How Much Does It Cost to 3D Print at Staples? A Comprehensive Guide

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Staples is one of the most popular office supply stores in the United States, known for providing a wide range of products and services. One of the services that Staples offers is 3D printing, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. If you’re interested in using Staples for 3D printing, you may be wondering how much it will cost.

The cost of 3D printing at Staples can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the object, the type of material used, and the amount of time required to print the object. Staples charges a base fee of $0.99 per minute of print time, with a minimum charge of $4.99. In addition to the base fee, there is also a charge for the material used, which ranges from $9.99 to $19.99 per spool, depending on the type of material.

Cost of 3D Printing at Staples

Overview

Staples offers 3D printing services at select locations across the United States. The service allows customers to upload their 3D designs and have them printed in-store. Staples uses Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, which is a common method of 3D printing that uses melted plastic to create the object layer by layer.

Pricing Structure

Staples charges by the cubic inch for 3D printing services. The cost per cubic inch is $0.15, with a minimum charge of $5. This means that even if your design is smaller than 33 cubic inches, you will still be charged $5. For larger designs, the cost will increase accordingly.

Staples also offers a rush order service for an additional fee. This service guarantees that your design will be printed within 24 hours of submission, but it comes at a cost of $20 or 50% of the total order, whichever is greater.

Additional Costs

There are a few additional costs to consider when using Staples’ 3D printing service. First, if you need to make changes to your design after it has been submitted, there will be a $5 fee for each revision. Additionally, if you need to cancel your order after it has been submitted, there will be a $10 fee.

Staples also offers post-processing services for an additional fee. These services include sanding, painting, and assembly. The cost for these services will vary depending on the complexity of the design and the amount of work required.

Overall, Staples’ 3D printing service is a convenient and affordable option for those who need to print 3D designs. While there are some additional costs to consider, the pricing structure is straightforward and easy to understand.

Types of 3D Printing Services Available at Staples

Staples is a popular office supply store that offers various printing services, including 3D printing. They have both in-store and online services available for customers to choose from.

In-Store 3D Printing Services

Staples has in-store 3D printing services available at select locations. Customers can bring in their own 3D designs or choose from a library of pre-designed models. The cost of printing varies depending on the size and complexity of the design, with prices starting at $0.99 per cubic centimeter.

Staples also offers a 3D printing consultation service where customers can work with a specialist to create a custom 3D design. The consultation fee is $30, but it is waived if the customer decides to print the design at Staples.

Online 3D Printing Services

Staples also offers online 3D printing services through their website. Customers can upload their 3D designs and choose from a variety of materials, including PLA, ABS, and nylon. The cost of printing varies depending on the material and size of the design, with prices starting at $4.99.

Staples also offers a design service where customers can work with a designer to create a custom 3D design. The cost of this service varies depending on the complexity of the design, with prices starting at $50.

Overall, Staples offers a variety of 3D printing services for customers to choose from. Whether you need a small, simple design or a large, complex one, Staples has options available to fit your needs.

How to Get Started with 3D Printing at Staples

If you’re interested in 3D printing, Staples is a great place to start. With over 1,000 locations across the United States, it’s easy to find a store near you that offers 3D printing services. Here’s how to get started:

Preparing Your Design

Before you can 3D print your design at Staples, you’ll need to prepare it. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

  1. Create your design using 3D modeling software. There are many free and paid options available, including Tinkercad, SketchUp, and Fusion 360.
  2. Export your design as an STL file. This is the file format that most 3D printers use.
  3. Check your design for errors. Staples uses software to check for errors, but it’s always a good idea to double-check before submitting your design.

Submitting Your Design

Once your design is ready, you can submit it to Staples for 3D printing. Here’s how:

  1. Visit the Staples 3D printing page.
  2. Click “Get Started” and select your nearest store.
  3. Upload your STL file and select your desired print options, including color and material.
  4. Review your order and finalize your payment.

Picking Up Your 3D Print

After you’ve submitted your design, you’ll need to wait for it to be printed. The time it takes will depend on the complexity of your design and the number of orders ahead of yours. When your print is ready, you can pick it up at the store. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  1. Visit the store where you submitted your design.
  2. Provide your order number or email address to the Staples associate.
  3. Pay for your order, if you haven’t already.
  4. Take your 3D print home and enjoy!

That’s it! With these simple steps, you can get started with 3D printing at Staples.

Benefits of 3D Printing at Staples

Convenience

One of the biggest benefits of 3D printing at Staples is the convenience it provides. With over 1,000 locations across the United States, Staples makes it easy for customers to access 3D printing services. Additionally, Staples offers a user-friendly online platform that allows customers to upload their designs and receive a quote within minutes. This means that customers can easily place an order from the comfort of their own home or office, without having to physically visit a Staples location.

Quality

Staples uses state-of-the-art 3D printing technology to ensure that the quality of the printed objects is top-notch. The printers use high-quality materials, including ABS and PLA plastics, to produce durable and precise prints. Staples also offers a range of finishing options, such as sanding and painting, to give the printed objects a professional look and feel.

Expert Assistance

Staples employs knowledgeable and experienced staff who are available to assist customers with their 3D printing needs. Whether customers need help with designing their object or selecting the right materials, Staples’ staff are there to provide guidance and advice. Additionally, Staples offers a range of customization options, such as color and material selection, to ensure that customers get exactly what they want.

In summary, 3D printing at Staples offers customers a convenient, high-quality, and expertly assisted printing experience. With its user-friendly online platform, state-of-the-art technology, and knowledgeable staff, Staples is a great option for anyone looking to bring their 3D printing projects to life.