At a time when Austin-based not-for-profit group Defense Distributed is courting controversy by planning to release CAD files of a fully functional 3D printed handgun, office supplies retail chain Staples has earned the distinction of being the first major U.S. retailer to sell 3D printers.
If you're fascinated by the 3D printer technology and all the things you can conjure up with a 3D printer, you can go right ahead and buy The Cube (by 3D Systems) on Staples.com for approx. $1,300. And, if you'd like to check out the 3D printer first before parting with your grand, you can head over to your loal Staples store and it's highly likely they'll be stocking and displaying the product in store.
The Cube has been designed with consumers in mind. It can print products up to 5.5 inches in height, length and width in any one of the 16 different colors that's available.
And, if you're new to 3D printing, don't sweat - the Cube includes 25 free design templates to help you get started but the real fun begins when you design and build something out of your mind.
"The availability of this innovative technology...lets you create fully formed objects in your home or small business," said Mike Edwards, Staples executive vice president, merchandising. "Staples is known for carrying the latest technology and 3D printers are the most recent example of our commitment to offering every product your business needs to succeed."
There's a few things to note, though. The Cube 3D printer only works with proprietary, pricey supplies, that include cartridges, and many Cube users have complained that [1] the print quality is low and [2] they have to pay to download designs that work with the Cube 3D printer (reportedly, the designs in MakerBot's Thingiverse, a popular site for hosting 3D printer users' printable designs do not work with the Cube, but we'll need to check up on that).
So if you're willing to hold on to your horses a bit more, I'd suggest that you check out Replicator 2X from MakerBot. This is one hot device that drew a lot of eyeballs at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. But be warned: Replicator 2X isn't cheap - be ready to cough up around $3,000 if you want to be a proud owner of this 3D printer.
3D printers are awesome as finally I'll be able to create my very own time travel device. Forget Cody Wilson. Forget Defense Distributed. Forget 3D printed handgun. Let us know what you plan to create using a 3D printer by sounding off below.
