One million 3-D printing projects later, Shapeways grabs a new investment

After 3-D printing more than one million objects, Shapeways announced the close of a $6.2 million second round of funding, reports the New York Times. Keeping up with the growing interest in three-dimensional printing, the company helps you design and print nearly any object of your dreams.

While 3-D printing has been available for many years, the Maker subculture and 3-D printers such as the MakerBot have made 3-D printing cheaper, more popular, and accessible to the masses. Three dimensional printers are still a bit too expensive for the average person to buy, so companies like Shapeways have popped up as a middleman between your 3-D vision and the finished, printed piece.

Shapeways lets you either upload your own design or create one with its 3-D modeling software. Once you’re satisfied with your creation, Shapeways sends it to the printer. The company can print objects in plastic, glass, sandstone, ceramic, silver, and stainless steal — think Sterling silver bracelets, plastic iPhone cases, and funky coffee mugs.

The 3-D printing trend has sparked a slew of businesses. iMaterialise, AutoDesk 123, and Sculpteo are just a few 3-D printers that compete with Shapeways.

New York firm Lux Capital led the $6.2 million second funding round for Shapeways, which will use the financing to expand its services and possibly build a larger printing factory.

Shapeways is based in New York City.