May 7, 2013

Staples commences 3D printer retail trend with $1,299 Cube 3D model

by Gareth Mankoo

All trends are ever welcome in a world where innovation is pretty much done to death. Just why we welcome the introduction of one of the first 3D printers to touch retail points. Called the Cube 3D, the printer by Staples will reach stores and leverage the accolade of ‘easiest to use’ 3D printer, as MAKE magazine once acclaimed it. It can print objects in up to 16 different colors, offers 25 free 3D templates and connects via Wi-Fi as well (most likely to download more modules and add-ons for printing). The Cube can print a cube of 5.5×5.5×5.5 inches in either compostable PLA plastic or ABS.


The Cube 3D by Staples is priced at $1,299, which is a heavy number, but surely outweighs its value for money against the MakerBot Replicator 2X that costs $2,799. It can prove to be a great educational ‘toy’ of sorts for the very young as well as a brilliant system for the extremely sophisticated to attain a tangible object before making a purchase.
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