Exertis ends waiting game with 3D print deal

Distributor says it deliberately held back on entering market until it found the right partner in the shape of dual-colour pioneer Builder 3D

Exertis has entered the 3D printer market - albeit a year or two behind some of its competitors - by signing a deal with Dutch vendor Builder 3D.

The distributor said it has harboured an interest in the sector for some time but was waiting to find a partner that offered a "compelling proposition" to the channel.

Exertis hopes Builder 3D, which claims to make the world's only printer that can print two materials or colours through a single extruder nozzle, fits that billing.

Builder 3D's Big Builder Dual, which is aimed both at consumers and business and education customers, will be available through Exertis from £2,999.99 including VAT. The Dutch vendor's entry into the UK is being supported by Dynamism Europe.

Midwich, Tech Data, Ingram Micro, ScanSource and Northamber are among those that were quick to add 3D printers to their line cards over the last couple of years as demand for the technology began to boom.

But Exertis said it had deliberately played a waiting game.

"3D print has been a market of interest to Exertis UK for some time," said Jamie Brothwell, print general manager at Exertis.

"However, it was important that when selecting a 3D Print partner we delivered a compelling proposition to the channel. We believe that in Builder 3D, backed by Dynamism Europe, we have that partner. Its experienced UK-based support team, the ability to print in dual colour and a range of printers means Builder 3D is the 3D print brand for us to back."