a google docs document full of hidden solidworks commands! and some info on how it came about on the solidworks legion blog.

as the name suggests, a site full of solidworks lessons. from a basic introduction to sketching to full downloadable models illustrating the use of advanced surfacing.

shapeways, who was covered before on this blog, is now offering large-scale prototyping. possible sizes are up to 700 x 380 x 580 mm or 27.6 x 15 x 22.9 in. yes, that is pretty big.

what previously required the creation and combination of several smaller pieces, can now be done in one.

looking at it a while ago, shapeways seemed like just another rapid prototyping service. but in addition to the standard collection of different plastic materials, they also offer models in stainless steel. and until the end of this month, even with an optional gold plating. seems like a great way to design and build jewelry.

mentioned here before, cloudFab recently came out of beta and released a new version of their site. by working together with different service providers offering a wide variety of processes and material, the site now automatically generates production & shipping costs for every 3D printing process.

and yet another online rapid prototyping service: cloudFab does not produce the pieces themselves, but rather works by connecting buyers and sellers, allowing you to get multiple quotes in one place.

it is in a closed-beta version at this point, but you can sign up for an invite to be notified once it is opening up for the general public.

fabbersmarket.com is a b2b marketplace and network connecting designers, engineers and manufacturers. besides a quotes management tool to source products and services, it aims to use several social media tools to allow member to market themselves.

from materialise, the belgian company behind .mgx, comes a new rapid prototyping online service, called i.materialise. upload your model, choose a material, surface, and color, and get an immediate quote.