Cloud Computing and 3D Printing

1|Page

CLOUD COMPUTING AND 3D PRINTING

1- INTRODUCTION
In this brief analysis we present the relation between two disruptive technologies as Cloud Computing
and 3D Printing, together with a specific presentation of some Additive Manufacturing companies who
recently chose to move to the Cloud.

2- CLOUD COMPUTING
Cloud computing is commonly defined as a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand
network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (as networks, servers, storage,
applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort
or service provider interaction.
The development of cloud technology is changing the existing business and delivery models for software
companies. Traditionally, software has been deployed and used locally, on the user's workstation. Cloud
computing, however, created a shift where the software can be loaded elsewhere either in the same
office or even further away. The other thing is the way we are modifying how we consider what a
product is. Taking the example of Tesla - an automotive company - which can provide a software
upgrade to all of the vehicles at once begs the question where does the product end and where does the
software begin.
In operational terms, Cloud computing has five essential characteristics, three service models and four
deployment models.
Essential Characteristics:
On-demand self-service. A consumer can unilaterally have computing capabilities, such as server time
and network storage as needed, automatically without requiring human interaction with each service
provider.
Broad network access. Capabilities are available over the network and accessed through standard
mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous client platforms (as mobile phones, tablets, laptops,
and workstations).
Resource pooling. The providers computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a
multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned

Giorgio Magistrelli

2|Page

Cloud Computing and 3D Printing

according to consumer demand. There is a sense of location independence in that the customer
generally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of the provided resources but may be able
to specify location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter). Examples of
resources include storage, processing, memory, and network bandwidth.
Rapid elasticity. Capabilities can be elastically provisioned and released, in some cases automatically, to
scale rapidly outward and inward commensurate with demand. To the consumer, the capabilities
available for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can be appropriated in any quantity at any
time.
Measured service. Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a
metering capability at some level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (as storage,
processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and
reported, providing transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized service.
Service Models:
Software as a Service (SaaS). The capability provided to the consumer is to use the providers
applications running on a cloud infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client
devices through either a thin client interface, such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email), or a
program interface. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure
including network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application capabilities, with
the possible exception of limited user-specific application configuration settings.
Platform as a Service (PaaS). The capability provided to the consumer is to deploy onto the cloud
infrastructure consumer-created or acquired applications created using programming languages,
libraries, services, and tools supported by the provider. The consumer does not manage or control the
underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has
control over the deployed applications and possibly configuration settings for the application-hosting
environment.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). The capability provided to the consumer is to offer processing, storage,
networks, and other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy and run
arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not
manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,
and deployed applications; and possibly limited control of select networking components (as host
firewalls).
Deployment Models:
Private cloud. The cloud infrastructure is provisioned for exclusive use by a single organization
comprising multiple consumers (as business units). It may be owned, managed, and operated by the
organization, a third party, or some combination of them, and it may exist on or off premises.
Community cloud. The cloud infrastructure is provisioned for exclusive use by a specific community of
consumers from organizations that have shared concerns (for example mission, security requirements,
policy, compliance considerations). It may be owned, managed, and operated by one or more of the
organizations in the community, a third party, or some combination of them, and it may exist on or off
premises.
Public cloud. The cloud infrastructure is provisioned for open use by the general public. It may be
owned, managed, and operated by a business, academic, or government organization, or some
combination of them. It exists on the premises of the cloud provider.

Giorgio Magistrelli

3|Page

Cloud Computing and 3D Printing

Hybrid cloud. The cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or more distinct cloud infrastructures
(private, community, or public) that remain unique entities, but are bound together by standardized or
proprietary technology that enables data.
Quoting Christopher Barnett (cit.), the final factor that will make cloud computing essential is that
many next-generation computer applications will only work in the cloud. Local software and data
inevitably constrain collaboration and the anytime, anyplace, anywhere use of information resources.
This means that we will be prevented from obtaining the benefits of new crowdsourcing developments
unless we cloud compute.

