FormHub vs Hubs: Belgian Alternative for 3D Printing & CNC
Hubs (now part of Protolabs Network) started as 3D Hubs — one of the first online 3D printing platforms. While they've grown into a full manufacturing marketplace, European engineers looking for personal service and transparent pricing often find FormHub to be a better fit.
- Personal engineer support vs fully automated platform
- No platform markups — direct factory pricing
- Independent Belgian company, not a corporate subsidiary
- Faster lead times with local EU production
- Multilingual support in NL, FR, EN, DE
- Large established platform with instant quoting
- Strong 3D printing heritage and expertise
- Part of Protolabs ecosystem
- Good for high-volume 3D printing orders
Verdict
Hubs is a solid platform for quick 3D printing orders where you don't need personal guidance. But if you value working with a real engineer, want transparent pricing without platform markups, and prefer your manufacturing to stay within the EU, FormHub is the smarter choice for European buyers.
| Criterion | FormHub | Hubs |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Direct factory pricing | Platform markup on supplier prices |
| Personal Support | Direct engineer contact | Fully automated, minimal human contact |
| Lead Time | 3-5 business days | 5-8 business days |
| Manufacturing Network | Curated EU suppliers | Global automated matching |
| Ownership | Independent Belgian company | Owned by Protolabs (US public company) |
| Data Privacy | EU GDPR compliant | EU data center but US parent company |
FAQ
- Is FormHub better than Hubs for European customers?
- For European customers who value personal support and transparent pricing, yes. FormHub provides direct engineer contact, no platform markup, and guaranteed EU manufacturing — advantages that matter when quality and communication are priorities.
- What happened to 3D Hubs?
- 3D Hubs rebranded to "Hubs" and was acquired by Protolabs in 2021. It now operates as Protolabs Network. FormHub remains an independent Belgian company focused on personal service and EU manufacturing.
- Does FormHub offer the same 3D printing technologies as Hubs?
- Yes. FormHub offers SLA, SLS, MJF, FDM, and metal 3D printing — the same core technologies. The difference is personal guidance from an engineer who helps you choose the right technology for your project.