Best Metal 3D Printing Services [+Detailed Comparison]

Explore the best metal 3D printing service companies. Compare pricing, technologies, materials, and reviews to find the right provider for your needs.

Introduction

Metal 3D printing has become a cornerstone of advanced manufacturing, enabling industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare to produce strong, lightweight, and highly customized components. With the rapid adoption of additive manufacturing, choosing the right service provider can make a significant difference in cost, quality, and turnaround time.

This article compares some of the best metal 3D printing service companies worldwide, analyzing their strengths, limitations, and unique offerings. By the end, you will find a comparison table and tailored recommendations to help you select the right partner.

Xometry

Xometry is a US-based on-demand manufacturing marketplace with one of the largest global partner networks. It is widely known for its AI-powered quoting system and ability to connect customers with hundreds of suppliers worldwide.

Strengths in Metal 3D Printing:

● Wide technology coverage, including DMLS and Binder Jetting

● Broad selection of metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium alloys

● Certified partner network (ISO 9001, AS9100, ITAR)

Limitations:

● Relies on distributed manufacturing partners rather than in-house production, which may lead to quality variation

● Pricing is generally higher compared to Asia-based providers

Protolabs

Protolabs is a US-based digital manufacturer recognized for its speed and reliability. Combining its extensive in-house facilities with a partner network, it serves a wide range of industries, from aerospace to medical.

Strengths in Metal 3D Printing:

● Among the fastest turnaround times in the US market

● Strong portfolio of metal materials, including stainless steel, titanium, and Inconel

● Trusted certifications (ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485)

Limitations:

● Pricing tends to be premium, especially for complex parts

● Primarily suited to prototyping and low-volume runs rather than large-scale production

Unionfab

Unionfab is a China-based global 3D printing service provider with six in-house factories and over 1,000 industrial machines. Known for its cost-effective solutions, Unionfab offers end-to-end metal 3D printing, including SLM, Binder Jetting, and CNC finishing.

Strengths in Metal 3D Printing:

● Large-scale in-house capacity ensuring consistency and reliability

● Competitive pricing, with significantly lower sample costs compared to US and European providers

● Wide selection of materials, including stainless steel, titanium, maraging steel, and Inconel

● Comprehensive quality certifications (ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485)

● Fast international delivery with strong Asia-Pacific coverage

Shapeways

Shapeways is a US-based on-demand platform best known for its role in consumer and creative markets. It operates as a marketplace, connecting individuals and businesses to production services.

Strengths in Metal 3D Printing:

● Flexible production options via a global supplier network

● Provides access to basic metals such as stainless steel and aluminum

Limitations:

● Focus is less on industrial-grade quality and more on consumer products

● Customer feedback highlights inconsistent quality and service reliability

● Lower Trustpilot score compared to competitors

Sculpteo

Sculpteo, based in France and owned by BASF, specializes in advanced materials and on-demand 3D printing. It is particularly strong in offering tailored solutions for design-driven and small-batch production.

Strengths in Metal 3D Printing:

● Solid selection of metals including stainless steel and titanium

● Backed by BASF’s material science expertise

● Competitive European option for small and medium orders

Limitations:

● Costs are generally higher compared to Asian providers

● Limited scalability for very large production runs

Materialise

Materialise, headquartered in Belgium, is one of the pioneers of additive manufacturing and has built a strong reputation in both industrial and medical sectors. It is known for high-end applications requiring strict certifications.

Strengths in Metal 3D Printing:

● Wide range of metal materials supported, from stainless steel to Inconel

● Expertise in aerospace and healthcare applications

● Strong certifications (ISO 13485, EN9100, ISO 9001)

● Trusted by global enterprises for mission-critical components

Limitations:

● Premium pricing

● Less flexible for startups or small-scale projects

Craftcloud

Craftcloud, operated by All3DP, is a global aggregator that connects customers to a wide range of 3D printing suppliers. It is designed as a comparison tool for pricing and availability across different providers.

