The need for fast turnarounds, DFM-focused engineering support, and flexible production capacity has grown in recent years. Companies across aerospace, electrical components, robotics, and industrial hardware demand suppliers who can manage both prototype-level builds and production-grade outputs.
Fictiv has positioned itself as a digital manufacturing provider with strong capabilities in CNC machining, injection molding, and 3D printing. It connects customers to vetted suppliers while offering a polished user experience. However, several manufacturing platforms now offer specialized support, better pricing models, or expanded factory integration. These alternatives cater to specific buyer needs that Fictiv may not fully address.
As Frigate, a global B2B contract manufacturing and sourcing company, we help businesses avoid capacity constraints and get reliable parts from vetted Indian factories. In this blog, we will explore Fictiv alternatives that address various needs and pain points in the manufacturing sector including Xometry, Protolabs, Shapeways, Jiga, Hubs, Fathom, Materialise, Quickparts, Factorem, and Frigate, highlighting what each offer and where they may fall short.
Fictiv
Founded in 2013, Fictiv is a digital manufacturing platform that streamlines the production of custom mechanical parts. Leveraging a global network of vetted partners, Fictiv offers services like CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding, and urethane casting. Their platform emphasizes rapid prototyping and production, aiming to simplify the manufacturing process for engineers and designers.
Best For
Buyers looking for US-based CNC machining and injection molding with tight lead times and polished quoting tools. Strong for prototype-to-low-volume production.
Limitations
Limited support for medium-to-high volume production. Higher part cost due to reliance on tiered vendors and platform markup. Few options for factory-direct interactions or engineering involvement.
Frigate
When evaluating Fictiv alternatives, one notable player is Frigate, a global B2B contract manufacturing and sourcing company specializing in engineering-grade components, structural assemblies, and fabricated industrial hardware. They assist international clients in shifting parts of their supply chain to India, offering cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Frigate’s services span multiple industries, including renewable energy, electrical components, automotive, aerospace and heavy structural fabrication.
Best For
Global companies needing factory-direct sourcing from India for sheet metal, CNC, casting, stamping, and wire forming with hands-on engineering involvement and mid-volume scale.
Xometry
Another strong contender among Fictiv alternatives is Xometry, a U.S.-based on-demand manufacturing platform connecting engineers and purchasing teams with a vast network of vetted manufacturing partners worldwide. Offering services like CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication, Xometry caters to both prototyping and full-scale production needs. Their AI-powered quoting system provides real-time pricing, lead times, and DFM insights.
Best For
Fast prototyping across CNC, injection molding, and 3D printing with a broad supplier base and dynamic pricing. Suitable for small to mid-volume US-based jobs.
Limitations
Lead times may vary depending on supplier load. Less transparency on who manufactures your parts. Limited engineering communication unless upgraded.
Protolabs
Established in 1999, Protolabs is a leader in rapid prototyping and on-demand production. They offer services including CNC machining, injection molding, 3D printing, and sheet metal fabrication. Protolabs is renowned for its ability to deliver parts in as little as one day, making it ideal for projects with tight deadlines.
Best For
Ultra-fast turnaround for prototype CNC and injection molded parts with strict quality control. Good fit for engineering teams validating early designs.
Limitations
Higher per-part cost for scale manufacturing. Less flexible for complex, multi-process assemblies or low-cost sourcing outside the US or EU.
Shapeways
Shapeways is a digital manufacturing platform specializing in 3D printing services. They offer a range of materials and finishes, catering to industries like aerospace, medical, and consumer products. Shapeways provides both prototyping and end-use production solutions.
Best For
Custom 3D printed parts with diverse material options and integration with CAD platforms. Suitable for niche geometries and short-run prints.
Limitations
Limited support for CNC, sheet metal, or injection molding. Not a fit for production runs or functional mechanical parts. For those specifically seeking Fictiv alternatives focused on 3D printing, Shapeways offers unique customization options.
Jiga
Launched in 2020, Jiga, one of the newer Fictiv alternatives, brings transparency and collaboration into the sourcing process for custom parts. Emphasizing transparency and collaboration, Jiga streamlines the custom part sourcing process with services like CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, and injection molding.
Best For
Distributed supply chain management with real-time visibility across vendors. Offers sourcing automation with supplier traceability.
Limitations
Still growing supplier base. Limited on-site production control or engineering collaboration compared to sourcing-focused platforms.
