![Thingiverse_Screenshot_2[1].jpg](https://www.tctmagazine.com/downloads/6440/download/Thingiverse_Screenshot_2%5B1%5D.jpg?cb=cc301e7c00d24fadf07075e55070d1b7&w={width}&h={height} "Thingiverse_Screenshot_2[1].jpg")
Thingiverse partners with 3D Hubs.
After announcing its plans to restructure the business and focus on partnerships that will grow its 3D printing ecosystem, MakerBot has inked a new partnership with 3D Hubs.
The world’s largest 3D printing network has joined forces with MakerBot’s Thingiverse.com to connect users who don’t own a 3D printer with its global network of over 15,000 3D printer locations. For the first time, Thingiverse users have the option to send desired 3D designs directly to print via 3D Hubs.
An initial selection of Thingiverse designers have added a “Get This Printed” button to their designs which allows users to send their desired designs to print at their nearest 3D Hubs location.
This is also the first time Thingiverse users have been given the option of financially benefiting from their designs which has been introduced through an optional tip function which allows users to tip the designer.
As the largest global 3D design destination, Thingiverse has more than 700,000 downloadable 3D designs. Linked with 3D Hubs goal to enable 1 billion people to 3D print within 10 miles of their home, the partnership will help make 3D printing more accessible.
“Working with 3D Hubs is a natural next step as we continue to grow our MakerBot 3D Ecosystem,” Joey Neal, chief experience officer with MakerBot, commented. “At MakerBot, we are continuing to look for ways to get 3D printing into the hands of more people. 3D Hubs has built an incredible network to fulfill 3D prints locally, which we see as a natural fit for integration into the Thingiverse community.”
“This collaboration marks an important step in striving to make 3D printing universally accessible,” said Bram de Zwart, CEO and co-founder of 3D Hubs. “By connecting our global 3D printer network to the world's largest 3D print design community, we enable people to 3D print almost anything, anywhere in the world. This is truly about bringing together creativity and production power.”
Eight Thingiverse designers are participating in the first phase of the Thingiverse 3D Hubs partnership including; Bold Machines – The Innovation Workshop at Stratasys founded by MakerBot co-founder Bre Pettis, Nervous System – unique design studio working on 3D design and an assortment of jewellery, art and housewares, and 3DKitbash – award winning toy industry professional. Other phase one designers include, Arian Croft, Laura Taalman, Simplus Design and Walter Hsiao.
