Office supplies chain, Staples, to offer in-store 3D printing

Electronic Products ^ | 12/7/12 | Jeffrey Bausch

[null and void]

Not here, not yet...

[null and void]

Fun news for the 3-D printer fans on FR...

[JRandomFreeper]

Cool. The pace of change accelerates.

/johnny

[from occupied ga]

It might be good for printing fake claymores to line your yard with.

[Errant]

Not a bad idea, but they’re going to have to figure how to handle the nerd who just wants to print a pair of boobs. lol

[jim_trent]

But soon. Just print off a lower receiver for an AR-15 and you are good to go.

[WinMod70]

Not here, not yet... and not new. This has been around since the 1800’s, i think the software package was Braille 1.0.

[VanDeKoik]

Totally will be taking advantage of this service!

Hopefully it wont cost too much.

[null and void]

From your screen name, I’d guess you are where you could try it locally well before it’s even available in the US.

Please post photos when you do!

[petro45acp]

Gotta get hands on! These things are amazing.

Thanks for the ping!!!!!

[RobertClark]

For $500.00 you can put one on your desk: SoildDoodle. For under a grand, you can buy a cubify, which is the one I ordered last week. I can't wait until it arrives.

[AZLiberty]

This ushers in 3D sexting. Staples will have to install private booths.

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

Good points; but, consider that Staples still does a lot of photocopying, despite how ubiquitous cheap laser printers have become. I believe there will be a large market for 3d printing services. Professionals will want higher-resolution prints than the consumer-grade 3d printers can produce. They will also appreciate not having to train staff to use the machines. Many others will just want to experiment, without making a capital purchase. (Custom-printed Christmas presents anyone?)

Of course, if you’re really serious about exploring the new technology (as opposed to some specific applications), you’ll do what you’re doing & get your own equipment.

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

Take out some patents — that might be a billion-dollar idea.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

What material does it output? Polycarbonate? Wax?

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Just print off a lower receiver for an AR-15 and you are good to go.

Already been done. It lasted for six rounds.

[mike_9958]

Easy tech to buy stock in now..... because you know everyone will have one in 10 years.

[null and void]

Paper. Laminated paper in full color.

[jim_trent]

> It lasted for six rounds.

Thanks for the information. I was thinking about a lower that I saw in a video that was machined out of a block of high strength plastic of some sort. It lasted longer, but has not yet replaced aluminum. However, I am absolutely sure the problems will be worked out and it will be practical in the not-so-distant future.

I am also absolutely sure that the gun banners will jump on this and find some way to make it illegal. The BATF is never going to allow someone to walk into a Staples with a CD, download it into their 3-D copier, and walk out with a functional lower receiver. They have been harassing the 80% aluminum receiver suppliers for years.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

However, I am absolutely sure the problems will be worked out and it will be practical in the not-so-distant future.

Ha! I'm certain it will too. And about 10 seconds after aluminum parts can be spit out of a 3D printer, the BATFE will ensure that a new Executive Order will make them illegal.