Shapeways Acquires Thangs to Create Seamless 3D Creation Ecosystem

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Are you ready to witness the transformation of the 3D creation landscape? A recent acquisition is set to revolutionize the way you create, share, and manufacture 3D designs.

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Table of Contents

A New Era for 3D Creation

Shapeways, a leading 3D printing service provider, has acquired a majority stake in Thangs, a popular 3D file-sharing platform. This strategic move aims to fill the gap in Shapeways’ infrastructure, which was severely impacted by its bankruptcy. The acquisition is expected to create a seamless ecosystem that spans the full 3D creation value chain.

What Does This Mean for You?

As a creator, maker, or business owner, you’ll soon have access to a comprehensive platform that streamlines the 3D creation process. With Thangs’ vast library of 3D printable models and Shapeways’ digital manufacturing engine, you’ll be able to design, share, and produce your creations with unprecedented ease.

The Rise of Thangs

Thangs, which will be renamed Thangs 3D Inc. and become a subsidiary of Shapeways, boasts an impressive collection of over 24 million 3D printable models. This vast library is protected by Physna’s IP protection technology, ensuring that creators’ designs are safeguarded.

Monetizing Your Designs

Thangs offers a range of membership options that enable users to monetize their designs. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, you’ll be able to share your creations and earn revenue from them. With the acquisition, Shapeways aims to expand this feature, providing new revenue streams for creators.

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Shapeways’ Revival Strategy

The acquisition is part of Shapeways’ strategy to revive the company after its bankruptcy. By integrating Thangs’ platform and technology, Shapeways aims to create a robust ecosystem that supports the 3D design community. This move is expected to restore the company’s reputation and provide a solid foundation for future growth.

Business Customers Take Center Stage

While Thangs will cater to creators and makers, Shapeways will focus on business customers. This strategic division will enable both brands to specialize in their respective markets, providing tailored services that meet the unique needs of each audience.

The Bigger Picture: Recent 3D Printing Acquisitions

The Shapeways-Thangs acquisition is part of a larger trend in the 3D printing industry. Recent acquisitions include:

Acquirer	Acquired Company	Description
Hexagon	Geomagic (3D Systems)	Geomagic’s software portfolio will be integrated into Hexagon’s suite of 3D printing solutions.
Siemens	Altair Engineering Inc.	Siemens acquired Altair’s software business, expanding its portfolio of 3D printing and simulation tools.

These acquisitions demonstrate the growing interest in 3D printing and the increasing demand for comprehensive solutions that span the entire creation value chain.

The Future of 3D Creation

As the 3D printing industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more strategic acquisitions and partnerships. The Shapeways-Thangs acquisition sets a new standard for seamless 3D creation, and it will be exciting to see how this ecosystem develops in the future.

What’s Next for Shapeways and Thangs?

With the acquisition complete, Shapeways and Thangs will begin integrating their platforms and technologies. This process is expected to take several months, during which time both brands will continue to operate independently.

A Bright Future for Creators

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Shapeways-Thangs acquisition is a game-changer for the 3D creation community. With a comprehensive ecosystem on the horizon, creators will soon have access to a platform that streamlines the entire creation process, from design to production.

Get Ready to Unlock Your Creative Potential

As the 3D creation landscape continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the future is bright for creators, makers, and businesses alike. With the Shapeways-Thangs acquisition, the possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll create next.

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