UPS Stores expand 3D printing service
UPS, the first nationwide retailer for 3D printing facilities, marks its first annual #3DPrintWeek by expanding the service to nearly 100 locations across the US.
After launching in six markets across the country last year in collaboration with Stratasys, the UPS Store service is being expanded to serve the growing demand for 3D printing from small business owners.
According to The Wohlers Report, the 3D printing service provider sector grew by 21 per cent last year and UPS plans to expand that even further by increasing their services to a broad spectrum of customers.
"We are committed to offering small business owners, entrepreneurs and consumers high-tech solutions in order to assist with all of their business needs," said Michelle Van Slyke, vice president of marketing and sales at The UPS Store. "We launched the pilot to evaluate if there was demand for 3D print and we're excited to be announcing an expansion, giving even more small business owners access to high-quality, professional 3D printing. We look forward to being a part of the future of the 3D printing industry."
The UPS Store is expanding 3D printing services to nearly 100 additional locations nationwide
During the trial program, the services were used by a range of customers from inventors, start-ups, artists and professionals to realise their ideas. As of this week, businesses and individuals across the country will have access to professional grade 3D printing using Stratasys uPrint SE Plus to produce reliable and complex prototypes in local UPS Store centres.
"There are significant differences between home 3D printers and professional 3D printers," said Daniel Remba, small business technology leader at The UPS Store. "Many of the challenging and time consuming steps used to prepare a simpler printer are fully automated on the uPrint SE Plus, leading to added precision and reliability, higher print quality and a success rate that is unmatched by a home printer."
UPS and Stratasys will be taking part in a live Twitter chat today using #3DPrintWeek to discuss how 3D printing can help small businesses.
