News

Fujifilm Australia exploring 3-D printing via photo kiosks

June 1, 2012

As the price of 3-D printing comes down, it may become more common in the consumer marketplace, and Fujifilm is looking at kiosks as one way to bring it to the masses, according to gizmag.com.

Fujifilm Australia's Michael Mostyn told the magazine at The Digital Show in Melbourne, Australia, that the company is looking into "utilizing existing infrastructure. Instead of just limiting it to photo gifting products, what if we are able to have a number of predetermined models and provide customers with a personalized 3-D gift shop?"

Although the printer that Fujifim featured at the show was on loan from 3D Systems, the company may design its own printers and then sell them to consumers to purchase and launch their own DIY projects. That may come later, but the kiosk model would work similar to photo kiosks inside retail locations.

For example, consumers could buy and personalize a variety of products, including gifts and clothing. Fujifilm Australia hasn't released costs or a time frame for the project.

"This lends itself to a whole range of things — particularly for parts," Mostyn said in the story. "The longer term goal is to be able to give people the opportunity to create a whole range of different things and have access to the technology that has traditionally been for professionals."

Read more about photo kiosks.