Australia's largest Autodesk reseller joins 3D printing wave

Australia’s largest Autodesk reseller A2K Technologies has joined the local 3D printing channel.

A2K announced it will sell “a range of 3D printers”, including devices capable of printing down to a resolution of 20 microns. Makerbot and Ultimaker are the first brands A2K is working with, an A2K spokesperson told CRN.

The firm has a presence across Australia as well as Auckland and Beijing, consulting and supplying a large range of software used in the architecture, building, engineering, manufacturing, geospatial, government, education and mining sectors.

Executive officer Paul Laycock isn’t holding back in his enthusiasm for 3D printing, stating he expects it to be the “most disruptive technology since the internet”.

The firm plans to use its 3D software background to provide customers training and implement workflows so that models are “water-tight” for 3D printing. A2K will offer a range of third party filaments, including PLA, ABS, bronze, copper and bamboo.

The push into 3D has also seen A2K add staff, recently hiring 3D printing, large format and laser printing specialists James Shaw, Jason Hampton-Taylor and Alexandra Mastorakos.

A2K already offers large format HP digital printers and managed print solutions, as well as billing itself as a training, consulting and management firm specialising in design technology.

The firm is expanding to serve customers in the architecture, engineering, construction and manufacturing industries, especially for injection and die-cast moulding.

Other Australian IT channel providers that have moved into 3D printing include distributor Alloys, which announced a distribution deal with Makerbot earlier this year. Synnex announced a deal in May 2014 to offer 3D System’s Cube 3 printer for home use via resellers, while Leading Edge Computers also became a Makerbot reseller last year.