3D printing kiosks coming soon to a toy store near you

Pittsburgh is home to a number of companies in the 3-D printing business. ExOne, a key 3D printer maker for industrial customers, makes two of the largest 3D printers in the world for sand and metal materials. Another company, AlphaLab Gear startup PieceMaker Technologies, is working to develop a 3D printer kiosk system that allows retailers to provide low-cost customizable products for customers, creating a factory-in-a-store experience.

Here is how it works: From an interactive touchscreen kiosk customers can pick a model from a pre-tested set of designs, mix-n-match a variety of shapes and themes, pick the colors and then add their own personal message or design before sending the design to print. A 3D printer in the Print Station will then build customer's order. Once a piece is finished, the customers can walk out with a finished product. The whole process takes only around 20 minutes.

The Print Station, including a simple touchscreen monitor and a 3D printer will be provided by PieceMaker. The startup will also give 1-hour training session as well as monthly tune-up and annual servicing to retailers.

Co-founder and CTO Alejandro Sklar said the idea is businesses, such as toy stores, don't have to spend a lot of money on inventory guessing what consumers might want, and can instead make products at the point of sale, which can allow for affordable customization. These low cost, highly personalized items could increase repeat and impulse purchases and make more sales for small businesses.

The PieceMaker 3D printer installed in the Print Station features solid metal frame, fully enclosed body, lightweight carriage system, XY core system, dual print heads and stationary heated print bed.