Connecting Technology with Customers—ToolHubs Portal Allows for 3D Printing, CNC Machining, Laser Cutting & More

The ToolHubs team has been very smart when it comes to providing for their users. While 3D printing is definitely offering benefits over many traditional processes, it certainly has not overtaken them by a long shot—yet. And it would seem that keeping an open mind about the continued uses for technologies which not too long ago also were the latest and greatest is yielding good results for numerous companies—take the popular all-in-one printer for instance–showing no fear when it comes to mixing it up. And apparently, users are still eating it all up—with laser cutting and CNC machining still being desired alongside 3D printing. The users who want to make the most of their inventions are not engaging in technological snobbery.

ToolHubs is different in that they offer a network for users who have designs that need to be finished whether they are in need of 3D printing, CNC milling, laser cutting, or even services like electrical engineering, where hubs are able to put their best foot forward with a competitive quote.

This is a new service, and the online platform is meant to serve as a convenient, affordable portal for users, availing them of multiple services that don’t narrow or limit innovation with just one type of machine. With the hubs concept, companies who have the machinery are able to make what was previously downtime now available to those who need services but do not want to spend the big bucks on buying—and maintaining—machinery. The procurement of services is meant to be extremely straightforward—and transparent—for other companies or individuals and hobbyists as well.

“3D printing, in particular, is enjoying a surge in popularity, with potential applications ranging from small works of art and model making to entire vehicles – the technology has developed to such an extent that the limits of possibility are now dictated solely by the user’s imagination,” states the company in their latest press release.

With this new portal, the key is in convenience—and benefit for all involved. Perhaps you’ve recently invested in some expensive new equipment like a 3D printer or scanner and you hate to see it just sitting quietly, not in operation when you are lacking in business. In being able to make it available to the public, you are basically renting it out and helping others get what they need quickly.

“The idea for ToolHubs arose from a simple dilemma: a 3D printer was the only thing available to me for my personal projects, but now and then I also needed a CNC mill or a laser cutter. For a hobbyist, it’s far too expensive to purchase such equipment,” explains Harald Eberl, one of the founders of the platform.

If you want to join ToolHubs, it is free, and services are very easy to find and connect with and purchase. If you need anything besides electrical engineering services, all you have to do is upload your 3D file and contact a hub. They have 24 hours to accept and confirm the order—and even better, ToolHubs protects everyone involved by collecting the payment up front and then holding it until the finished product has been sent by mail or picked up at the hub’s premises.

The ToolHubs team, involved in the making process themselves, understands how expensive and unrealistic it might be to own all the machines need to complete every project—and they understand how non-profitable it is to have equipment sitting idle. They aim to help companies fully ‘exploit’ the uses of technology they own, while fulfilling the needs of businesses and enthusiasts. Are you interested in this service? Discuss in the ToolHubs 3D Printing Platform forum over at 3DPB.com.