Staples Teams with Sculpteo to Develop Online 3D Printing Service

I’m not really a very chatty person, so when I go to get a haircut the stylist usually falls back on the classics in an attempt to engage me in conversation. Once it’s been established I’m a writer, the next question is almost always, “About what?” A few years ago, when I said “3D printing” no one had any idea what I was talking about. Now, the granny getting her hair sculpted has a grandson who made a cookie cutter with a MakerBot.

Additive manufacturing (AM) has gone from near obscurity to reasonable levels of public awareness since the boom of attention in 2012. Some companies have been quicker to pick up on the new trend than others, and Staples was among the early adopters. The company’s latest move has been to increase its presence in 3D printing with a new online marketplace powered by Sculpteo’s creative services.

The new online service allows users to submit existing 3D designs and browse existing designs. Customers will be able to make tweaks to existing designs in order to personalize their print-on-demand products. Once an object has been printed, Staples ships it out to its proud new owner.

“This is a great addition for our business customers that are looking for an easy way to prototype with quick turnaround time, and at an affordable price,” said Behzad Soltani, vice president of services, e-commerce for Staples, Inc. “The platform allows beginners to get a taste and try 3D printing by selecting one of our existing models and making it their own through our customization options.”

As might be expected for a new launch, the product offerings are pretty limited. You can get a 3D printed Easy button for $67, but I’m pretty sure they cost about $5 normally. Materials selection seems limited to plastic, so it isn’t possible to make that super shiny solid metal Easy button you’ve always dreamed of hurling at problems.

“We are thrilled to support Staples through our 3D Printing Cloud Engine. This is an exciting time for 3D Printing in Retail,” said Clément Moreau, CEO & co-founder of Sculpteo, “Staples will become an entry point for both businesses and the general public to benefit of 3D printing, and we are proud that Sculpteo’s technology will help to make that possible.”

Below you’ll find a video about Sculpteo’s object creator.

Source: Staples