The Royal Mail Creates & Sells Knickknacks with a 3D Printing Service
Laura McQuarrie — January 12, 2015 — Art & Design
References: shop.royalmail & psfk
Refusing to be left behind in a world that's slowly saying goodbye to snail mail, the British national postal service is teaming up with iMakr to offer a unique 3D printing service. Although 3D printing has become a household term, there are plenty of people who have yet to see a 3D printer, or even a 3D-printed object with their own eyes.
Since 3D printers and the equipment to run them can be expensive, this Royal Mail partnership has the potential to make 3D printing much more accessible to the masses. As of now, the collection of 3D-printed goods offered for sale on the Royal Mail's web shop includes whimsical stamp-shaped magnets, pencil containers that resemble postboxes, wine coolers, pen holders, phone cases and customized accessories.
Since 3D printers and the equipment to run them can be expensive, this Royal Mail partnership has the potential to make 3D printing much more accessible to the masses. As of now, the collection of 3D-printed goods offered for sale on the Royal Mail's web shop includes whimsical stamp-shaped magnets, pencil containers that resemble postboxes, wine coolers, pen holders, phone cases and customized accessories.
Trend Themes
1. Increased Accessibility of 3D Printing - The Royal Mail's partnership with iMakr makes 3D printing more accessible to the public, allowing a wider audience to experience the technology.
2. Expanding Range of 3d-printed Products - The Royal Mail's web shop offers various 3D-printed goods, including stamp-shaped magnets, postbox pencil containers, wine coolers, pen holders, phone cases, and customized accessories, demonstrating the growing range of 3D-printed products available for purchase.
3. Integrating 3D Printing with Traditional Postal Services - By incorporating 3D printing into their services, the Royal Mail is embracing a disruptive innovation opportunity to enhance their offerings, staying relevant in a world moving away from traditional mail.
Industry Implications
1. 3D Printing - The partnership between the Royal Mail and iMakr reflects the growing trend in the 3D printing industry to make the technology more accessible and diverse in product options.
2. Postal Services - The Royal Mail's foray into 3D printing highlights the potential for innovation and disruptive growth within the postal services industry, as it embraces new technologies to remain competitive.
3. Online Retail/e-commerce - The Royal Mail's introduction of 3D-printed goods on their web shop showcases an opportunity for online retailers to expand their product offerings and cater to the growing demand for unique and customizable products.
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