

250 \u00d7 250 \u00d7 250 mm<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

250 \u00d7 250 \u00d7 250 mm<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

400 \u00d7 300 \u00d7 400 mm<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

250 \u00d7 250 \u00d7 250 mm<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

320 \u00d7 320 \u00d7 600 mm<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

500 \u00d7 280 \u00d7 325 mm<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Varies<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Certifications<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

ISO 9001, AS9100, ITAR<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

ISO 9001 (via network)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

ISO 9001, ISO 14001<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

ISO 13485, EN9100, ISO 9001<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Depends on vendor<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Trustpilot Score<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4.8 \/ 5.0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4.1 \/ 5.0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4.6 \/ 5.0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2.2\/5.0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2.8 \/ 5.0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2.5 \/ 5.0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

N\/A<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1.  Sample cost is calculated via the online instant quoting systems of each company. Model: 74.62 cm\u00b3, Material: 316L Stainless Steel, Tech: SLM.<\/p>\n

2.  *Max. Build Volume: The sizes listed in the table represent the maximum one-piece build size achievable in a single print job. Larger parts that exceed this build volume can still be manufactured by splitting the model into sections and joining them after printing.<\/p>\n

3.  If you want to know which company\u2019s 3d printing instant quoting system works best, check our earlier article Top 10 3D Printing Cost Calculators [+Detailed Comparsion]<\/a> to help you make the best choice.<\/p>\n

Recommendations<\/h3>\n

If you value global scale and broad coverage<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Xometry: The largest global partner network; ideal for multi-region projects. Note: it operates as a marketplace without in-house production.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Craftcloud: Another aggregator; good for quick price comparisons, but quality depends on vendors.<\/p>\n

If you prioritize speed and integrated service<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Protolabs: Known for rapid turnaround with primarily in-house production; best for time-sensitive projects.<\/p>\n

If you want access to China\u2019s strong capacity<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Unionfab: Runs 6 factories with 1,000+ machines; offers multiple metal processes; highly competitive in both capacity and cost.<\/p>\n

If you lean toward design\/creator ecosystems<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Shapeways: Popular with creators and SMEs, but has low Trustpilot ratings (2.2\/5).<\/p>\n

\u25cf Sculpteo (France, BASF-backed): Strong in material science, suitable for advanced material requirements.<\/p>\n

If you need industrial or medical certifications<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Materialise: Industry pioneer with strong compliance (ISO 13485, EN9100); trusted for aerospace and medical-grade applications.<\/p>\n

On customer satisfaction<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Highest rated: Xometry (4.8\/5.0) and Unionfab (4.6\/5.0).<\/p>\n

\u25cf Lower ratings: Shapeways, Sculpteo, and Materialise (around 2\u20132.8\/5.0) suggest mixed customer experiences.<\/p>\n

Overall Recommendations<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf For large international projects \u2192 Xometry or Materialise<\/p>\n

\u25cf For fast prototyping and urgent runs \u2192 Protolabs<\/p>\n

\u25cf For cost efficiency and strong capacity in China \u2192 Unionfab<\/p>\n

\u25cf For maker\/creator-oriented projects \u2192 Shapeways or Sculpteo<\/p>\n

\u25cf For multi-supplier comparisons \u2192 Craftcloud<\/p>\n

How to Estimate Metal 3D Printing Costs<\/h2>\n

When calculating the price of a metal 3D printed part, several cost components are usually considered: raw material, post-processing, shipping, and taxes. Below is a breakdown of how each part is determined.<\/p>\n

1. Material Cost<\/h3>\n

The material expense can be calculated with the following formula:<\/p>\n

Material Cost = Model Volume \u00d7 Material Density \u00d7 Unit Price per Gram<\/strong><\/p>\n

Note: The \u201cunit price per gram\u201d provided by most service providers typically already includes the base printing operation, not just the raw material.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Model Volume: 10 cm\u00b3<\/p>\n

\u25cf Material: 316L Stainless Steel<\/p>\n

\u25cf Density: 7.9 g\/cm\u00b3<\/p>\n

\u25cf Price per gram: $0.40<\/p>\n

Total = 10 \u00d7 7.9 \u00d7 0.40 = $31.6<\/p>\n

(The above is just an illustrative calculation. Actual costs vary. In general, larger production volumes often lower the per-part cost.)<\/p>\n

2. Post-Processing Cost<\/h3>\n

After printing, additional processes are often needed to improve mechanical performance or surface finish. The cost depends on part complexity, material type, and finishing method. Common pricing models include:<\/p>\n

\u25cf Hourly billing \u2013 Applied when machining, polishing, or complex finishing is required.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Per-part billing \u2013 Used for simpler tasks such as basic support removal.<\/p>\n

\u25cf By weight or volume \u2013 Often applied to treatments like heat treatment or coating, which scale with part size.<\/p>\n

3. Logistics and Taxes<\/h3>\n

\u25cf Logistics: Shipping fees are weight-based and vary depending on location and courier service.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Taxes: Import duties or VAT depend on the destination country\u2019s regulations and are generally calculated as a percentage of the total invoice.<\/p>\n

For a more detailed explanation of 3D printing expenses, see Unionfab\u2019s guide: How Much Does It Cost to 3D Print Something?<\/a><\/p>\n

Want to know the exact price of you metal project? Use Unionfab\u2019s online Metal 3D Printing Cost Calculator to get an instant quote for your parts.<\/p>\n


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