Officeworks will became the first Australian retailer to offer 3D printers in selected stores and online with the sale of the 3D Systems Cube 3D Printer.
3D printing is a rapidly growing segment of the technology market with models shrinking in size and getting cheaper.
The 3D Systems Cube 3D Printer is capable of printing objects that are 14cm x 14cm x 14cm in size.
While traditional printers can print on a flat surface in 2D, the 3D printer can print in three dimensions width, length and height.
It does this by building up the object by melting a plastic filament and drawing one layer at a time to create a real object.
Consumables, like cartridges for a regular inkjet printer, are also available for the 3D printer from Officeworks as well.
There is a special ABS plastic which is recyclable or a PLA plastic which is compostable.
Out of the box there are 25 free 3D creations which can be printed with other models available from the Cubify Store.
Users can also create their own 3D printable designs using software like Cubify Invent.
3D printing can take a bit more time than a regular printer.
For example, if a user wanted to print up a smartphone case, it could take as long as two hours to complete.
Sound good? The downside is the 3D Systems 3D Printer is not cheap – it is priced at $1,499.
“The Cube 3D printer is for everyone, it’s easy to use and helps you turn your big ideas into tangible objects,” says Officeworks technology business manager Toby Watson.
“Whether it is to bring to life your design course work, show concepts to clients, or create something unique for fun, Cube 3D printers have you covered.
“At Officeworks were really excited to see where our customers take the Cube 3D Printer as they explore the limit this range of creative, boundary-pushing designs available.”
The Cube 3D printer is available now at 21 Officeworks stores across Australia and online at officeworks.com.au.
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