Staples Experiments with 3-D

Staples, Inc. (Framingham, Mass.) has partnered with 3D Systems, Inc. (Rock Hill, S.C.), a provider of 3-D content-to-print products, to test-market 3-D printing services in two Staples stores in New York and Los Angeles.

Each store features an “immersive 3-D printing experience center,” a demonstration area that lets consumers and small businesses use 3-D design hardware and software, create personalized print projects, and watch 3-D printers work. Customers can also bring in their own 3-D print-ready files to have them printed. Each store will have a photo booth to capture customers’ facial images to be used in personalized 3-D products such as figurines, and customers can also print personalized smart phone cases. Damien Leigh, senior vice president of business services for Staples says, “The test with 3D Systems will help us learn about our customers’ needs for a local 3-D printing service.”

During the test phase, 3D Systems employees will be onsite at both the New York and Los Angeles locations to help customers learn the product and the processes. Items will be printed on site or through 3D Systems and shipped to customers’ offices or homes.