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With companies constantly searching for the latest breakthrough innovation, hardware manufacturers are working overtime to help them bring their ideas and concepts to life as working prototypes. 3D printing is easing a lot of that burden, but businesses can still find themselves waiting weeks to finally receive their goods. Fictiv is a new platform that leverages idle 3D printers to offer same-day delivery on prototypes and product parts.

The service offers hardware engineers a quicker way to order parts in three easy steps. Users can order the 3D parts they need online and instantly get a quote. The order is then sent out to a network of local fabricators, and those with idle machines can take on the job. Fictiv manages all vendors and ensures the best quality by testing parts themselves before they ship out. Thanks to the crowdsourced nature of its network, the company is able to offer delivery on the same day in the San Francisco Bay Area, although the rest of the US may experience longer waits.

By cutting time on quotes and delivery waiting times, Fictiv helps businesses to speed up the creation and innovation process. Are there other ways to help companies prototype more rapidly?