If a structural change to Amazon.com is any indication, the company is looking to take on the 3D printer scene.
According to reporting from 3D printing enthusiast blog Personalize, the online retail giant has recently opened a 3D printer storefront for U.S. consumers. It’s a bit hard to find ordinarily–you have to look for the “Additive Manufacturing Products” subcategory inside the Industrial and Scientific department.
Once there, you’ll be presented with a one-stop-shop for all your 3D printing needs, whether you want to plunk down a couple grand on a new printer, or just pick up a book or two on the subject to see if it’s something you want to invest in.
All of this comes at an interesting time in the 3D printing industry. Makerbot Industries, maker of a number of consumer-grade 3D printers, is said to be in acquisition talks. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has invested in Makerbot in the past, so some have speculated that this could be a prelude to an Amazon acquisition. We’ve reached out to Amazon, and we’ll update this post if we hear more.
What do you think? Is this a sign of things to come?
Previously on GeekWire: Bezos: 3D printing ‘exciting’ but not disruptive for Amazon in short term
