More 3D Printers Find Their Way to Retail

As additive manufacturing (AM) becomes more of an everyday idea, people will eventually consider purchasing a system of their own. Not everyone will want, or need, to own a 3D printer (though there is some evidence the technology is budget friendly), but the interest will still be there. For most folks, this will mean a quick Google search, but not everyone is comfortable with that kind of random experience.

Brick-and-mortar stores specializing in AM have been popping up around the country, and multiple online entities have also added 3D printers to the menu. It’s getting so you can’t turn around without tripping over a 3D printer, even for people who unwilling to go out of their comfort zone. Now, Microsoft and Office Depot are getting into the act, offering MakerBot and 3D Systems printers, respectively.

For Microsoft, the “MakerBot Experience” means adding live demonstrations of the Replicator 2, alongside sales of the system. Bringing 3D printers to its stores makes sense given Microsoft’s recent move to back AM with Windows 8.1. In addition, having active 3D printers in a store might help give the place the sort of cool vibe Microsoft has, no doubt, been striving for to compete with Apple outlets.

From the MakerBot press release:

'The MakerBot Experience,' our in-store 3D printing demonstration at the Microsoft retail store, is expanding from its roots in Seattle, San Francisco, and Palo Alto and sweeping the nation. Get yourself to a Microsoft Retail Store near you and grab your MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer.

Office Depot is also looking to expand into AM, albeit in a more limited fashion. Rather than offering 3D printers and printing services in-store, ala Staples, the office supply chain is hedging its bets by selling 3D Systems’ Cube and CubeX online. With companies like Amazon already in the online mix, I’m not sure this particular strategy is a winner, even if people aren’t willing to do the two seconds of research required to find the Cube systems on 3D Systems’ website.

"Office Depot is excited to offer innovative products and print solutions like the Cube and CubeX 3D printers that harness the power and versatility of the latest printing technology for our customers," said George Hill, Office Depot's senior vice president of copy and print. "We are already an established leader in 2D printing services and print product offerings. 3D printers are just the latest example of Office Depot's commitment to providing new and pioneering products and solutions that customers need to start, run and grow their business."

You can have your own MakerBot Experience by watching a video montage of a Replicator 2 at work, below.

Sources: MakerBot, engadget