www.3ders.org

April 22, 2013

3D printers remains a niche product in 2012, with purchases primarily made by early adopters. Nevertheless, many developments demonstrate the technology are becoming mature and is expected to reach to home users in just few years.

In Autumn 2012 3D Systems' Cube 3D printers were on sale during "Three Crazy Days" - action in the luxury department store De Bijenkorf in the Netherlands for a reduced price of 1,050 euro. In those three days, gadgets lovers can indulge themselves in the various products that go on sale with crazy prices. "We'll soon see 3D printers in department stores." Is it too early to predict that?

Sainsbury's, the third largest chain of supermarkets in the United Kingdom, is currently analysing the possible impact 3D printing may have on the retail sector.

"We have to prepare for the fact that consumers may soon not want to buy pre-packaged iPhone cases of the shelf, but build and design their own," said Sainsbury's IT director, Rob Fraser.

We need to wait until later this year to know if Sainsbury plans to add 3D printer on its shelves to remain ahead of rivals. But some others are taking a step further.

Desktop 3D printer manufacturer Solidoodle announced on Mar.1, 2013 that the company is set to launch 3D printing stores in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Solidoodle parnters with international businessman Ed Kantor to establish trendy 3D printing stores in these areas, selling and showcasing its 3D printers and lifestyle printed items featuring an upscale fashion shopping experience.

And iMakr, billed as the world's largest 3D printing store, will launch its grand opening on April 30th, 2013 in Central London. The new iMakr store will be filled with 3D printers and 3D scanners and iMakr has announced that the Cube, CubeX, CubeX Trio, as well as Solidoodle 3D printers will all appear on iMakr's shelves.

More sign shows that 3D printer is getting mainstreamier. SkyMall shopping magazine, with an annual circulation of approximately 20 million copies distributed in airplane seat pockets in the United States, just added Cube 3D printer in its "new arrivals" list for a price of $1,299. The SkyMall catalog is seen by approximately 88% of all domestic air passengers in US.

Bring your 3-D projects to life.

3D printing has been considered expensive and only available to early adopters - but soon, it will be changed. As 3D printers get more advanced and cheaper, they're also finding new homes. SkyMall is telling consumers,

"The Cube 3D printer is a 3D printer for everyone."

"Simple set up -- just plug it in and hit print."

"An average smartphone case takes about 2 hours to print."

And

"Super easy and simple to use for anyone years 8 of age to 80."

 

 

Posted in 3D Printers

 

 

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