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Kiosk printers move to 3D

Until recently, kiosk printers were limited to receipts and other 2D items. Now, the sky is the limit with 3D printing enabling countless possibilities from toys to prosthetic limbs.

September 30, 2015 by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

Typically speaking, a printer is a simple device utilized for no other purpose than to print documents, or images if you have a color printer. With kiosks, unless you are using a photo kiosk, printers are commonly used simply to print tickets. In both cases, the printer can only deliver 2D pieces of paper. However, in recent years, printers have entered the third dimension — and kiosks are starting to join in this trend.

In 3D printing, users take a digital file and then the printer creates the object through additive processes. According to3dprinting.com, "In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the entire object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object." Several kiosk manufacturers have begun to integrate 3D printing into their kiosks.

For example, Fabkiosk has developed a 3D printing kiosk for retailers to rent or purchase on demand. In addition to the kiosk, Fabkiosk also creates 3D models of products the retailer wants to sell and integrates those models into the kiosk. Thus, when customers interact with the kiosk, they can select from a catalogue of items and customize the item as well.

Another company, called PieceMaker, has developed 3D printing kiosks for the toy industry. Earlier this year, PieceMaker placed its kiosk in a Toys "R" Us to allow children to create a variety of toys and watch as the toy was created. The PieceMaker Factor allowed children to select a particular toy, customize its color and even write a word on the toy.

In addition, one company is integrating selfies, sports and 3D printing. ZVerse recently deployed a kiosk at the Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina, that allows users to craft their own sports figurine. The kiosk also came with a camera to allow users to take a selfie and apply it to the figurine's face. After the process is complete, the figurine is printed off site and shipped to the user for $69.

Despite the awe factor in 3D printing, it has one potential flaw, speed. Speed can vary significantly, and, depending on the object, you might be waiting for quite a while. This can definitely be a limitation, especially in the fast-paced retail environment. Of course, one could increase the speed by adjusting the item's resolution, size and materials. The industry is still young and it is likely we will see more innovations to increase the speed of manufacturing larger objects at a faster rate.

You can watch PieceMaker's 3D printer in action below.

About Bradley Cooper

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Bradley Cooper is the editor of ATM Marketplace and Food Truck Operator. He was previously the editor of Digital Signage Today. His background is in information technology, advertising, and writing.

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