Staples, 3D Systems Partner to Launch 3D Printing Services

3D printing services in two Staples stores in New York City and Los Angeles

3dsystemlogoROCK HILL, SC, Apr 14, 2014 – 3D Systems announced a partnership with Staples, Inc. in a pilot of 3D printing services in two Staples stores in New York City and Los Angeles.

Manhattan 5th Avenue 3D print experience center offers 3D design and printing services to local small businesses and consumers

Manhattan 5th Avenue 3D print experience center offers 3D design and printing services to local small businesses and consumers

Each Staples store features an immersive 3D printing experience center that lets consumers and small businesses create personalized products and use 3D printing hardware. Customers can also bring in their own 3D print-ready files to have them printed.

“3D printing offers enormous potential for small businesses, and by using Staples, they can print with the technology without having to invest in it,” said Damien Leigh, senior vice president of business services for Staples, Inc. “The test with 3D Systems will help us learn about our customers’ needs for a local 3D printing service, and how Staples can help them make more happen for their business through 3D printing.”

“Staples’ established reputation as a leader in home office and small business solutions makes them an ideal partner for testing out live, consumer-facing 3D print services,” said Rajeev Kulkarni, 3DS’ vice president and general manager, consumer products division. “We have been thrilled with the retail experience and response from our audience, and the difference it makes being able to see, touch and experience 3D printing.”

Store features 3D Systems Cube series of printers, its new 3DMe Photobooth, and design and print services powered by 3D Systems cloud printing platform. Full video is available here.

With the new experience centers, both small businesses and consumers are able to learn more about 3D printing through demonstration areas where they can use design software and see 3D Systems printers in action. Each store will have a 3DMe Photobooth from 3D Systems to capture customers’ facial images for the purpose of personalizing 3D products like figurines, and customers can also print personalized smart phone cases.
Each store has an expert from 3D Systems on-site, along with trained Copy & Print associates from Staples to help guide customers on their 3D printing journey. The items will be printed on site or through 3D Systems and shipped directly to their offices or home.

Staples previously announced in May of 2013 that it would be the first major US retailer to carry 3D printers, with the launch of the Cube from 3D Systems on Staples.com. The company has since rolled out 3D printing hardware and accessories in a limited number of stores, and expanded its overall product selection.

About 3D Systems Corporation

3D Systems is a leading provider of 3D printing centric design-to-manufacturing solutions including 3D printers, print materials and cloud sourced on-demand custom parts for professionals and consumers alike in materials including plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles. The company also provides integrated 3D scan-based design, freeform modeling and inspection tools. Its products and services replace and complement traditional methods and reduce the time and cost of designing new products by printing real parts directly from digital input. These solutions are used to rapidly design, create, communicate, prototype or produce real parts, empowering customers to manufacture the future.

More information on the company is available at www.3DSystems.com.

About Staples

Staples makes it easy to make more happen with more products and more ways to shop. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples lets customers shop however and whenever they want, whether it’s in-store, online or on mobile devices. Staples offers more products than ever, such as technology, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, safety supplies, medical supplies, and Copy and Print services. Staples also offers free shipping for Staples Rewards Members, in most cases overnight. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

More information about Staples (SPLS) is available at http://www.staples.com.

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