Amazon launches new 3D printing store
Amazon has launched an online store for 3D printed items to allow consumers to customise and personalise items such as earrings, pendants, dolls and other objects.
The store offers more than 200 items including nylon wallets, wax seals, cookie cutters and bobbleheads.
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“The introduction of our 3D printed products store suggests the beginnings of a shift in online retail – that manufacturing can be more nimble to provide an immersive customer experience,” said Amazon’s Petra Schindler-Carter in a statement on Monday.
“Sellers, in alignment with designers and manufacturers, can offer more dynamic inventory for customers to personalise and truly make their own.”
The store “allows us to help sellers, designers and manufacturers reach millions of customers while providing a fun and creative customer experience to personalise a potentially infinite number of products at great prices across many product categories”.
A screenshot of the new online store.
The store also allows designer the opportunity to offer new items that can be customised. Consumers will be able to view the item from any angle with a 360-degree rotate view.
Amazon will work with companies that make 3D printed items including Mixee Labs and the French-based Sculpteo.
“The online customer shopping experience will be redefined through 3D printing,” said Sculpteo co-founder and chief executive Clement Moreau.
“When you take into consideration the investment needed for manufacturing products, 3D printing offers a cost effective alternative that benefits customers by limitless product options.
“With 3D printing, a customer’s wants are no longer limited to what is in stock but instead by what they can imagine.”