Shapeways and Skillshare Offering New Series of 3D Printing Online Classes

Skillshare is a “community marketplace” aimed at helping students develop their careers or expand their technical skills, and a few years ago, Shapeways opened a 3D printing design school on Skillshare they called Shapeways Skillshare School.

But Shapeways is hardly the only company in 3D printing with a school on Skillshare. There are schools dedicated to everything from teaching the use of laser cutters to 3D printing and a variety of other modern manufacturing methods.

“In the past we’ve worked with our friends over at Skillshare to create videos that show you the ins and outs of 3D modeling,” says Shapeways’ Mansee Muzumdar. “Today we’re excited to announce the launch of another series of videos that anyone can use to learn about running a small business on Shapeways.”

The courses include online instruction and the ability to “collaborate with our vibrant and active community on student projects.” Each class includes short lessons and hands-on projects, and Shapeways says students will be able to share their work with community members as part of the experience.

The Skillshare and Shapeways program offers classes aimed at users from the absolute beginner all the way up to advanced tutorials focused on designing objects for 3D printing.

“Whether it is a simple widget, custom jewelry or a complex mechanism, you will learn how to make, – then hold – your ideas in your hands,” Muzumdar says of the classes.

Teachers Kevin Wei, Duann Scott, Aaron Trocola, Natalia Krasnodebsk, and Lauren Slowik instruct students in classes such as Rings & Earrings 3D-Printing Workshop for Beginners, Intro to Parametric Design & 3D-Printed Building Block Sculptures, and Foundations of 3D Printing and Introduction to 3D Modeling.

The Shapeways marketplace, currently numbering more than 23,000 shops, has resulted in what Muzumdar says is thousands of people using their 3D design talent to start a small business.

“While we try to make things as easy as possible for our shop owners, there are still a few ways they can make sure their shop stands out from the crowd,” Muzumdar says. “From crafting a shop description to merchandising your products to rocking social media, these short, fun videos will give you all the tips and tricks to running your shop on Shapeways.”

As an introductory offer, Skillshare is offering members of the Shapeways community a one-month Premium account for $0.99. If you decide to take them up on the offer, use the code “SHAPEWAYS” when you complete the signup process.

Will you be signing up to take any of these classes on 3D printing techniques and business practices from Shapeways and Shillshare? Let us know in the Shapeways and Skillshare forum thread on 3DPB.com.