Jun 15, 2015 | By Alec
A few years ago, just about the only businesses working with 3D printing technology were 3D printing startups, but that has been rapidly changing. Even office supply stores have slowly began to incorporate 3D printers into their catalogues. Two years ago, Staples even opened up a special 3D printing section in a store in the Netherlands, and now one Australian office supplies company has done the same. Officeworks, an office supplies giant that could be compared to staples, has just opened a 3D Experience Centre in Melbourne, Australia.
This 3D Experience Centre can be found in the Officeworks store on Russel Street in Melbourne, and aims to introduce both business and private clients to 3D printing technology. As the Officeworks head of technology and merchandise Toby Watson told Australian reporters, this new facility is complete with a wide range of 3D printing equipment and even a 3D scanning booth that can be used to 3D print a miniature replica of yourself. ‘Officeworks is pleased to provide consumers with unprecedented access to this innovative technology that we believe presents a huge opportunity for professionals, businesses, students and tech-lovers alike,’ he said.
The idea is that everyone can play with 3D printing technology and find out how it can benefit their company or even use it as a hobby. ‘There’s so much excitement and anticipation around the emergence of 3D printing technology, our aim is to educate Australians on how it’s relevant for them and how it can benefit their everyday lives,’ Watson says. ‘Going beyond the novelty factor, 3D printing opens up a world of creativity and stretches the limits of design. In terms of what next from here, we’ll be led by our customers and expand and evolve the offer based on their needs.’
Customers are also encouraged to bring items with them and scan 3D print them in the store, while they can also bring digital files with them for printing. However, the scanner is especially popular and Officeworks had invited 50 Melbourne celebrities to create enough figures for a 3D printed Mini Melbourne display. Among the people scanned and 3D printed were Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, Father Bob Maguire, Collingwood fanatic Joffa, radio personality Chrissie Swan, and comedian Nazeem Hussain, designers Dom Bagnato, Helen O’Connor and Richard Nylon and famous chef Frank Camorra.
Check out the making of Mini Melbourne here.
Australian readers are all invited to check out the 3D Experience Centre in Melbourne and scan and 3D print themselves. Depending on the material, you can have a 3D printed miniature of yourself for just $39(in PLA). A high quality resin version will cost about $119 AUD. However, you will have to wait up to 14 days before receiving your miniature, as 3D printing obviously takes time.
Posted in 3D Printing Services
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must be a typo in ABS prices, right?
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