All3DP Launches Google Chrome Extension: ‘3D Print This Thing for Thingiverse’

For those of you who are avid Google Chrome web browser users, you likely know how convenient Google’s Chrome Extensions and Applications can be. There are extensions and apps for literally everything, from translating a website to curing your boredom via a quick game of Tetris. The Chrome ecosystem has really developed quickly over the last several years leading to mass adoption of the web browser by people like myself as well as an ever increasing number of other web users.

One company, based out of Munich, Germany, called All3DP, and their subsidiary 3DP.click have taken notice of how useful Google Chrome applications can be, and has thus launched their very own extension for 3D printing enthusiasts who do not have easy access to a 3D printer themselves.

The Chrome Extension, which is called 3D Print This Thing for Thingiverse™, utilizes the 3DP.click service to provide users who visit Thingiverse the ability to quickly and easily outsource the 3D printing of any object they find on the 3D model repository. Once the application is downloaded, whenever a user is on any Thingiverse model page using their Chrome web browser, the extension will add a big red ‘3D Print This Thing’ button under the typical ‘Download This Thing’ button. When clicked, the link will take the user to a 3DP.click page in which the platform checks the model for printability. If printable, all a user will then have to do is enter their address and billing information, and click the ‘Order’ button. The 3D printed item they chose will be shipped directly to their home or office within days.

Users also have the ability to choose from a variety of different materials, finishes, and colors for an additional cost. When the order is submitted it is eventually routed through to the Sculpteo 3D printing service after the 3DP.click platform has confirmed its printability and set the order up for the client in as simple a way as possible. Because Sculpteo eventually will ship the order, this means that worldwide shipping is available, whether you live in the United States, Europe, or Asia.

This service is not for everyone. If you decent computer skills, then it may be best to go directly to a service like Shapeways or Sculpteo for your needs. With that said, the fluidity of the process, going from a Thingiverse page to a 3D printed product being shipped to your door, makes this service and Chrome extension an awesome addition to any 3D printing beginner.

As for 3DP.click, the company also operates using a standalone business model. Users are able to upload their models to the service, which then checks it for printability and send it off to be printed. Whether going through the Chrome extension or directly to the 3DP.click site, ordering is as simple as one could imagine. They don’t even require that the customer register on their site.

Let us know if you have downloaded the 3D Print This Thing for Thingiverse™ extension and what your thoughts have been. Have you ordered anything through 3DP.click yet? If so what were your thoughts? Discuss in the 3D Print This Thing for Thingiverse™ Forum thread on 3DPB.com.