Strengths in Metal 3D Printing:

● Provides instant access to multiple vendors worldwide

● Allows price comparison across materials and technologies

● Convenient option for customers seeking the best available deal

Limitations:

● Does not manufacture directly, so quality and lead time depend on the selected vendor

● Limited control over consistency and post-processing standardsComparison Table: Best Metal 3D Printing Service Providers

Choosing the right metal 3D printing service provider often comes down to comparing key factors such as cost, technology, material availability, and certifications.

To help you make an informed decision, we created a side-by-side comparison of leading companies including Xometry, Protolabs, Unionfab, Shapeways, Sculpteo, Materialise, and Craftcloud.

The table below summarizes their capabilities across crucial dimensions like in-house production capacity, instant quoting platforms, supported technologies, material range, maximum build volume, certifications, sample costs, and customer trust ratings.

Notes:

1.  Sample cost is calculated via the online instant quoting systems of each company. Model: 74.62 cm³, Material: 316L Stainless Steel, Tech: SLM.

2.  *Max. Build Volume: The sizes listed in the table represent the maximum one-piece build size achievable in a single print job. Larger parts that exceed this build volume can still be manufactured by splitting the model into sections and joining them after printing.

3.  If you want to know which company’s 3d printing instant quoting system works best, check our earlier article Top 10 3D Printing Cost Calculators [+Detailed Comparsion] to help you make the best choice.

Recommendations

If you value global scale and broad coverage

● Xometry: The largest global partner network; ideal for multi-region projects. Note: it operates as a marketplace without in-house production.

● Craftcloud: Another aggregator; good for quick price comparisons, but quality depends on vendors.

If you prioritize speed and integrated service

● Protolabs: Known for rapid turnaround with primarily in-house production; best for time-sensitive projects.

If you want access to China’s strong capacity

● Unionfab: Runs 6 factories with 1,000+ machines; offers multiple metal processes; highly competitive in both capacity and cost.

If you lean toward design/creator ecosystems

● Shapeways: Popular with creators and SMEs, but has low Trustpilot ratings (2.2/5).

● Sculpteo (France, BASF-backed): Strong in material science, suitable for advanced material requirements.

If you need industrial or medical certifications

● Materialise: Industry pioneer with strong compliance (ISO 13485, EN9100); trusted for aerospace and medical-grade applications.

On customer satisfaction

● Highest rated: Xometry (4.8/5.0) and Unionfab (4.6/5.0).

● Lower ratings: Shapeways, Sculpteo, and Materialise (around 2–2.8/5.0) suggest mixed customer experiences.

Overall Recommendations

● For large international projects → Xometry or Materialise

● For fast prototyping and urgent runs → Protolabs

● For cost efficiency and strong capacity in China → Unionfab

● For maker/creator-oriented projects → Shapeways or Sculpteo

● For multi-supplier comparisons → Craftcloud

How to Estimate Metal 3D Printing Costs

When calculating the price of a metal 3D printed part, several cost components are usually considered: raw material, post-processing, shipping, and taxes. Below is a breakdown of how each part is determined.

1. Material Cost

The material expense can be calculated with the following formula:

Material Cost = Model Volume × Material Density × Unit Price per Gram

Note: The “unit price per gram” provided by most service providers typically already includes the base printing operation, not just the raw material.

Example:

● Model Volume: 10 cm³

● Material: 316L Stainless Steel

● Density: 7.9 g/cm³

● Price per gram: $0.40

Total = 10 × 7.9 × 0.40 = $31.6

(The above is just an illustrative calculation. Actual costs vary. In general, larger production volumes often lower the per-part cost.)

2. Post-Processing Cost

After printing, additional processes are often needed to improve mechanical performance or surface finish. The cost depends on part complexity, material type, and finishing method. Common pricing models include:

● Hourly billing – Applied when machining, polishing, or complex finishing is required.

● Per-part billing – Used for simpler tasks such as basic support removal.

● By weight or volume – Often applied to treatments like heat treatment or coating, which scale with part size.

