When Liza Wallach and her husband opened their 3-D printing store in October, some people wandered inlooking for a place to make photocopies, while others wanted 3-D movie glasses. But now, businessowners and hobbyists come to HoneyBee3D to print things like prototypes and promotional materials. Other patrons are looking for a singularly unique item, like a personalized wedding cake topper.
And the shop, located in Oakland, Calif., won't just print your projects, the cost of which depends on the size and materials used. They also sell 3-D printers and offer weekly classes on how the devices work, which Wallach says are usually filled to the six-person maximum.
3-D printing options like HoneyBee3D are growing. You can upload files to online service Shapeways, which will print your object and ship it to you, and some UPS(UPS) locations have3-D printers in their stores. MakerBot has three retail locations on the East Coast where you can buy printers and 3-D printed gifts, as well as take classes.
Although HoneyBee3D has been open for just two months, its owners have already decided there's a need for more locations. They plan to open six more in the Bay Area next year.
