Staples dips its toe into on-demand 3D printing services

Customers can use in-store 3D printers on demand without having to splash out on their own

Staples has launched a services pilot scheme which allows customers to use in-store 3D printers on demand so they do not have to shell out for their own device.

The retailer is allowing customers in its New York and Los Angeles stores to use its 3D printers as and when they want to as part of the service, which could be rolled out across other territories if it takes off.

The move allows the public to try out the technology without having to buy their own printers, which can cost up to thousands of pounds.

Although 3D printing has been around for years, in recent months the trend has enjoyed a surge of popularity with vendors publicly placing their bets on the technology.

Microsoft and HP have thrown their hats into the ring, as well as UK channel firms Midwich and Sonar 3D.

Gartner has tipped 3D printing for big things too but warns that widespread use of the technology could end up costing the industry $100bn (£60bn) a year in IP theft.