3-3D PRINTING
3D printing or Additive Manufacturing (AM) include any of various processes of making a threedimensional object from a 3D model or other electronic data source primarily through additive
processes in which successive layers of material are laid down under computer control. This is not the
place where to discuss different Additive Manufacturing techniques, which can be summarized as:
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS)
Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication (EBF)
Electron-beam melting (EBM)
Fused deposition modeling (FDM)
Laminated object manufacturing (LOM)
Plaster-based 3D printing (PP)
Selective heat sintering (SHS)
Selective laser melting (SLM)
Selective laser sintering (SLS)
Stereolithography (SLA)
However, one characteristics that 3D Printing companies might have in common notwithstanding
different application sectors, is the need to use the Cloud as to share/develop CAD designs to produce
in different location and/or - for example - to store their ready-to-3Dprint goods as to avoid storage
costs and inventory burdens. Main 3D printing service companies are moving to the Cloud: we present
some cases in the following paragraph.

Giorgio Magistrelli

4|Page

Cloud Computing and 3D Printing

4- CLOUD COMPUTING & 3D PRINTING

We present some example, where cloud computing is already supporting the business development of
3D Printing companies.

4.1 Sculpteo

Founded in June 2009 by Eric Carreel co-founder of Inventel acquired by Technicolor in 2005 and
Withings, Clement Moreau and Jacques Lewiner, Sculpteo is a French company specialized in 3D printing
in the cloud. Sculpteo offers an online 3D printing service, using rapid prototyping and a manufacturing
process involving laser sintering or stereo lithography.
On the page dedicated to the cloud (www.sculpteo.com/en/cloud/ ) the company explains the benefits
for the clients, including the possibility to realize special series (up to 500 objects in less than a week,
with more than 35 different materials) and Customized Products while solving stock related issues

The production of 3d Printed products on behalf of the client is streamlined as follows:

Giorgio Magistrelli

5|Page

Cloud Computing and 3D Printing

4.2 - Materialize

Materialise (www.materialise.com) was founded in June 1990 by Wilfried Vancraen as a spin-off of the
KU Leuven, becoming the first Rapid Prototyping Service Bureau in the Benelux region. Following its
conception, Materialise concentrated on the research and development of solutions for the transfer of
data to Additive Manufacturing machines. In 1991, the company released Mimics and in 1992, Magics.
Mimics calculates surface 3D models from stacked image data such as Computed Tomography (CT),
Confocal Microscopy, Micro CT, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) through image segmentation.
Magics imports data from CAD formats and exports 3D printable files in the STL format.
The technology at Materialise is being used by professionals in the automotive, aerospace, consumer
electronics, consumables, orthopedic, cardiovascular, cranio-maxillofacial, and dental industries, as well
as in architecture, fashion, jewelry, art, and more.
i.materialise is Materalises online 3D printing service for all people with an eye for design and a head
full of ideas. Clients can upload their 3D design and instantly see the price for their models, choosing
from a large selection of materials (17 including precious metals and ceramics), and colors, scale the
design(s) to the ideal size, order as many copies as the client requires, with over 70 combinations of
materials and finishes
On 20 November 2013, Materialise shifted its operations to the cloud. By transitioning to cloud
computing, i.materialise increased the speed of its website (http://i.materialise.com/)

Giorgio Magistrelli

6|Page

Cloud Computing and 3D Printing

4.3 3D Systems and TeamPlatform

3D Systems (www.3dsystems.com) is a leading provider of 3D printing centric design-to-manufacturing

solutions including 3D printers, print materials and cloud sourced on-demand custom parts for
professionals and consumers alike in materials including plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles. The
company also provides integrated 3D scan-based design, freeform modeling and inspection tools and an
integrated 3D planning and printing digital thread for personalized surgery and patient specific medical
devices. Its products and services replace and complement traditional methods and reduce the time and
cost of designing new products by printing real parts directly from digital input. These solutions are used
to rapidly design, create, communicate, prototype or produce functional parts and assemblies,
empowering customers to manufacture the future.
In August 2013, 3D Systems acquired TeamPlatform (www.teamplatform.com), a leading cloud-based,
collaborative design and project management platform.

