Amazon Launches 3D Printed Products Marketplace

In December, we outlined a vision of a marketplace from Amazon offering customizable 3D printed products and patterns. Today, it launched the Amazon 3D Printing Store. Shoppers can customize items such as jewelry and bobbleheads, with a range of products priced under $40 and under $100.

Sellers must have approval from Amazon to sell in the store, and can apply by visiting this page. We've asked Amazon how many sellers are approved to sell in the store and whether sellers can use third-party 3D-printing manufacturers to fulfill orders.

The new store features 200 unique print on-demand products, many that can be customized by material, size, styles and color variations, and personalized with text and image imprints.



Today's announcement doesn't fulfill the potential of the vision we outlined 6 months ago. The new store doesn't offer the sale of patterns ("wireframes") to owners of 3D printers. Nor has Amazon launched a 3D printer of its own. But given its move into hardware, it's not difficult to imagine an affordable 3D printer on Amazon's radar screen.

The new store lets third-party designers and manufacturers pave the way with little investment from Amazon beyond creating functionality on its site that allows customers to customize their orders. All the while, Amazon will be learning what works and what doesn't.

We've asked for more information about what Amazon is looking for in sellers who wish to participate in the new 3D Printed Products store. Stay tuned.