A few years ago, 3D printing seemed like something out of a science fiction film or novel, but today, after years of development, doctors are able to create organs ready for use and the devices appear ready for personal use in homes.
The Home Depot will begin selling the 3D printers at retail locations for the first time, which should give the sector a needed boost as it continues to innovate.
The printers will be from MakerBot, a 3D printer maker that was acquired last year by Stratasys, and will initially be available at 12 locations in California, Illinois and New York as part of the company's pilot program to gauge interest in the devices.
"It's a pilot for us to test a potential disruptive technology, and to make sure we are on the forefront of a new innovative product," Joe Downey, an online merchant at Atlanta-based Home Depot, was quoted as saying.
It comes only months after Home Depot decided to offer MakerBot printers on its website. While the new printers are not expected to create a key source of revenue, the company hopes that they will appeal to "forward-thinking contractors" and the "do-it-yourselfers" who can benefit from being able to print off objects as they need them.
Ideally, it could be used by handymen for repairs or parts that are needed but not on hand. Also, the company hopes regular users could make cup holders or other household items as they need them.
Most observers are cautious on the new idea, saying that 3D printing remains in its infancy and much more innovation and work on the devices will be needed going forward.
Tim Shepherd, an analyst at the British research firm Canalys, echoed those sentiments, adding that people are going to need to be educated on what 3D printing entails and how to use the software to design their objects for printing.
"Ten years from now, it will be quite common for people to have 3D printers in their homes," he said.
For now, however, most analysts are waiting impatiently to see how Home Depot's first foray into 3D technology will appeal to customers. If successful, the hope is that more and more companies will soon find shelf space for the printers.
