From guitars to printing in space: 3D goes mainstream

If you dream it we can print it' claims American stationary giant Staples as it launches a brand new service. The company has announced an in-house option that will allow customers to print 3D objects on-demand in their stores, albeit only in the US at present. Although the service will initially enable you to produce fun items such as action figures and suchlike, the wider aim of the initiative is to underline the appeal to business users.

3D printers are sophisticated machines and they're getting smarter all the time. So, before long it's thought that you'll be able to start producing spare parts, fixtures, fittings and all manner of other items that would normally have to be bought off-the-shelf. In the future, however, if we need a component part for something then it may just be easier to simply print one off, no matter how obscure it might be.

Fast-food chain McDonald’s is considering using 3D printers in stores to produce the pocket-sized toys it gives away with children’s meals. McDonald’s UK IT director, Mark Fabes has told journalists he was looking into potential application of 3D printing in the restaurants. 3D printing technology could enable staff at a McDonald’s to print out the child’s choice of toy along with the meal. And the technology would certainly be a promotional draw when it first launched.

Perhaps one of the coolest innovations so far unveiled is the 3DMe experience. This natty little booth can be installed in shops and allows you to be scanned and subsequently turned into a personalised three-dimensional figurine. Such is the technology behind this invention that there is now the capacity for high-volume production of 3D characters.

The other bonus with this amazing machine is that it can also mesh your own scan with other licensed characatures, which will allow you to print out a truly unique creation that will make the perfect gift or keepsake. Granted, it's more fun than practical, but underlines just how powerful 3D printing is fast becoming.

Story on MSN 

21 April 2014

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