UPS Bringing 3D-Printing Services to Over 100 UPS Stores Across the United States

Following the successful launch of 3D-printing services in six markets across the country, The UPS Store, which has 4,400 franchises across the United States, is expanding its 3D printing services to nearly 100 additional locations nationwide.

As the first nationwide retailer to offer 3D0printing services in-store, in collaboration with 3D-printer maker Stratasys, The UPS Store says the six pilots locations saw increasing demand for 3D-printing services across a broad spectrum of customers.

During UPS’ 2013 pilot program, its 3D-printing services were used by small businesses, startups, inventors, artists, and a wide range of professionals, from inventors who patented product designs, to entrepreneurs who prototyped an idea and delivered a retail-ready product.

“We are committed to offering small business owners, entrepreneurs, and consumers high-tech solutions in order to assist with all of their business needs,” commented 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 kicking off this expansion by designating September 22-26 as its first annual 3D Print Week – #3DPrintWeek. The firm says the move means small business owners and consumers across the country will have access to “top-notch 3D printing at a much higher quality than an at-home 3D printer could provide” at participating The UPS Store centers across the country.

The Stratasys uPrint SE Plus, selected by The UPS Store for its 3D-printing services, is a professional-grade 3D printer designed for producing complex engineering parts, prototypes, and one of a kind objects.

“There are significant differences between home 3D printers and professional 3D printers,” says 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.”

A complete list of The UPS Store locations offering 3D-printing services can be found here.