Pay Per Use 3D Scanning & AM in Retail

3D scanning innovations turn physical objects into precise, usable 3D digital models. This enables users to invent bespoke customer-driven freeform products, capitalising on design freedoms offered by Additive Manufacturing (AM). These plug-and-play devices are set to be mainstream in manufacturing in the next few years, and will accelerate the concept-to-commercialisation journey by enabling NPD steps to be combined or skipped. However, an unanswered question is whether 3D scanning, combined with AM tools like 3D printing, makes this technology commercially viable and accessible as a highstreet/retail service for consumers. We will undertake a study to explore a possible hybrid PPU/MTO-BS1 (pay-per-use/make-to-order batch-size of 1) business model that takes these HVM skills into retail and the public eye, carrying out business model research and running a public demonstrator in a retail space.