eBay debuts store for 3D printed objects with 'Exact' iOS app
Online auction and shopping giant eBay on Friday debuted Exact, an app dedicated to selling customizable 3D printed objects, like iPhone cases, jewelry, and other small items, directly from a user's handset.
To make Exact a reality, eBay partnered with three major 3D printing studios, Sculpteo, MakerBot, and Hot Pop Factory, and is offering a limited assortment of small-scale products. test
With the 3D printing process, sellers are able to offer custom plastic trinkets at relatively low costs. For some products, like Sculpteo's iPhone 5 case seen above, the app features a built-in customization UI, affording customers create unique, one-of-a-kind object designs that are then fulfilled by eBay's sellers.
From the release notes:
eBay Exact is a 6.4MB free download from the App Store.
To make Exact a reality, eBay partnered with three major 3D printing studios, Sculpteo, MakerBot, and Hot Pop Factory, and is offering a limited assortment of small-scale products. test
With the 3D printing process, sellers are able to offer custom plastic trinkets at relatively low costs. For some products, like Sculpteo's iPhone 5 case seen above, the app features a built-in customization UI, affording customers create unique, one-of-a-kind object designs that are then fulfilled by eBay's sellers.
From the release notes:
Currently, the number of items up for sale is quite sparse, and includes 18 cases, rings, necklaces, and figurines. More products may be added at a future date, though no information was given regarding the app's future plans.
- Bring your style to life. Choose from a variety of materials, including plastics, wood and metals. Use the engraving feature to further customize your product.
- Be the first to use new technology to create one-of-a-kind iPhone cases, jewelry, and figurines based on self-portraits.
- Build your collection. Whether you love jewelry or figurines, eBay Exact allows you to create as many unique products, exactly as you like, based on your personal desires and preferences.
eBay Exact is a 6.4MB free download from the App Store.
Comments
Apple needs an iPrinter and 3D app store (when the time is right). Was only talking about this yesterday.
This is the equivalent of selling sewing patterns which are similarly not copyrightable, originate from copying, and command the lowest prices of almost any saleable item on eBay.
Anyone who pays for a mesh on eBay is an idiot.
Mesh?
Outside of using 3d printing for rapid pro typing, why do you see this as technology that Apple had to own?
I am glad this technology is starting to get some traction, it does need an Apple to make the "3d printer for the rest of us" though for it to really take off. But maybe it's too soon for that, the printers are still quite primitive.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ankleskater
Mesh?
He's referring to the underlying 3d model that 3d printers interpret to actually print the object.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygon_mesh
Quote:
Originally Posted by ascii
I am glad this technology is starting to get some traction, it does need an Apple to make the "3d printer for the rest of us" though for it to really take off. But maybe it's too soon for that, the printers are still quite primitive.
And also they are still pretty expensive and aimed at the hobbyist. MakerBot make the great Replicator 2, but at US$2,000+ it is expensive.
The lads at Pirate3D have just wound up their KickStarter campaign for The Buccaneer 3d printer which has elements of Apple'ness about it and they are aiming to have it retail around the US$400-500 mark. Not bad at all. I've signed up for one and if all goes according to plan (and in KickStarter it doesn't always, but that's the risk you have to accept) I will get mine at the end of year. I'm pretty excited to see what I can make with it and I do wish the lads well in making it a success.
http://pirate3d.com
Edit: oops, missed out the word "well" in the last sentence.
That's what I was afraid of. He's making up stuff again.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ankleskater
That's what I was afraid of. He's making up stuff again.
Yes, he appears to have missed the point on what is actually been offered. A few details are missing from the article above. The following is from the actual eBay announcement on their blog. Essentially they have teamed up with 3 3d printing companies that will produce the items that people buy from eBay Exact. I'm guessing there's scope for auctioning limited objects etc. as well as the standard offerings? Personally, I don't really see the attraction of this service just as of yet; I'm sure most of the stuff on offer can be had elsewhere through conventional means and at similar prices. Also, there are already online services available that offer 3d printing & delivery of your objects for those that don't currently own a 3d printer.
Starting today, iPhone users can download and use our newest app, eBay Exact, to buy customizable “printed” merchandise from three leading 3D printing companies. Customers can choose from roughly 20 items, ranging from technology accessories to jewelry, from Brooklyn-basedMakerBot®, France-based Sculpteo and Toronto, Canada-based Hot Pop Factory. (3D printing is clearly an international affair.) Items cost anywhere from $9 for a plastic iPhone case to $350 for a metal ring, and are shipped directly from each 3D printer’s facilities.
http://blog.ebay.com/ebay-inc-is-getting-multi-dimensional-with-ebay-exact/
Quote:
Originally Posted by ankleskater
Outside of using 3d printing for rapid pro typing, why do you see this as technology that Apple had to own?
Because 3D printing is going to be HUGE and insanely disruptive and lucrative going into the future.
Drug trafficking is a bigger market. And Apple won't have to worry about taxes or Samsung.
Quote:
Originally Posted by binex
Yes, he appears to have missed the point on what is actually been offered. A few details are missing from the article above. The following is from the actual eBay announcement on their blog. Essentially they have teamed up with 3 3d printing companies that will produce the items that people buy from eBay Exact. I'm guessing there's scope for auctioning limited objects etc. as well as the standard offerings? Personally, I don't really see the attraction of this service just as of yet; I'm sure most of the stuff on offer can be had elsewhere through conventional means and at similar prices. Also, there are already online services available that offer 3d printing & delivery of your objects for those that don't currently own a 3d printer.
Starting today, iPhone users can download and use our newest app, eBay Exact, to buy customizable “printed” merchandise from three leading 3D printing companies. Customers can choose from roughly 20 items, ranging from technology accessories to jewelry, from Brooklyn-basedMakerBot®, France-based Sculpteo and Toronto, Canada-based Hot Pop Factory. (3D printing is clearly an international affair.) Items cost anywhere from $9 for a plastic iPhone case to $350 for a metal ring, and are shipped directly from each 3D printer’s facilities.
http://blog.ebay.com/ebay-inc-is-getting-multi-dimensional-with-ebay-exact/
I get that he's not only missing the point about what eBay is doing. He totally misconstrues and misrepresents how 3D printing works.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazoobee
Anyone who pays for a mesh on eBay is an idiot.
Anyone who thinks this is about meshes is an idiot.
Is that what white iPhones are made of?
Quote:
Originally Posted by dasanman69
Is that what white iPhones are made of?
At least, there's an app for that.
What are you going on about? Read the article.
Quote:
Originally Posted by binex
And also they are still pretty expensive and aimed at the hobbyist. MakerBot make the great Replicator 2, but at US$2,000+ it is expensive.
The lads at Pirate3D have just wound up their KickStarter campaign for The Buccaneer 3d printer which has elements of Apple'ness about it and they are aiming to have it retail around the US$400-500 mark. Not bad at all. I've signed up for one and if all goes according to plan (and in KickStarter it doesn't always, but that's the risk you have to accept) I will get mine at the end of year. I'm pretty excited to see what I can make with it and I do wish the lads well in making it a success.
http://pirate3d.com
Edit: oops, missed out the word "well" in the last sentence.
Thanks for the info! I can't wait for this to come to market!