Hi guys,
After using a lot of different 3D printing services I decided to make my own. I just launched it, and its called CowFab. Printers bid to fabricate parts, which I hope will drive cost down for the consumer. Working on a super cool API to add soon. Would love to hear thoughts/advice.
http://www.cowfab.com
I like the idea, how about the ability to upload a scanned hand sketch, CAD drawing etc, and allow people to bid on designing/turning into an STL, and printing that?
I’m wondering if the ability to create models may be as much demand as printing the objects themselfs.
Also, would bitcoin be a good method of payment for this sort of thing? considering the crowd it might be popular.
Jonathan,
Yeah, we’ve been talking about the possibility of integrating the design of the part as well. There is more risk and opportunity for disputes there but its definitely something we might try out. Not sure re: taking a CAD model and making it an stl, can’t most CAD programs already do that in 1-click?
I meant a scanned drawing. ( I was given a CAD drawing to do once) there’s also often some tweeks that may need to be done to a model which the printer may be aware of, depending on his type of printer, but the person designing the model is not. ie, overhangs, bridging, strength on the Z axis vis X and Y etc. etc.
I hate to say this, but I think you need to get a lawyer.
- Relate to transactions involving copyrighted material or designs.
All designs are copyright. I know what you mean, but that’s not what it says.
A: Simple. We will never share your information with a third party without your consent.
Not even if you get a national security letter?
Andrew, you make a great point. I have a friend who is an attorney and will contact him.
Mic, I’ve actually been thinking about adding Bitcoin as a payment method. I built most of CowFab myself, but the parts I had to pay for I paid with money I made selling my Bitcoin before the crash. If I see some demand there I’ll move in that direction.
Thanks so much for the advice guys, this is really helpful.
Feature suggestion: break down ratings by quality/speed etc, similar to fleabay’s feedback.
Mic, I think there’s a lot of potential in 3D printing. I worked at a 3D printing prosthetics company for a couple years, and I can tell you there’s a lot of potential. However there are some big cost and efficiency hurtles that need to be scaled first.
Andrew, that’s a great idea. Right now I’m working on making an API so content creators can let downloaders post parts for print with one click. I’ll definitely add expanded ratings to my programming queue though.
Right now the big challenge I’m having is with marketing. I’m a student and don’t have a budget for advertising, and though I’m emailing bloggers many of them are inundated with exposure requests. I’ve been written up by three or four, but I’m still not getting a lot of exposure. Would love to hear thoughts on user acquisition. Again, this is very helpful, thank you so much for your time.