Can you 3D print at ASDA? Not such a strange question.

Picture this scenario- it’s your partner’s birthday. You want to get them something special but don’t want to go down the usual flower and chocolates route. Fortunately there are places you can get 3D printed items. Of course some people say “That’s all well and good but I don’t have a specialist near me. Can you 3D print at ASDA?” You may be surprised to know that the answer is…yes!

Quick and simple

At ASDA one example of 3D printing they do is a specialist ceramic printing service. For example if you are getting married you and your partner stand for a few minutes while you are scanned. The software then produces the image on screen that can be formed into a ceramic model. The process takes 21 days so you can’t do this at the last minute at the moment although as with any process this should be quicker as the technology improves.

The great thing about this process is the accuracy- as well as your face any clothes or accessories you are wearing at the time will also be included, allowing you to produce something that is distinct and unique to you.

More to come

As the technology develops there are likely to be more products that shops like ASDA can offer- for example in America it is possible to order action figures with your image on them if you provide front and side facing photos. At present it should be said the only thing available are pictures, with physical objects, pets and other things not available from the ASDA 3D print service.

While currently only available at a couple of ASDA stores such as the Trafford Centre the 3D printing services will be more widely available at more stores in September 2015 and it will be interesting to see whether this is the start of things to come or a novelty that ASDA and other stores will take full advantage of.