3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) announced Monday that it has partnered with retailer Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLS) to offer 3D printing services to two retail locations. The services will be offered at Staples’ stores on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles and 5th Avenue in Manhattan, New York. You can bring your 3D print-ready files to these locations to have them printed.
Stores will have experts from 3D Systems to help customers
Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLS)’s SVP for business services, Damien Leigh said that the 3D printing technology would benefit millions of consumers and small businesses. 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) said that the retail stores will have demonstration areas where customers can learn about 3D printing, and see its printers in action. The stores will have an expert from 3D Systems and trained copy & print associates from Staples to help customers.
Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLS)’s retail stores have six 3D printers to print customers’ items on site. More complex items will go to 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD). The Rock Hill, South Carolina-based company would ship to customers’ homes or offices when finished. At retail stores, customers will be able to print with powder or plastic substrates. They will also have options to use ceramic and nylon.
3D Systems’ pilot project gains interest from various market segments
3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) said prices are determined on a case-to-case basis depending on the volume of material used. Customers get a pricing estimate when they bring their print-ready files. Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLS)’s director of business development, Chris DeMeo said that a cellphone case made up of nylon and plastic sells for $30. But a customized figurine would cost customers about $70. The price of a 3D printed guitar may go up to $5,000.
DeMeo said the pilot project has garnered interests from product designers, medical professionals, jewelers, architects and even aerospace engineers. Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLS) also sells 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD)’s 3D printers. Prices of the most affordable of them, Cube 3D Printer, start at $1299.
3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) shares plunged 1.71% to $47.20 at 12:10 PM EDT on Monday.