Hubs
Formerly known as 3D Hubs, Hubs offers a comprehensive online manufacturing platform connecting businesses with a global network of vetted manufacturing partners. Their services span CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication.
Best For
Online quoting across CNC, 3D printing, and injection molding. Good for buyers needing ease of access and rapid quoting.
Limitations
High variability in part quality. Many jobs get routed through intermediaries. Limited support for custom packaging, sub-assembly, or dedicated QA.
Fathom
Fathom is a U.S.-based advanced manufacturing company offering services like 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication. They focus on providing high-precision, responsive, and comprehensive manufacturing solutions for various industries.
Best For
Engineering-intensive builds and custom manufacturing in the US. Focused on high-mix, low-volume production for industrial clients.
Limitations
Not ideal for cost-sensitive or offshore production. Smaller vendor pool compared to others on this list.
Materialise
Materialise is a Belgium-based company specializing in 3D printing services and software solutions. They offer a range of additive manufacturing services, catering to industries like healthcare, automotive, and aerospace.
Best For
Complex 3D printed medical and aerospace parts with compliance support and specialized AM tooling.
Limitations
Limited conventional manufacturing services. Complex workflows may not suit general buyers looking for quick-turn or mixed-process jobs.
Quickparts
Quickparts is a compelling option among Fictiv alternatives, especially for companies requiring rapid prototyping and low-volume production, including CNC machining, injection molding, 3D printing, and sheet metal fabrication. They provide end-to-end solutions from prototyping to production.
Best For
Rapid prototyping in North America and Europe with dedicated support across tooling, molding, and AM.
Limitations
Costs tend to be higher than offshore providers. Smaller digital workflow tools compared to others on this list.
Factorem
Factorem is a Southeast Asia-based AI-driven cloud platform for ordering custom-manufactured parts on-demand. They offer services like CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, and injection molding, focusing on low-volume, high-quality parts.
Best For
India-based manufacturing services with focus on cost-effective production across CNC, 3D printing, and molding.
Limitations
Smaller scale and less platform maturity compared to top-tier players. Limited RFQ management tools and quoting flexibility.
How Frigate Stands Out Against Fictiv & Competitors
Frigate distinguishes itself through its engineering-centric approach, offering dedicated account management and early-stage DFM feedback. Their India-based operations provide cost advantages without compromising on quality, and their instant quoting tool caters to small to mid-volume production needs. Additionally, Frigate’s ‘Fast Parts’ service ensures expedited delivery, making them a reliable partner for global buyers seeking efficiency and value.
Comparison Table – Fictiv vs. Alternatives
| Provider | Best For | Lead Time | Pricing | Quality Control | Global Reach |
| Fictiv | Rapid prototyping and production | Fast | Moderate | High | US/China |
| Frigate | Cost-effective, high-quality manufacturing | Moderate | Competitive | High | Global |
| Xometry | Broad manufacturing services with quick turnaround | Fast | High | Variable | Global |
| Protolabs | Rapid prototyping and low-volume production | Very Fast | Premium | High | US/EU |
| Shapeways | High-quality 3D printing services | Moderate | Moderate | High | Global |
| Jiga | Direct manufacturer communication and transparency | Moderate | Competitive | Variable | Global |
| Hubs | Flexible sourcing with broad supplier access | Moderate | Competitive | Variable | Global |
| Fathom | Advanced manufacturing with precision focus | Moderate | Premium | High | North America |
| Materialise | Specialized 3D printing and software solutions | Moderate | Premium | High | Global |
| Quickparts | Comprehensive manufacturing services | Fast | Moderate | High | Global |
| Factorem | Cost-effective, high-quality manufacturing in SEA | Fast | Competitive | High | Southeast Asia |
Conclusion
Fictiv offers a smooth interface and reliable turnaround, but it may not support complex assemblies, large batch runs, or global sourcing needs. Several companies now offer deeper supplier access, more flexible RFQ processes, or lower costs through direct factory coordination.
Frigate steps in with a dedicated contract manufacturing approach, real engineering touchpoints, and vetted Indian suppliers that meet batch-level expectations. Buyers also benefit from our Frigate Fast Parts platform for faster quotes and production for US orders.
If you’re evaluating long-term sourcing options beyond digital-first platforms, connect with Frigate to reduce cost friction and improve part reliability. Get Instant Quote with Frigate and see how we deliver engineering-backed manufacturing at scale.
