Labs3D, a new “personal 3D printed miniature shop” has just opened up in Barcelona’s Barrio Gotico, near some of the Catalan city’s most remarkable sites such as the Barceloneta, the Museu Picasso and Palau Guell. And I find myself thinking ‘it’s about time!’
Not so long ago I was looking for 3D print shops around Europe’s capitals. There is one in Lisbon, one in Rome also one in Berlin. There is more than one in London and Amsterdam and even in Stockholm but I could not find one in Barcelona. Although it is not a capital per se it can certainly enjoy “capital” status as one of the most beautiful, well known and visited cities in the content. In other words the perfect place for personal 3D printed miniatures – or if you prefer “physical pictures” – and this type of shop fits just right.
Barcelona is among the liveliest 3D printing scenes in Europe, with a famous FabLab, experimental 3D printing artists such as Growthobjects and highly original creations such as the Foodini 3D food printer and Open Knit.
Labs3D uses an Artec 3D scanner and a ProJet system by 3D Systems to make the personal replicas and – apparently – that is currently their primary business. After so many advanced and innovative projects, it seems that 3D printing in Barcelona is beginning to reach our for the “regular” people as well. And that is a good sign for the health of the entire industry.
