14 DAY TRIAL // 3D printing may take a long time, but that hasn't stopped the technology from gaining steam. So much steam that UK supermarket chain Asda is trialing a new in-store 3D printing service.
Asda has set up a service whereby shippers can scan and replicate anything in ceramic.
That's already one notch above the standard 3D printing products, which are made of plastic usually.
The service will launch on October 15 at Asda's York store and should spread all over the US if the trial proves successful.
A special scanning camera captures the contours and shapes of an object, identifying up to 6 million different colors.
Even people can be scanned and rendered into miniature figurines, given enough time. Once the virtual 3D model has been completed, it is sent to a specialist 3D printer to be created in white, bronze-style or full-color ceramic. Prices start at £40 / $63 / €47 for an 8-inch figurine.