Shapeways is back with a focus on 3D printing for miniatures; print your tabletop models in just a few steps, but there is a catch for sellers…
Shapeways is back, and it feels like nobody saw the plot twist coming. For years, Shapeways was a go-to name for 3D printing, especially if you were the kind of creator who thought, “Why settle for store-bought when I can make something completely unique?”
What It Means for 3D Miniature Printing
Shapeways, the OG of 3D printing, has hit the reset button and is stepping back into the spotlight. For fans of intricate miniatures and creators who love turning their digital ideas into physical masterpieces, this is big news.
After a rocky patch that ended in bankruptcy earlier this year, Shapeways is under new-old management, with two original co-founders teaming up with the expert crew from their Eindhoven factory to bring the company back to life.
It’s a comeback story filled with cutting-edge machinery, skilled craftsmanship, and plenty of passion. As of right now, it doesn’t look like designers and companies will be able to use the platform to print their products like Pop Goes the Monkey has done for years.
That being said, be sure to browse our list of great alternative miniature designs to Games Workshops games like Warhammer 40k, which are both 3d printed and traditionally manufactured.
The Return of Shapeways: A Quick Recap
Image Credit: Shapeways (Shapeways Employees Point at NYSE Billboard)
Let’s address the big elephant in the room: bankruptcy. In July 2024, Shapeways Inc. faced the music, filing for bankruptcy and leaving many creators wondering if the brand they trusted would ever return. But this wasn’t the end.
Enter the Eindhoven team—masters of precision manufacturing—and two of the original founders who just couldn’t watch their brainchild fade away. Together, they’ve salvaged the assets, retained the talent, and rebooted the operation with a clear goal: rebuild Shapeways as the ultimate digital manufacturing engine.
Their renewed vision is all about empowering creators. With state-of-the-art technology and a team that knows the ropes, Shapeways is once again ready to turn your imaginative designs into high-quality products.
Miniatures Printing: Back and Better
For miniature fans and printers, Shapeways’ return is a game-changer. Whether you’re creating custom figures for tabletop games, collectible statues, or personalized diorama elements, Shapeways remains a leader in printing with exceptional detail and durability. Their materials—like frosted detail plastic and high-strength nylon—are designed to make every scale and feature of your miniatures shine.
The self-service model is at the heart of this reboot. Creators can upload their designs, choose from top-tier materials, and place orders directly. It’s simple, streamlined, and puts the power back in your hands.
What About the Marketplace?
Here’s the bittersweet news: the beloved Shapeways marketplace, once home to countless shops and unique designs, is gone. When Shapeways Inc. filed for bankruptcy, all marketplace accounts and data were deleted. For those who enjoyed browsing and buying creative gems from indie sellers, this is a tough loss.
But don’t lose hope. Shapeways still believes in the Shops concept and is actively brainstorming ways to bring it back in a new form. It’s going to take time, so patience is key, but they’re committed to finding a solution that re-ignites the spirit of community and creativity.
Ready to Create? Here’s How to Get Started
If you’re a creator—or aspiring to be—this is your moment. Shapeways invites you to dust off those STL files and get printing.
- Upload Your Model: Visit Shapeways’ site and upload your design. Accepted formats like STL and OBJ make it easy for your file to be analyzed and prepped.
- Pick Your Material: High-detail materials like frosted detail plastic are ideal for miniatures, ensuring your designs look sharp and professional.
- Place Your Order: Once everything looks good, just hit order. Your custom miniature will be printed and shipped directly to you.
Whether you’re returning to Shapeways or trying it out for the first time, their streamlined process makes it simple to bring your vision to life.
What’s Next?
While the marketplace is on pause, the team is laser-focused on supporting creators and rebuilding trust with their community. This means refining the production process, improving customer experience, and eventually unveiling something new to fill the marketplace-sized hole in the hearts of fans.
So, if you’ve got a miniature design in mind or a folder full of ideas waiting to be printed, now’s the perfect time to give Shapeways a second chance. Your next masterpiece is just a few clicks away—and who knows, you might just help shape the next chapter of Shapeways’ journey.
Check out our Made To-Order
3d Printed Miniatures Here
Have you ever ordered 3D printed miniatures from Shapeways, and what do you think of them getting going again?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
