Well-appreciated in the design field, 3D printing is also very popular with engineers and inventors who want to produce prototypes quickly. It’s an easy-to-use and, above all, incredibly flexible manufacturing method, which speeds up the development phases of a new project. We interviewed the Sculpteo team. This company, specialized in remote 3D printing, offers a very interesting online tool for entrepreneurs and start-up founders.
Can you give us an overview of Sculpteo?
Sculpteo is an online 3D printing and laser cutting service, founded in 2009 by Clément Moreau and Eric Carreel, based in Paris and San Francisco. Our aim is to give every company or entrepreneur easy access to these high value-added technologies.
What is Sculpteo’s added value for inventors?
Our 3D printing service gives inventors access to professional 3D printers without the need to invest in machines, which are usually quite expensive. They can benefit from a wide choice of technologies and materials, and they can change them as their project progresses. This flexibility and freedom are real competitive advantages for project developers. Last but not least, our expertise in 3D printing enables us to provide our customers with the best possible advice on their additive manufacturing projects.
Do you see 3D printing as an interesting tool for inventors?
Of course we do! In fact, we work with many entrepreneurs on a daily basis. First of all, 3D printing is a very good prototyping tool, which is fast and competitively priced. This technology is therefore very useful during the product development process, which is so essential when creating a project. But 3D printing is also very useful for the production of finished products. Indeed, it offers great freedom in terms of design, with greater flexibility than conventional manufacturing techniques. It therefore brings real added value to entrepreneurs in all sectors.
Did you know?
As soon as your invention idea is mature, you can start the process of applying for a patent. The drafting of the patent, and the examination phases up to the granting of the title, give you time to develop your prototype before commercialization. As soon as your invention is disclosed or put on the market, it is no longer patentable. So it’s best to get started as soon as possible to protect your invention and avoid copying it!
3D printing technology is often equated with fab labs, the cradle of innovation. What do you think?
It’s true that, initially, there was a strong link between 3D printing and fablabs. But the latter are often linked to a more personal and less professional use of this technology. Today, we can see that it’s companies and entrepreneurs who are at the heart of the 3D printing market, and we’ re seeing a real professionalization of the sector.
Do you have any words for inventors and entrepreneurs?
Listen to your convictions, but also listen to your market, because selling quickly becomes the most important thing for any product and any company.
Would you like to find out more about Sculpteo and its services? Visit their online 3D printing site.
EDIT of November 20, 2019:
The Frenchy nugget founded by Clément Moreau and Éric Carreel comes under the flag of German giant BASF with a takeover officially announced on November 18, 2019! Clément Moreau tells the press that the French company based in Paris and San Francisco is delighted“to be joining an industrial group with a very clear strategy in 3D printing through acquisitions in materials and technologies” (source Les Echos).
