Staples' Easy 3D will offer consumers, product designers, architects, healthcare professionals, educators, students and others low-cost, brilliantly colored, photo-realistic, 3D-printed products from Staples stores. Customers will upload electronic files to the Staples Office Centre and pick up the models in their nearby Staples stores, or have them shipped to their address.
Staples will produce the models with the Mcor IRIS, a 3D printer with the highest color capability in the industry and lowest operating cost of any commercial-class 3D printer.
"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."
Although 3D printing is evolving on a similar path to 2D printing, there's no sign that every home will have a 3D printer right away. "Until that time, consumers will look to service bureaus," said Mcor Technologies co-founder and CEO Dr. Conor MacCormack. "Staples is uniquely positioned to become the pre-eminent service bureau to the world, and we will help them deliver highest quality and value. Staples Easy 3D is a breakthrough service in innovation and access for consumers and businesses alike."
Websites: Mcor Technologies & Staples