3. Logistics and Taxes

● Logistics: Shipping fees are weight-based and vary depending on location and courier service.

● Taxes: Import duties or VAT depend on the destination country’s regulations and are generally calculated as a percentage of the total invoice.

For a more detailed explanation of 3D printing expenses, see Unionfab’s guide: How Much Does It Cost to 3D Print Something?

Want to know the exact price of you metal project? Use Unionfab’s online Metal 3D Printing Cost Calculator to get an instant quote for your parts.

How to Select A Metal 3D Printing Service Provider?

Choosing the right metal 3D printing partner is crucial for ensuring part quality, cost efficiency, and reliable delivery.

Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating providers:

• Technical Expertise —Check if the provider supports multiple processes such as SLM/DMLS, Binder Jetting, or EBM.

• Material Range – Ensure they offer metals that match your application (e.g., stainless steel 316L, titanium, Inconel).

• Quality Certifications – Look for ISO, AS9100, or medical certifications that prove compliance with industry standards.

• Production Capacity – Consider whether they operate in-house facilities or rely on a distributed network. In-house production often provides greater consistency and control.

• Online Quoting & Transparency – An instant quoting system helps you estimate cost quickly and compare options.

• Lead Time & Logistics – Fast prototyping and global shipping capabilities are essential if you work with international supply chains.

By focusing on these criteria, you can narrow down the best metal 3D printing service companies for your specific needs.

Unionfab’s Metal 3D Printing Service

With more than 20 years of industry experience, 1,000+ professional 3D printers, and 6 advanced manufacturing sites, Unionfab delivers reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality additive manufacturing solutions. We are fully certified with ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and AS 9001D, ensuring consistent quality and global standards compliance.

Below is an overview of our metal 3D printing capabilities:

*Note: Material prices are indicative and subject to real-time updates.

Post-Processing Options

Unionfab provides more than just precision printing. Our full finishing services include sandblasting, electroplating, polishing, and more, enhancing surface smoothness, durability, and appearance. This ensures every part is production-ready and perfectly tailored to customer needs.

Quality Assurance Report

Alongside offering cost-efficient 3D printing, we also provide quality assurance services. Upon request, a detailed QA report can be included with your delivery to ensure transparency and reliability.

Special Offer

If you’re new to Unionfab, here’s an extra benefit — sign up today and receive 10% off your first order!

Customer Feedback

Here’s what customers are saying about Unionfab on Trustpilot:

FAQs

Who is the leader in 3D metal printing?

There is no single global leader, but several companies stand out. In industrial applications, Materialise and Protolabs are recognized for aerospace and medical-grade parts. Xometry leads in global supply chain flexibility, while Unionfab is notable for cost-effective large-scale production in Asia.

Who is the best 3D printing company?

The “best” depends on your needs:

● For speed: Protolabs

● For certified medical and aerospace parts: Materialise

● For consumer and small-batch orders: Shapeways or Sculpteo

● For large-scale and cost-efficient production: Unionfab

● For price comparisons: Craftcloud

What is the holy grail of 3D printing?

In metal additive manufacturing, the “holy grail” is achieving high-strength, low-cost, mass-customized production. This includes using advanced alloys (e.g., titanium, Inconel) with consistent quality, while maintaining affordability and scalability.

What is the market for metal 3D printing services?

The global market for metal 3D printing services is rapidly growing, driven by aerospace, automotive, energy, and medical industries. The market size is projected to expand significantly as companies adopt additive manufacturing for lightweight structures, spare parts, and customized implants.

What is the cheapest metal 3D printing service?

Costs vary widely by provider and region. Among major providers, Unionfab and Asia-based companies often offer the lowest sample costs, especially for stainless steel (316L). Using cost calculators to compare quotes is the best way to find affordable options.

Where can I find the best metal 3D printing service companies near me?

Most providers operate globally and offer online quoting with international delivery. Platforms like Xometry and Craftcloud connect users to local and international suppliers, while companies like Unionfab and Materialise ship worldwide. Always check for instant quoting tools to compare costs before ordering.