Choose by procurement architecture
API-ready marketplace flow is centered on Xometry. Factory-centric flow is strongest with Protolabs and SendCutSend. Managed network execution is strongest with Fictiv.
Guide
B2B Manufacturing Marketplaces: 9 Platforms Compared (2026)
Last updated: 2026-02-27
This process-intent guide compares custom manufacturing marketplace options by model type, process breadth, API readiness, and compliance posture for B2B procurement teams.
B2B Manufacturing Marketplace Comparison Table (9 Platforms)
| Platform | Marketplace model | Process coverage signal | Instant quote | Public API | Compliance signal | Best-fit buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xometry | Distributed supplier network (principal model) | Broadest multi-process coverage in this set | Yes | Yes | ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100D, ITAR, CMMC L2 | Broad process access plus programmatic procurement |
| Protolabs | Hybrid (own factories + network extension) | Strong CNC/3DP/sheet/molding with factory-centric execution | Yes | No | ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100D, ITAR | Regulated-industry teams prioritizing speed and quality controls |
| Hubs | Supplier network (Protolabs Network) | Core processes with network-driven production scaling | Yes | No | ISO 9001 floor; AS9100D/ISO 13485 via suppliers; ITAR not supported on Hubs | Network sourcing in Protolabs ecosystem |
| Fictiv | Managed supplier network | Broad multi-process with managed execution layer | Yes | No | ISO 9001; AS9100D/ISO 13485 via partners; SOC 2 Type II | Enterprise teams needing managed prototype-to-production programs |
| Jiga | RFQ-first vetted network | Broad process list including custom PCB sourcing | No (RFQ model) | No | ISO 9001 platform; AS9100D/ISO 13485/ITAR interface on demand | Teams valuing direct supplier communication and RFQ collaboration |
| SendCutSend | Own-factory manufacturer-direct | Strongest for sheet/plate workflows; narrower beyond that | Yes | Not publicly documented | Material certifications available on request for listed services | US/Canada buyers needing fast sheet-metal workflows |
| RapidDirect | Hybrid (own factory + partner network) | Broad global process mix including molding and casting | Yes | Not publicly documented | ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949 | Cost-focused global sourcing buyers |
| Meviy | MISUMI-operated quoting platform | Focused CNC and sheet workflows in MISUMI ecosystem | Yes | Not publicly documented | ISO 9001 context for listed workflows | Teams prioritizing fast CAD-to-quote in MISUMI procurement |
| eMachineShop | Managed software + partner network | Broad general-purpose process coverage | Yes | Not publicly documented | ITAR, JCP, CMMC; ISO 9001/13485 via partner network | US-focused teams wanting low-friction CAD-to-order workflows |
Buyer Decision Guide
Choose by compliance posture
Xometry, Protolabs, and eMachineShop publish stronger explicit compliance posture, while Hubs, Fictiv, and Jiga often depend on supplier-path or on-demand compliance routing.
Choose by cost and geography
RapidDirect is typically the cost-tilted global option, while SendCutSend is a fast US/Canada sheet-first option.
Choose by process breadth
Broadest cross-process options are Xometry, Fictiv, and RapidDirect. Meviy is more focused on CNC and sheet workflows.
What Independent Users Report
- Buyer discussions often recommend comparing multiple marketplace quotes because lead-time and quality outcomes vary by part complexity and supplier-path execution.
- Reputation-focused queries for major platforms are frequently dominated by third-party forums and review platforms.
- Experienced buyers typically use third-party sentiment as directional evidence and still decide on process/compliance/lead-time fit.
Sources: Reddit (alternatives thread); Reddit (Protolabs Network); Reddit (Xometry experience); Trustpilot (Xometry); Trustpilot (RapidDirect)
FAQ
What is the best B2B manufacturing marketplace?
There is no universal best platform. The right marketplace depends on process mix, compliance needs, lead-time targets, and procurement workflow constraints.
Which custom manufacturing marketplace has a public API?
In this current dataset, Xometry is the only platform with a documented public API for programmatic quote and order workflows.
Which B2B manufacturing marketplace is cheapest?
RapidDirect is commonly positioned as cost-focused, but final landed cost depends on shipping, tariffs, quality controls, and rework risk.
Which marketplace is strongest for compliance-heavy industries?
Xometry, Protolabs, and eMachineShop publish the strongest explicit compliance posture in this dataset.
Is a supplier network always better than own-factory models?
Not always. Networks can improve coverage and pricing options, while own-factory models can improve execution predictability for specific workflows.
Should I use instant quote or RFQ-first marketplaces?
Instant quote is usually faster for standard parts. RFQ-first workflows can be better for atypical requirements and deeper supplier collaboration.
Related Pages
Sources
- docs/content/comparisons/custom-manufacturing.md
- docs/content/research/xometry.yml
- docs/content/research/protolabs.yml
- docs/content/research/hubs.yml
- docs/content/research/fictiv.yml
- docs/content/research/jiga.yml
- docs/content/research/sendcutsend.yml
- docs/content/research/rapiddirect.yml
- docs/content/research/meviy.yml
- docs/content/research/emachineshop.yml
- docs/content/research/discoverability/keyword_and_query_landscape.yml
- docs/content/research/discoverability/content_gap_analysis.yml
- https://www.reddit.com/r/CNC/comments/im6c2w/cheaper_alternatives_to_xometry_or_protolabs_for/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/manufacturing/comments/1cz0mq2/protolabs_network/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Machinists/comments/vnh7xc/experience_with_xometry/
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/xometry.com
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/rapiddirect.com