What are 3D Print Service Bureaus?

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Accepted Answer

3D print service bureaus are companies with physical or online outlets that use 3D printers to produce objects. Customers (R&D and new product development departments of manufacturing organizations) supply digital or physical models, from which the objects — which may be concept models, prototypes, spare parts or finished goods — are created.
While there are 3D print services that cater to consumers, our Market Guide focuses on 3D print service bureaus used by private and public organizations (see Note 1). These bureaus often offer creative, design and engineering services that facilitate the learning process. Service bureaus produce 3D printed prototypes, tools and fixtures, finished goods and spare parts that may ultimately justify an organization investing in an in-house 3D printer. While 3D printing (3DP) is their primary product offering, these service bureaus typically offer one or more of the following additional services: application engineering, postprocessing, assembly and quality assurance testing.

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