It’s a Three-Dimensional World

Making it Small

Big brands aren’t the only customers for 3D printing in the retail space, however. Another small, but growing, segment are the “makers” — small groups or even individuals who are looking to push 3D printing in ways even the manufacturers might not have considered. For the most part, this group is using smaller, homemade variations of 3D printers, which are far more cost-effective for the types of projects they are creating. But there is some opportunity for wide-format printers with the capabilities already in house.

“Retail 3D printing is really just starting to be seen in the marketplace in limited applications,” says Josh Hope, senior manager of 3D Printing & Engineering Projects at Mimaki USA. “The maker community was early to adopt 3D printing and has driven a lot of the FDM-based printer development and sales. At the upper end of the maker community is the ‘maker to market’ group, which looks to develop actual products to market and sell. This group tends to look for access to higher-end 3D printers, which drives the need for service bureau output. As the 3D printing technologies continue to develop (higher strength, more flexibility, more color, faster, etc.), the maker groups are looking for access to these new machines and technologies.”

He went on to point out that in this space, it is all about open access, rather than proprietary designs. This community tends to want to share projects and ideas and build on what others have come up with. Hope notes that for wide-format printers looking to cultivate this particular segment of the retail market, the best way to win the business is to engage with it.