Stationery and office equipment supply chain Officeworks has claimed it will be the first Australian retailer to sell 3D printers. Although they have already been available in Australia from smaller specialist vendors, Officeworks is the first major store to stock 3D printers.
Officeworks will sell 3D System's Cube through its website and at 21 stores. The printer is available for $1499, while cartridges cost $60. The Wi-Fi enabled printer can produce objects up to 140x140x140mm in size.
"Whether it’s to bring to life your design course work, show concepts to clients, or create something unique for fun, Cube 3D printers have you covered," said Officeworks technology business manager Toby Watson.
Adobe earlier this month added 3D printing support, including for the Cube 3D printer, to its flagship Photoshop application.
Last year analyst firm Gartner predicted that shipments of 3D printers will nearly double by 2015. "The 3D printer market has reached its inflection point," Gartner research director Pete Basiliere said at the time.
Alongside growing consumer access to desktop 3D printers industries ranging from healthcare to retail are investing in the technology.
More than 20 3D printer companies took part at the CES trade show this year, up from five in 2013. Printers on display retailed for as little as US$499.