Mainstream:
Cube 3D Printer goes retail at Staples for $1,299
Summary: Staples will be among the first major retailers to offer a 3D printer. To date, 3D printers have been the focus of hobbyists.
By Larry Dignan for Between the Lines
ZDNet
May 3, 2013 -- 13:08 GMT (06:08 PDT
Staples will begin selling 3D Systems’ Cube 3D printer in select stores and online for $1,299 at the end of June.
The move will be interesting to watch just to see how many small businesses pick up one. 3D printers have been popular in the tech press, but pricing has kept them from mainstream adoption. Staples’ price of $1,299 still isn’t cheap enough to be an impulse buy, but it’s certainly far enough the five-digit mark to gather some interest.
The Cube 3D Printer will work with Mac or Windows and includes 25 templates with more available online.
Staples will be among the first major retailers to offer a 3D printer. To date, 3D printers have been the focus of hobbyists.
For 3D Systems, the Staples distribution may not add up to massive sales yet, but the proof of concept and interest is worth it. The Cube 3D Printer can print items up to 5.5" x 5.5" x 5.5”. 3D Systems sells its Cubify Invent software as well as plastic cartridge refills, CubeSticks, which stabilize the object being printed and go for $9.99, and replacement Cube Print Pads, which will cost $99.99.
Like most printers, ponder the refills since they add to the lifetime cost.
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