The UPS Store was the first nationwide retailer to offer 3D printing services, and it is evolving its services to better meet the needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Customers can bring a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file to participating locations and 3D print their product design usingStratasys 3D printing technology, to help refine their ideas, reduce development costs, and reduce time-to-market.
"More small business owners and entrepreneurs are looking to 3D printing to help bring their innovations to market," said Gilad Gans, President ofStratasys North America. "The UPS Store is at the forefront of a growing number of retailers that see additive manufacturing as a significant value-add for their customers."
Last year, The UPS Store selected the uPrint SE Plus as part of a 3D printing pilot program in six stores in select markets across the country. Over the past year, the six locations saw demand for 3D printing increase among small businesses, startups, inventors, artists and professionals. Globally, 3D printing services offered by retailers and other providers are growing in demand. According to Wohlers Report 2014, a survey of 3D printing service providers worldwide revealed that more than two-thirds (68.3 percent) added new machines in 2013, up from 58.1 percent in 2012. The Wohlers Report is an annual worldwide state of the 3D printing industry report published by Wohlers Associates, Inc.
The Stratasys uPrint SE Plus professional grade 3D printer uses Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Technology to create durable models and functional prototypes, complex engineering parts and one-of-a-kind objects.
Source: Stratasys