The network of Hubs has expanded to the city of Amsterdam. People who own a 3D printer can join the network to let others use their printers to print objects. The network aims to connect other main cities in The Netherlands as well.
3D printers have become more affordable in recent years and more people have a printer available at home, like a MakerBot or Ultimaker. Hubs uses these printers to form a network of both private addresses and companies. At the moment, there are 40 Dutch 3D printers connected. 'Most locations will print in plastic, but we aim to expand to other materials like chocolate and ceramics,' the company states.
According to Hubs, orders for prints can usually be picked up the next day. Customers will pay a start tariff (mostly € 7,50) and an amount per cubical centimeter (on average 50 cent). A cell phone cover will cost approximately 20 euro and a scale model of 15 x 15 x 10 centimeter about 60 euro.
Hubs hopes that multiple printers in the city will encourage price competition in the future. 'Furthermore, Hubs can distinguish themselves from others on quality and service,' says Bram de Zwart, co-founder of Hubs. 'My aim is to bring fabrication back to our country and to end the waste involved in mass production.'
