Staples to Offer In-Store 3D Printing

Soon, Staples customers will be able to peruse office supplies while waiting for their 3D project to be printed.

The big-box store announced this week that its Printing Systems Division will work with Mcor Technologies Ltd. to launch a new 3D printing service, dubbed "Staples Easy 3D."

The program, however, will initially only have limited availability in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The online feature offers everyone from product designers to architects and educators to parents the option to create photo-realistic 3D printed products. Just upload electronic files to the online Staples Office Center and pick up the finished model at a brick-and-mortar store or have it shipped.

"Given our market leadership in commercial print, why would we ever stop at two dimensions?" Wouter Van Dijk, president of the Staples Printing Systems Division in Europe, said in a statement. "[Customized] parts, prototypes, art objects, architectural models, medical models and 3D maps are items customers need today, in a more affordable and more accessible manner."

Since 3D printers still aren't the popular gift of the holiday season, consumers continue to look elsewhere for the new style of creating. Mcor Technologies CEO Dr. Conor MacCormack believes that his new partner is the perfect solution.

"Staples is uniquely positioned to become the pre-eminent service bureau to the world, and we will help them deliver [the] highest quality and value," he said in a statement. "Staples Easy 3D is a breakthrough service in innovation and access for consumers and businesses alike."

While U.S. customers can't take advantage of the new service just yet, Mcor promised that Staples Easy 3D will be rolled out to other countries following the first-quarter release in the two European locations.

For a look at Staples's new toy, the Mcor IRIS 3D printer, watch the video below.

3D printing is still in the early phases, but a few products are available, including the ProJet 1000 personal 3D printer from 3D Systems Corporation, launched a year ago with the ability to create high-resolution, durable plastic parts. In September, MakerBot unveiled its fourth-generation 3D printer, the Makerbot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer, available now for $2,199.

In other 3D printing news, the BBC reports on efforts to take 3D printers into space - namely, the Moon - in order to print supplies upon arrival and lighten spaceship loads.

For more, check out PCMag's 3D Printing: What You Need to Know?