SAN DIEGO, Oct. 19, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The UPS Store® is hosting 3D Print Industry Week from October 19-23. 3D Print Industry Week aims to increase consumers’ and entrepreneurs’ understanding of 3D printing and showcase how it has changed the game in a wide variety of industries, including maker/inventor, art/design, and science.
The UPS Store will share innovative uses of 3D print by industry influencers and host several events throughout the week that offer an opportunity for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and consumers to connect with 3D print experts, including:
- Oct. 20 from 12-1 p.m. PST – YouTube live stream with Bob Clagett, 3D print influencer in the DIY and maker industry and founder of “I Like to Make Stuff.” Virtual audience can tune in and submit questions at http://www.theupsstore.com/3dprinting
- Oct. 22 at 10:45 am PST – An “Ask the Experts” panel at the Inside 3D Printing Conference in Santa Clara, Calif. Followers can tweet 3D printing questions by 10 am PST on Thursday, Oct. 22 using #3DPWeek for a chance to have them answered by the panel of 3D print experts:
- Daniel Remba, small business technology leader at The UPS Store
- Richard Garrity, vice president and general manager, Vertical Solutions, Stratasys
- Terry Wohlers, industry consultant, analyst, author, speaker and principal consultant and president of Wohlers Associates, Inc.
The UPS Store will also showcase real-life examples from the maker/inventor, art/design, and science industries throughout the week to highlight the variety of ways in which 3D print is being utilized:
- Caleb Kraft, a maker of 3D print video game controller pieces to help those with disabilities.
- Josh Weinberger, an entrepreneur who creates forensic evidence models using 3D printing.
- Sandra Canning, an artist using 3D printing to make photography 3D printed lithophanes.
“Small business owners and entrepreneurs are increasingly looking for high-tech solutions like 3D printing to support their business needs,” said Michelle Van Slyke, vice president of marketing and sales at The UPS Store. “The UPS Store provides small business owners with a local resource who can offer the technical expertise and access to high-quality, professional 3D printing. We are inspired by our small business customers who are using 3D print in truly innovative ways and we will continue to support them as they grow their businesses.”
As the first nationwide retailer to offer 3D printing services in-store, The UPS Store continues to evolve its services to better meet the needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since the launch in 2013, 62 The UPS Store® nationwide locations offer consumers the option to print high-quality, professional prototypes, artistic renderings and promotional materials, without the cost or technical know-how associated with owning and maintaining their own 3D printer. The UPS Store 3D print customers create prototypes and products, turning their creative ideas into business reality.
The Stratasys uPrint SE Plus, selected by The UPS Store, is a professional grade 3D printer designed to accurately and reliably produce complex engineering parts, prototypes, and one-of-a-kind objects. A full list of store locations offering 3D printing as well as a schedule of 3D Print Industry Week activities can be found at www.theupsstore.com/3dprinting.
About The UPS Store
With more than 4,500 locations, The UPS Store network comprises the nation’s largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, print and business service centers. The UPS Store locations in the U.S. are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of The UPS Store, Inc., a subsidiary of UPS (NYSE: UPS). Services, pricing and hours of operation may vary by location. For additional information on The UPS Store, including information on franchise opportunities for opening a The UPS Store location, visit www.theupsstore.com.
Follow The UPS Store on Twitter at @TheUPSStore and like The UPS Store on Facebook at facebook.com/theupsstore.
Nicole Cox (858) 455-8846 ncox@upsstore.com