Other 3D printing companies (besides Shapeways)

There are two other sites that I've been looking at the do 3D printing besides just shapeways. The first one is called Ponoko. About two years ago, the company Autodesk 123D, a community for users to design, create, and share 3D models, partnered with Ponoko, Techshop, and 3D Systems to allow users of 123D to create actual objects with their designs using the 3D modeling software. 3D Systems offers on-demand printing services and personal 3D printers and kits. As of right now, it is still free to use. Ponoko offers more than just 3D printing. It also offers laser cutting in a variety of materials including thin wood. Their webite can be found by clicking HERE. 

Another of the potential ways to get started 3D printing is using a place called Techshop, which have locations in various cities (mostly larger).  Their facilities includes laser cutters, plastics and electronics labs, a machine shop, a wood shop, a metal working shop, a textiles department, welding stations and a waterjet cutter. Members have open access to design software, featuring the entire Autodesk Design Suite. Huge project areas with large work tables are available for completing projects and collaborating with others. 

How It Works (according to their site)

It's simple. Anyone may attend classes. For a monthly or annual fee, members can reserve and use TechShop's tools upon successful completion of equipment-specific Safety and Basic Use (SBU) classes. 

And a fourth place that one might go to in order to get some of their designs created in a tangible form is i.Materialise.  Checking out these sites may provide better and more suitable for each individual.