Staples Starts Selling Cube 3D Printers

Are you as excited about 3D printing as we are and can’t wait to get your hands on this mind-blowing technology? The latest 3D printers are making the headlines almost every day, and still they are not really accessible for the general public, but only for a small niche of professional designers and hobbyists.

But that is about to change, as Staples, the world’s largest office supply company, is becoming the first U.S. major retailer to sell 3D printers in its stores. The Cube 3D Printer, manufactured by 3D Systems will be available for purchase in select stores before the end of next month.

Staples is already selling the Cube 3D Printer online, for $1,299.99. So even if there aren’t any select Staples locations selling the printer in your area, you can still order it online and have it delivered to your doorstep.

The decision to sell the Cube in retail stores before other printers makes a lot of sense, given that this is one of the most accessible and customer-friendly models. First of all, the Cube 3D Printer is fully assembled and ready to use out of the box. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows and is relatively small, taking up little space on one’s desk.

The Cube can print items of 5.5×5.5×5.5 inches, in 16 different colors ranging from neutral and vibrant colors to metallic silver and even glow in the dark. Users who purchase the 3D printer will also be offered 25 free templates which were designed by professional artists. Moreover, buyers will have access to additional templates online, via the printer’s built-in Wi-Fi connection, or will be able to create their own designs with the help of the Cube’s special software, Cubify Invent, which is sold separately.

Staples announced that it will also offer all the accessories needed for 3D printing, including compostable PLA and recyclable ABS cartridge refills, replacement print pads, as well as the CubeSticks, used to stabilize the 3D printed objects.

The Staples-3D Systems partnership is likely to make 3D technology even more popular and have a broader reach to a mass market. Would you buy the Cube 3D Printer? Let us know in the comments below.

[Image via PCpro]