Update: We asked Amazon whether fully custom design printing will ever be added to its 3D printing store, and a spokesperson responded that the company is "always looking for ways to improve the shopping experience and increase the selection of items for customers."
The spokesperson continued: "We plan to grow the new 3D Printed Products store and we are evaluating several approaches to better serve end-customers, and our Sellers that are also our customers. Stay tuned!"
Original story follows…
Even if you don't "get" 3D printing, you can still take advantage, thanks to a new Amazon store opening today.
The bookseller opened the Amazon 3D Printing Store with no bombast, and now customers can order their own 3D-printed knickknacks straight from Amazon.com.
Products are being offered by a wide variety of 3D-printing companies and range from phone cases and dog tags to jewelry, home goods and bobbleheads.
Users can customize certain aspects of these goods, often including color, size, shape, and more, but unfortunately Amazon's 3D printing store doesn't currently accept original designs from shoppers.
You can always do it yourself
But enterprising would-be 3D printing enthusiasts aren't totally out of luck, as the new Amazon store also lets users order their own 3D printers, parts, equipment, software and guides.
And besides, companies like Shapeways already offer that service, so Amazon at least has some competition.
"From futuristic fashion accessories to home decor, this is your source for the gear you need to shop the future," the site says.
It continues: "3D printing is considered the future of print and manufacturing, and is set to dramatically change the way we buy and produce products in the future."
That much seems certain at this point.
