Staples in-store 3D Printing
The giant office supply retail store Staples is announcing one of it's coolest
accommodations yet, in-store 3D printing...
3D Printers are definitely one of the coolest innovations of the 21st century.
3D printers allow you the unique ability to print out real-life replicas of computer generated 3D models.
The problem is the massive price tag on good quality 3D printers.
Well, don't worry, Staples has an easy solution.
Staples has recently announced the creation of a new service called "Staples Easy 3D".
This new service will allow customers to upload their designs to Staples' website, and then pick up the printed objects at their local office supply megastore, or even have them shipped to their home or business.
The project was announced on Dec.1 at Euromold 2012 by 3D printer manufacturer Mcor Technologies, who is partnering up with Staples to provide new Iris printers for the new service.
Iris printers employ an innovative method to generate objects, using reams of paper that are cut and printed while being stacked and glued together. This technique allows for a high-resolution layer thickness of 100 microns. It also allows for the ability to add photorealistic coloring, something that plastic printers can't yet achieve. Observe the bright colors in the wheels printed from an Iris printer pictured below.
"Given our market leadership in commercial print, why would we ever stop at two dimensions?" said President Wouter Van Dijk, president of the Staples Printing Systems Division in Europe. "Customized parts, prototypes, art objects, architectural models, medical models and 3D maps are items customers need today, in a more affordable and more accessible manner. Mcor will help us to keep prices low, quality high and color brilliant as we meet the demand."
Above is a skull printed from an Iris printer. The minuscule details and vibrant colors exemplify the ability of the Iris printers that Staples will utilize in its "Staples Easy 3D" service.
The glued paper is said to have a wood-like hardness but its material properties are still unknown compared to traditional material like real wood or steel.
Staples Easy 3D will launch in the Netherlands and Belgium in the first quarter of 2013.
There is no word yet on pricing or when it will reach the United States.
Check out some of the cool stuff being created with 3D printers here:
