There are those who have suggested that at some point 3D printing might challenge Amazon’s business by allowing customers to produce products directly in their homes almost instantly. The company’s CEO Jeff Bezos however, has said that the prospect doesn’t bother him as he thinks 3D printing is probably more interesting for prototyping, not for mass production. Either proving or disproving the CEO’s statements, the online mega distributor has partnered with 3D printing service bureau and printables startup 3DLT as they further their advances into the 3D printing market.
Last year, Amazon began selling 3D printers and supplies and, in January of this year, the company allowed 3D Printing service provider Sculpteo to sell 3D-printed jewellery on their site. Now, 3DLT has announced their partnership with the retailer, selling 3D printing services through Amazon and extending Amazon’s reach into the 3D printables market. 3DLT has launched its Amazon marketplace with 50 items to start with, including belt buckles and iPhone cases among other things, that can be printed and shipped in 6 to 10 days.
3DLT CEO, John Hauer is excited by the potential of a partnership with Amazon, as they’ve become an eCommerce juggernaut. John also thinks Amazon’s decision to begin selling 3D printers and supplies last summer was a clear indication that 3D printing was going mainstream. And selling 3D printed products sends an even bigger message — namely that consumer products are the next frontier.
3DLT, which will slowly be releasing more products via Amazon, is reportedly the first of four companies that Amazon will be partnering with to offer 3D printed goods.
