Following the stream of news detailing how Staples, the global office supply store, has embraced 3D printing technology through a two pronged approach by offering a 3D printing service and retailing entry-level 3D printers; another retailer in this space — Top Office in France — has also launched an in-store 3D printing service for its customers.
Top Office, with 36 stores across France, is initially launching its 3D printing service at its flagship store in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, near Lille armed with a Makerbot Replicator 2 3D printer to fulfill the service.
And according to Top Office’s CEO, Raphaël Vanneste, the service will be an extension (literally and figuratively) of the photocopying services the store offers: “Making a 3D object will be as easy as making a photocopy.”
Prices for the 3D printing service start from €9.90 and will obviously be subject to model size and volume as well as material usage. Customers are already making use of the service at Top Office and Vanneste sees huge potential for its growth and roll out for applications including concept prototypes, toys and jewellery.
Source: LA VOiX DU NORD
