Target Tries Out 3D Printing Tech

Target is hosting kiosks from 3DplusMe that let shoppers scan their faces to create an action figure in their likeness.The "Super Awesome Me" scanning kiosks are available in 24 southern California stores listed on superawesomeme.com. They use a DSLR camera and Microsoft Corp.'s Kinect to capture a high resolution 3D face scan that is then converted into a complete 3D printable model.The scans take 30 seconds to complete, during which the screen plays movie clips to help the user keep still during the process, according to reports. The model is later printed out of gypsum on a full-color 3D printer, placed on a prefabricated action figure body and delivered in three to four weeks. The effort is a collaboration between 3DplusMe and Hasbro. Reports indicate shoppers have the choice of ordering a figure of Marvel’s Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man and Black Widow, as well as Star Wars' male and female Jedi knights, and the classic Imperial Stormtrooper. The 12-inch action figures are priced at $45 to $60, according to various reports.The kiosks were previously available in 10 Walmart locations and two Sam’s Club stores from Sept. 19-28, 2015. That effort tied in to Walt Disney Co.’s second annual "Marvel Super Hero September" campaign. The flagship Toys “R” Us in New York’s Times Square also boasted a kiosk before the location was shuttered.“By joining forces with high-profile retail partners and brands, such as Hasbro and Walmart, we are delivering a story-driven experience to fans on an unprecedented scale,” said chief executive officer of 3DplusMe Cydni Tetro in a media release. “Our mobile personalization platform for 3D printing is the first of its kind. Helping [shoppers] become popular characters is not only a compelling event for fans, but a powerful retail opportunity.”Marvel uploaded a YouTube video previewing the technology from the 2014 Comic-Con International show in San Diego.3DplusMe is based in Bluffdale, UT.

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