Prototypster, on the other hand, built its business on printing items requested specifically by customers – replacement parts, custom jewelry, etc. Users upload their models, choose their materials and place their orders privately, without other users having access to their files. Designers do have the option to sell their models on the site, but Prototypster does most of its business directly with consumers, and therefore doesn’t have a large selection of items in its marketplace.
That changed with the recently announced partnership between the two platforms. Prototypster is now selling models from CGTrader directly on its own site, tremendously expanding its marketplace. More than 2,000 models from CGTrader are now available on Prototypster’s site; in fact, CGTrader’s models pretty much dominate. This should increase Prototypster’s traffic as its wider selection draws in more consumers looking to buy rather than design.
According to a statement from Prototypster:
“For Prototypster it is a great opportunity to expand their marketplace range with high quality 3D models bringing the best printable products to their customers without additional efforts for surfing 3D content libraries.”
This isn’t the first time the two companies have worked together. Recently they partnered up to launch a competition that challenged participants to design 3D printed accessories for the new Apple iPhone 6s. Staff from CGTrader judged and selected the winning entries, while Prototypster provided free 3D prints for the winners. Winners were also given free sales on the CGTrader website. Now that the official business partnership is in place, don’t be surprised if more contests and offers from the two companies are forthcoming in the near future.
Discuss this partnership in the CGTrader / Prototypster forum thread on 3DPB.com.