Customers can 3D print their own custom Ford truck models.
The team behind the '3D printing factory in a store', PieceMaker have announced a collaboration with leading motor company, Ford to bring a 3D printable range of car models to toy stores.
Announcing the partnership at Toy Fair New York 2016, Ford fans will be able to customise their own F-150s and Mustangs using PieceMaker’s 3D printing kiosks in selected stores across the U.S. Customers will be able to choose from three truck body styles – Baja, Traditional or Sport, plus various colours and chassis and watch their custom creation 3D printing right in front of them.
“We are tremendously excited to work with Ford to bring their iconic F-150 and Mustang into the exciting world of in-store 3D printing. Ford is once again demonstrating its innovation leadership by working with PieceMaker to incorporate cutting-edge 3D technology into kids’ everyday lives,” PieceMaker CEO Arden Rosenblatt, commented.
This isn’t the first time Ford has made its vehicle models 3D printable and available to purchase. Last year, The Ford 3D Store was launched to bring a range of iconic Ford models to consumers through TurboSquid.
“Ford is pleased to license its 3D vehicle images to PieceMaker for this unique and innovative retail launch,” Mark Bentley, Ford Licensing Manager, explained. “Enabling consumers to 3D print Ford vehicles at toy stores is just another example of the importance Ford places on the future of 3D printing.”
PieceMaker kiosks are operated using a touch screen digital product gallery featuring over 150 products and produce prints with a simple RepRap machine. Last year the company partnered with Nickelodeon to bring some of its favourite characters to life with in-store 3D printing.
PieceMaker 3D Toy Factory
Also announced at this years Toy fair, the company launched its ambitious plan to bring metal 3D printing to Toys R Us stores as a result of its collaboration with industrial additive manufacturing leader, ExOne. The technology will allow customers to print jewellery and keepsakes in a range of coloured steels, brass, silver gold and bronze from $19.99 per item.
Rosenblatt, added: “We are tremendously excited to develop this new capability by partnering with the most advanced metal printing companies in the US, integrating PieceMaker’s unique expertise in mass customization for the retail space, to make personalized metal products more accessible and affordable than ever before. We believe this is the first step to a much more personalized, more exciting global jewellery and collectibles market.”
PieceMaker is currently finalising the testing of the F-150 and plans to unveil the Mustang model in early Spring. The kiosks are located in Toys R Us outlets in Freehold, NJ, North Wales, PA and Middletown, NY.
