About 3D Tri
Making 3D printing accessible across the Research Triangle.
Our Mission
3D Tri was born from a simple observation: the Triangle is full of 3D printers that sit idle most of the day, and people who need 3D prints but don't want to invest in their own equipment.
We're building the bridge between these two groups. For printer owners, we provide a steady stream of local customers to maximize the return on your equipment. For print seekers, we offer access to the Triangle's diverse printing capabilities without the capital outlay.
But more than that, we're building a community. The Triangle — Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill — has one of the most innovative, tech-forward cultures in the country. Our maker community reflects that. Engineers, artists, entrepreneurs, students, and hobbyists — all connected through a shared passion for creating physical objects from digital designs.
What We Believe
Community First
We're building a network, not just a marketplace. Every feature is designed to foster genuine connections between Triangle makers.
Local by Design
We believe in the power of local. Face-to-face pickup, in-person relationships, and supporting your neighbors' businesses.
Accessible Making
3D printing shouldn't require a huge upfront investment. We make professional-grade printing accessible to everyone in the Triangle.
Quality & Trust
Our reputation system rewards quality work and reliable service. The community self-selects for operators who take pride in their craft.
Why the Triangle?
The Research Triangle is uniquely positioned for a 3D printing marketplace. With Duke University, NC State, and UNC Chapel Hill driving innovation, plus a booming tech startup ecosystem, the region has both the technical talent and the demand for rapid prototyping and custom manufacturing.
The Triangle's geography also works in our favor. Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill are close enough that local pickup is always convenient, but spread out enough that a distributed network of printers provides better coverage than any single shop could.
Add in the region's strong maker culture — with active hackerspaces, libraries offering 3D printing access, and a growing number of independent printer operators — and you have the ideal environment for a community-driven 3D printing marketplace.
Get in Touch
Have questions, feedback, or want to partner with us? We'd love to hear from you.
General Inquiries
Questions about the platform, partnership opportunities, or media inquiries.
hello@3dtri.com
Community Support
Need help with your profile, a print order, or the platform? We're here to help.
support@3dtri.com
Be part of something local
Join the Triangle's growing 3D printing community and help shape the future of local manufacturing.
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