Asda to take 3D printing service on the road

UK supermarket Asda is looking to take its 3D printing scanner on a roadshow across the country in 2015, following successful trials last autumn.

Asda is looking to showcase its 3D printing scanning service across the UK in 2015, following a successful trial of the technology at the end of last year.

The supermarket's Asda 3DME gave customers a chance to create personalised figurines to celebrate landmark occasions such as weddings, sporting triumphs, military service, and even before-and-after diets.

Using 360-degree scanning cameras, and with access to a palette of around six million colours, the system works to create accurate, 8-inch ceramic figurines to customers' specifications.

Asda says that the 3DME service can be booked from £49. Customers can book an appointment at their nearest store, attend their allocated slot and then choose whether to pick up the final product or have it sent to their homes within three weeks.

Brand designers WPA Pinfold helped to shape the brand identity and packaging for the service.

The Yorkshire-based company also created the photography that was used across all customer touch points to showcase the 3DME offering.

Other retailers to have trialled the use of 3D technology in their stores include office supplies business Staples, which last year launched an immersive 3D printing experience centre in two of its key stores in the US. The system allows consumers and small businesses to create personalised products and use the 3D printing hardware, while shoppers can also bring in their 3D print-ready files and have them printed in-store.

Source : Ben Sillitoe - Essential Retail
http://www.essentialretail.com/news/article/54c8af149ce6b-asda-planning-roll-out-of-3d-printing-service