- Decentralized Manufacturing
- Blockchain and Onboarding
- Further Research and Prospects
3DOS, known as the 'Uber for 3D-printing,' recently launched its peer-to-peer 3D-printing network on the Sui blockchain, covering more than 79,909 3D printers in 120 countries.
Decentralized Manufacturing
Founded in 2019, 3DOS is a peer-to-peer commodities sharing network. Its protocols and software allow anyone with a compatible 3D printer to accept network requests for print jobs. This model is similar to those used by services such as Uber and Rappi in that it allows individual owners to provide services to a network of customers within a single ecosystem.
According to the company founder and CEO John Dogru: "3DOS is a 3D Operating System, bridging the digital world to the physical world, allowing anyone to access manufacturing capacity and 3D printers anywhere, empowering local producers and eliminating waste, inventory, and the carbon footprint associated with international shipping."
Blockchain and Onboarding
The 3DOS network utilizes its own digital asset, the 3DOS token, to incentivize creators to upload designs and manufacturers to participate in the peer-to-peer pool. Creators and engineers can upload their designs for free with the potential to earn royalties on individual prints, and according to the company’s website, no fees are charged until a product is ordered for printing.
According to documents published by the company, 3DOS previously explored developing its own blockchain to support its 3D printing network. However, the strategic partnership with Sui provides a layer-1 networking host with the benefit of low-friction onboarding. Sui’s zkLogin tech, a Web2-to-Web3 bridge protocol, allows users to login via their Google or Twitch accounts.
Further Research and Prospects
The Sui team is also exploring the use of radio waves to conduct blockchain transactions. This could allow people in areas where internet access isn’t available to remain connected to the global financial system. It could also provide a failsafe for transactions against power and internet outages.
The launch of the 3DOS decentralized 3D-printing network on the Sui blockchain represents a significant step towards increasing manufacturing accessibility and efficiency, minimizing waste, and simplifying market entry for new users.
