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Hey guys,

In the last couple of months we’ve seen an increase in the amount of customers that contact 3D Hubs support requesting assistance in 3D modelling a design they have in mind for the project. At this time, we we don’t have a very good idea of the modelling specialities of the Hubs that have indicated they offer 3D modelling services. Does this mean you can create a model from scratch, or just assist in minor tweaks of the model. Are you a professional specialized in very intricate prototypes for engineering purposes or are you a hobbyist skilled at creating jewellry designs.

Once we know this, we can send customers with projects that match your skills and interests in your direction.

In order to be able to do this we are currently setting up a database of 3D modellers/sculptors that would be interested in taking on modelling orders.

The flow of modelling orders would work like this:

  1. Customer reaches out to 3D Hubs Customer Support because they are interested in having their design printed but they don’t have a 3D model.
  2. The 3D Hubs CS team will most likely ask more details of the customer about their project, budget, etc.
  3. When we know more we will select a Modelling service provider which we believe can realize the project for the customer and direct the customer to send in an inquiry to the Hub.
  4. Once you receive the a modelling request we expect the inquiry to be turned into an order (without a model) but only with a 3D Modelling Service cost.

The rest of the orders will be handled as it normally would but should not be turned into a 3D print order straight away. This will give the customer a chance to review the model and order it as a 3D print at a more local Hub or a Hub with a different 3D printing technique if required.

You can sign up to be entered into this database via this form right here: https://goo.gl/forms/Vy4wWJItXrooHWB22

If you have any questions or feedback we look forward to your responses.

Best,

Jack - 3D Printing Expert - 3D Hubs

10 Likes
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Great idea, thanks!

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Hi @JackDavies1 great idea. I’m not ready to sign up yet because I haven’t finished my website and have no decent portfolio to offer. Will there be a permanent link somewhere to sign up at a later date?

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Thank you @Jack for bringing this up. I was wondering if you guys could also add a guideline for 3D modeling to let the customers know that why sometimes modeling is more costly than the print itself because of the licenses and registration fees we pay for these software and depending on the software we use the final price will change. So at least they can get a very basic view of the existing 3d modeling options and what they need to provide as a blueprint of their ideas for every option before they even reach you. Like if they know that they can use an existing model and ask a hub for making changes in it, what type of file format they need to provide based on their choice of available 3d modeling software like Solidworks. So they come to you at least with a 2d drawing or a 3d model instead of too many paragraphs explaining what they want.

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Hey Jack,

This sounds great. It should definitely help any modellers out there in the future.

Would you mind answered a few questions as I’m unsure to how this would be handled.

  1. Is a person able to update their ‘profile’ for modelling? I’m currently expanding on my modelling knowledge so know how to create models such as functional parts and specific designs, so could a person update themself on the database. For example I’m looking into sculpting characters so could I add that once I’ve developed that skill.
  2. How will reviews be handled? The current order system has factors like speed and print quality, which may not be suited to modelling services. Would there be a new review system put in place with different criteria being assessed.
  3. Finally would there be an option for a customer to choose a specific modeller, either one who has offered to help them or use a search like this to select a specific modeller they have used and liked in the past?

If you could answer these questions I would really appreciate it.

Thanks

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Hi Jack,

Sure we will have a link for future sign ups, however we will probably limit the numbers simply to make it easier for both customers and 3D modelers to handle.

Best,
Jack - 3D Printing Expert - 3D Hubs

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Hi Shahram,

That would definitely be something we are considering doing, thanks for your suggestion!

Best,

Jack - 3D Printing Expert - 3D Hubs

1 Like
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Hi Kane,

Thanks for your response, hopefully I can clarify some points for you.

This idea is currently being planned as a smaller service rather than a site wide feature, more of a database of registered and certified modelers that can be recommended if a customer contacts 3D Hubs directly with a need for a model.

You would definitely be able to update your skills, probably the easiest way would be by contacting customer support and we would add that to your profile.

The review process is something we are still working out, but it will be similar to the existing 3D print order reviews.

Using a modeller that you have used before would be a good idea in most cases and it would definitely be possible to choose somebody you have a previous relationship with.

Hope that has cleared up the questions you had, feel free to reply if you need any further clarification.

Best,

Jack - 3D Printing Expert - 3D Hubs

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Thanks fir the response. Any questions that I had have been answered. I’ll let you know if there are anymore. Thanks