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3DPrinting
3DPrinting is a place where makers of all skill levels and walks of life can learn about and discuss 3D printing and development of 3D printed parts and devices.
The r/functionalprint community is now located at: or !functionalprint@fedia.io
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Ok, I'll bite: what are these 4 large companies you mention?
To OP: FWIW, I've been a FT 3D printer for going on 8yrs now, and would not recommend starting out now. The tech is incredibly affordable, accessible, and reliable, compared to when I started. To the point that I pivoted a couple years back to include Intro To [insert hobby/tech] workshops, to stay relevant & semi-lucrative. 😅 (the 3D Printing ones often pair nicely w/ Painting & Kitbashing)
NGL, it's definitely getting to the point of needing a "big kid" job again — but, that's a good sign for the community/hobby itself, in the long run. Lowering the barrier to entry for DIY designs & physical prints is what we were all about after all, right? ✊🏼
I was thinking of JLC3DP, PCBWay, Shapeways, and Slant3D. I've only bought from PCBWay and JLC3DP from among those.