TeamPlatform's cloud-based, collaborative design and project management platform allows product
design, engineering services and manufacturing companies to share data and collaborate on 3D printing
projects. 3D Systems integrated the TeamPlatform technology into both its professional and consumer
offerings, including Geomagic Solutions and Cubify.com.

Giorgio Magistrelli

7|Page

Cloud Computing and 3D Printing

4.3 Shapeways

Shapeways (www.Shapeways.com) is a Dutch founded, New York based 3D printing marketplace and
service, startup company. Users design and upload 3D printable files, and Shapeways prints the objects
for them or others. Users can have objects printed from a variety of materials, including food-safe
ceramics.
As of June 20, 2012, Shapeways printed and sold more than one million user-created objects.
On October 19, 2012 Shapeways opened a new 3-D printing factory in Queens, New York that could
house 50 industrial printers and produce millions of consumer-designed products a year.
In 2013 Shapeways was employing over 90 people. The headquarters is located in New York with offices
in Eindhoven and Seattle. Shapeways is a spin-out of the lifestyle incubator of Royal Philips Electronics.
Investors include Lux Capital, Union Square Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz in New York and Index
Ventures in London.
Through Shapeways, designers can access to the best industrial 3D printing technology, capable of
manufacturing products with complex designs in a wide range of high-quality materials. 3D printing
turns raw materials into original products, from wedding rings to rocket ships, model trains to iPhone
cases, and prototypes to industrial engineering parts. The Shapeways community can sell their products,
share ideas, and get feedback from creative consumers and other designers around the world.
Shapeways also raised $30 million in April 2013 (through Andreessen Horowitz) to expand their remote
3D printing capabilities and their Cloud.

5. THE FUTURE
Data storage is becoming more and more critical for companies, no matter if we talk about large
Multinationals on MSMEs: Cloud computing represents therefore the next solution to increase speed
and interconnectivity among internal company departments and also between companies and clients.
When it comes to 3D printing, for B2B and B2C services especially, it is critical to have the possibility to
manage fast and everywhere designs, solutions, production and delivery.
As we saw in our few practical examples, it is not wrong to forecast that all the main 3D Printing services
companies will need to manage their own cloud or to use the services of professional providers to move
to the Cloud soon.

Giorgio Magistrelli

8|Page

Cloud Computing and 3D Printing

REFERENCES
Mell P.; Grance T. The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing - Recommendations of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology National Institute of Standards and Technology, Information
Technology Laboratory, Computer Security Division, September 2011
Barnatt Christophe, A brief Guide to Cloud Computing, Constable & Robinson Ltd, 2010
Rochwerger, B.; Breitgand, D.; Levy, E.; Galis, A.; Nagin, K.; Llorente, I. M.; Montero, R.; Wolfsthal, Y.;
Elmroth, E.; Caceres, J.; Ben-Yehuda, M.; Emmerich, W.; Galan, F. "The Reservoir model and
architecture for open federated cloud computing". IBM Journal of Research and Development 53 (4):
4:14:11
Simson Garfinkel, "The Cloud Imperative". Technology Review (MIT), 3 October 2011
Websites (further than companies websites indicated in the text):
http://www.forbes.com/sites/techonomy/2012/02/07/sculpteo-takes-3d-printing-to-the-cloud/
https://i.materialise.com/blog/entry/i-materialise-is-going-to-the-cloud
http://www.createitreal.com/index.php/technology/process
http://technews.co/2014/06/03/%E3%80%90computex-2014%E3%80%913d-printing-and-cloudcomputing-makes-everyone-a-modeling-expert/
http://www.explainingthefuture.com/technologies.html

Giorgio Magistrelli