We’ve been in love with Philips off-shoot Shapeways for months now and the service just got nominally better. While you can still fab in plastic, today you will be able to fabricate the first 3D items in brass, a cool and unusual addition to the Shapeways service.

Right now you can only create brass “ring poems” – a fairly limiting proposition – from now until March 31st. The “ringpoem maker” lets you choose a font and a design and Shapeways will do the rest, creating a unique napkin ring for your special occasion. The rings cost $50 each.

While the cynical among us will say “$50 for a napkin ring? F that noise!” I beg you to understand that this is autofabrication in brass, something our ancestors would equate to dark and evil magic.

First 3D Metal Printing Service for DIY Consumers Announced: Shapeways
Bronze RingPoems

Just in Time for Easter or Passover Festivities, Shapeways Introduces First
Step to Bringing 3D Metal Printing To the Masses With Bronze Personalized
Heirloom Napkin Rings

Eindhoven, The Netherland – March 25, 2009 – For the first time,
Shapeways.com enables DIY creative individuals to express their poetic
spirit in precious metals with the Shapeways Creator RingPoems napkin rings.
The Shapeways RingPoem Creator uses text, like an inspirational quote, poem
or family name, to create a 3D circular ring that can be placed around any
napkin, bottle of wine, or special item. The unique model is then printed
with Bronze metals using the latest in 3D printing technology.

In just a few mouse clicks users can type in text, select a font and create
a personalized Bronze 3D printed table accessory ideal for any elegant
celebration. A distinctive heirloom, the Shapeways Bronze RingPoem makes the
perfect accent for any holiday table setting. Shapeways CREATOR products
are produced and delivered globally within 10 working days. Attractively
priced at $49.00 each, including tax and shipping, the personalized napkin
RingPoems arrive beautiful packaged and add the perfect charm to any
occasion. The Shapeways Bronze RingPoems are offered only for a limited-time
at http://www.shapeways.com. The Shapeways RingPoems are also available in
White Strong and Flexible material for a modern, sleek design for any
special occasion.