Staples is about to launch a new online 3D printing platform which will let small businesses and consumers upload their own 3D designs or select from a curated assortment of models. The platform will be powered by the online 3D printing service Sculpteo.
User will be able to submit their own 3D files and customise designs by selecting from a wide array of materials and colours as well as adding text, figures, and images to any printable project. The platform also features a responsive, interactive 3D viewer so creations can be previewed before being 3D printed.
Staples has offered 3D printing as a service in its retail locations and through its Copy & Print sales teams, but the new service offering makes 3D printing even easier for businesses.
“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 get a taste and try 3D printing by selecting one of our existing models and making it their own through our customization options.”
Clément Moreau, CEO & Co-Founder of Sculpteo: “We are thrilled to support Staples through our 3D Printing Cloud Engine. This is an exciting time for 3D Printing in Retail. 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”.
The site is scheduled to go live on Staples.com the week of September 14.
Staples previously announced in May of 2013 that it would be the first major U.S. retailer to carry 3D printers. The company has since rolled out 3D printing hardware and accessories in a limited number of stores, and expanded its overall product selection to include printers by MakerBot. The company also launched in-store 3D printing services in pilot stores in New York City and Los Angles, as well as in a limited number of stores supported by Stratasys.
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