3D printing: The shape of things to come

Milestones: Growth in Australian channel

May 2014 - Synnex brings 3D printing to Australia

Synnex Australia struck an agreement with 3D Systems, making it the first major IT distributor to offer 3D printers direct to the channel.

March 2015 - Alloys brings in 3D print giant MakerBot

MakerBot, one of the world’s leading 3D printer manufacturers, signed its first Australian distribution partner, Melbourne-based Alloys. The milestone deal gave MakerBot access to more than 1000 resellers and four showrooms throughout the country.

April 2015 - Datacom bringing 3D printers to Australian schools

Datacom partnered with distributor 3D Printing Systems and software vendor Makers Empire to offer a full 3D printing solution to primary schools. The trans-Tasman IT provider will supply the 3D printing hardware, software and training for teachers to integrate 3D printing programs into their curriculum.  

May 2015 - Australia’s largest Autodesk reseller joins 3D printing wave

Australia’s largest Autodesk reseller, A2K Technologies, joined the local 3D printing channel by announcing would sell “a range of 3D printers”, including devices capable of printing down to a resolution of 20 microns. MakerBot and Ultimaker were the first brands.

May 2015 - Konica Minolta reseller network to offer 3D printers

More than 70 Konica Minolta dealers around Australia were able to sell 3D printers from 3D Systems, in the first move by the company’s Australian arm into 3D printing.

June 2015 - Officeworks launches 3D print

Officeworks added 3D printing to its catalogue, with the service officially launched at the Melbourne CBD store in Russell Street.

September 2015 - Aussie 3D print startup scores AFL deal

3D print provider 333D signed a deal with the Australian Football League to collaborate with the league to commercialise 3D printing for future mechanising and licensing.

December 2015 - Datacom deploys 3D print in South Australian schools

Datacom is deploying 3D printers technology to 28 primary schools in South Australia as part of a one-year pilot in partnership with the Department of Education and Child Development.

Next: Blended Reality